Summer rolls are light, fresh, and filled with crisp vegetables and tender protein wrapped in soft rice paper. They are not fried, which keeps them clean and refreshing, making them a great option for warm days.
This recipe keeps the filling simple while giving you a balanced texture in every bite.
What You’ll Need
Ingredients
For the rolls
- 8 rice paper wrappers
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (or tofu for vegetarian option)
Vegetables
- 1 cup lettuce leaves
- ½ cup carrots, julienned
- ½ cup cucumber, sliced thin
- ½ cup cooked noodles (rice noodles)
For flavor
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh mint leaves
For dipping sauce
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 2 to 3 tablespoons warm water (to adjust consistency)
Tools
- Large bowl (for soaking rice paper)
- Flat surface or plate
- Knife
- Cutting board
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare ingredients
Have all vegetables, herbs, and chicken ready before assembling.
2. Soften rice paper
Fill a bowl with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper for a few seconds until soft.
3. Add filling
Place softened wrapper on a flat surface. Add lettuce, chicken, carrots, cucumber, noodles, cilantro, and mint in the center.
4. Roll
Fold the sides inward and roll tightly from the bottom to form a wrap.
5. Repeat
Repeat the process with remaining wrappers and filling.
6. Prepare dipping sauce
In a bowl, mix peanut butter, soy sauce, lemon juice, honey, and warm water until smooth.
7. Serve
Serve fresh rolls with dipping sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Summer rolls pair well with:
- Light soups
- Fresh salads
- Cold beverages
Tips for Best Results
Do not soak rice paper too long.
Arrange fillings neatly for easy rolling.
Serve immediately for best texture.
Keep rolls covered with a damp cloth to prevent drying.
Storage
Best enjoyed fresh.
If storing, keep in the refrigerator and cover to prevent drying.
Variations
Use shrimp instead of chicken.
Add avocado for a creamy texture.
Try different herbs for flavor variation.
