Can I make this peanut dressing without a food processor?

Absolutely! You can whisk the ingredients by hand in a bowl. For best results, make sure your peanut butter is at room temperature, and add the liquids gradually while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.

How can I make this bowl more filling?

Double the protein portion or add additional healthy fats like sliced avocado or a sprinkle of hemp seeds. You can also increase the amount of rice noodles or add edamame for more staying power.

Can I prepare this bowl if I have a peanut allergy?

Yes! Substitute almond butter or sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter in the dressing and use toasted almonds or sunflower seeds instead of peanuts for the topping. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

How do I prevent the avocado from browning if I'm meal prepping?

Add the avocado just before serving, or if you must prep ahead, toss the sliced avocado in a bit of lime juice before adding to your containers. This helps slow the browning process considerably.

Peanut Chicken Spring Roll Bowl Recipe

Name: Peanut Chicken Spring Roll Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Ingredients: 4 cups shredded romaine or cabbage; 4 carrots, shredded; 4 green onions, chopped; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro or Thai basil, chopped; 1/2 cup diced mango; 2 Persian cucumbers, thinly sliced; 1/3 cup pickled jalapeños, chopped; 1/3 cup peanuts, chopped; 4 ounces vermicelli rice noodles, cooked; 1-2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1 avocado, chopped; 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter; 1/3 cup tamari or soy sauce; 1/4 cup toasted sesame oil; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 2-3 tablespoons chili sauce (sambal oelek); 2 tablespoons honey; 3 tablespoons lime juice; 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger

This vibrant Peanut Chicken Spring Roll Bowl transforms all the flavors of your favorite spring rolls into an easy, deconstructed bowl that’s bursting with fresh ingredients and tossed in an irresistible peanut dressing. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you’re craving something colorful, nutritious, and utterly delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No Rolling Required: All the delicious flavors of spring rolls without the fuss of wrapping them up!
Customizable: Add more of what you love and less of what you don’t – this bowl adapts to your preferences perfectly.
Meal Prep Champion: Components can be prepped ahead for lightning-fast assembly when hunger strikes.
Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with colorful veggies, lean protein, and healthy fats for a balanced meal that actually satisfies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Romaine or Cabbage: Creates a crisp, crunchy base that holds up well to the dressing while adding volume and nutrients.
Carrots: Bring natural sweetness and a pop of color – pre-shredded ones from the store work perfectly if you’re in a hurry.
Green Onions: Provide a mild, fresh onion flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Cilantro or Thai Basil: These herbs are non-negotiable for authentic flavor – they add that distinctive freshness that makes this bowl sing.
Mango: The sweet, tropical element that balances the savory components beautifully – make sure it’s ripe but still firm.
Persian Cucumbers: These smaller cucumbers have fewer seeds and more crunch, making them perfect for this dish.
Pickled Jalapeños: Add a tangy heat that elevates the entire bowl – adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
Peanuts: Bring essential crunch and nutty flavor that complements the peanut dressing. Toast them first for even better flavor!
Vermicelli Rice Noodles: These thin, delicate noodles cook in minutes and soak up the flavors of the dressing wonderfully.
Shredded Chicken: A convenient protein option – rotisserie chicken works perfectly here for maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Avocado: Contributes creamy richness and healthy fats – choose one that yields slightly to gentle pressure.
Peanut Butter: The star of the dressing – use a natural, creamy variety without added sugar for the best flavor.
Tamari or Soy Sauce: Brings that essential umami element that ties all the flavors together.
Sesame Oil: Provides a distinctive nutty aroma – a little goes a long way!
Rice Vinegar: Adds necessary acidity to balance the richness of the peanut butter.
Chili Sauce: Sambal oelek gives a genuine Southeast Asian heat – Sriracha works too in a pinch.
Honey: Balances the saltiness and heat with just the right touch of sweetness.
Lime Juice: Fresh is absolutely essential here for that bright, zingy flavor.
Ginger: Adds a warm, spicy note that really makes the dressing pop – fresh is vastly superior to powdered.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Swaps

Replace the chicken with grilled shrimp, thinly sliced steak, seared tofu, or tempeh for a different protein experience.

Veggie Variations

Try adding thinly sliced bell peppers, shredded purple cabbage, bean sprouts, or sugar snap peas for different textures and flavors.

Grain Alternatives

Swap the rice noodles for soba noodles, brown rice, or quinoa if you’re looking for a heartier base with more fiber.

Dietary Adaptations

Make it vegan by using plant-based protein and replacing honey with maple syrup or agave in the dressing.

How to Make Peanut Chicken Spring Roll Bowl

Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base

In a large bowl, combine the shredded romaine or cabbage, carrots, green onions, cilantro, mango, cucumbers, jalapeños, and peanuts. Toss gently to distribute everything evenly.

Step 2: Create the Peanut Dressing

Combine the peanut butter, tamari or soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, chili sauce, honey, lime juice, and freshly grated ginger in a food processor. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Add water a tablespoon at a time to achieve your desired consistency – it should be pourable but still thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.

Step 3: Combine and Assemble

Pour half the dressing over the salad mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all the ingredients. Divide this dressed base between serving bowls. Top each bowl with a portion of the cooked vermicelli noodles, shredded chicken, and freshly chopped avocado.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Drizzle additional peanut dressing over each bowl according to your preference. For easier eating, use kitchen scissors to snip the noodles into more manageable lengths, then give everything a final toss right before enjoying.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Prep Ahead: Chop all veggies and make the dressing up to 3 days in advance for lightning-fast assembly.
Rice Noodle Trick: Don’t overcook your vermicelli – they only need a brief soak in hot water until just tender. Rinse with cold water immediately to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
Dressing Consistency: If your peanut dressing is too thick, warm it slightly or add a splash of water. If it’s too thin, add more peanut butter.
Textural Balance: The magic of this bowl comes from the contrast of textures – make sure to include something crunchy, something soft, and something creamy in each bite.
Flavor Layering: Season each component individually with a tiny pinch of salt to build flavor depth throughout the bowl.

How to Serve

Family Style

Place all components in separate bowls on the table and let everyone build their own perfect bowl – this makes the meal interactive and ensures everyone gets exactly what they want.

Meal Prep

Pack the components separately in containers with the dressing on the side, then assemble fresh when ready to eat. This prevents soggy vegetables and maintains optimal texture.

Pairing Suggestions

This bowl is substantial enough on its own, but it pairs beautifully with coconut soup, chicken satay skewers, or spring rolls if you’re serving a crowd.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store the undressed components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing in a jar with a tight-fitting lid.

Freezing

This bowl isn’t suitable for freezing as the vegetables and noodles would lose their texture, but the peanut dressing can be frozen in ice cube trays for up to 3 months.

Reheating

The peanut dressing may thicken when refrigerated – simply bring to room temperature and whisk in a bit of warm water to restore its consistency.

FAQs

Can I make this peanut dressing without a food processor?

Absolutely! You can whisk the ingredients by hand in a bowl. For best results, make sure your peanut butter is at room temperature, and add the liquids gradually while whisking continuously to avoid lumps.
How can I make this bowl more filling?

Double the protein portion or add additional healthy fats like sliced avocado or a sprinkle of hemp seeds. You can also increase the amount of rice noodles or add edamame for more staying power.
Can I prepare this bowl if I have a peanut allergy?

Yes! Substitute almond butter or sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter in the dressing and use toasted almonds or sunflower seeds instead of peanuts for the topping. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I prevent the avocado from browning if I’m meal prepping?

Add the avocado just before serving, or if you must prep ahead, toss the sliced avocado in a bit of lime juice before adding to your containers. This helps slow the browning process considerably.

Final Thoughts

This Peanut Chicken Spring Roll Bowl brings together the best of convenience and flavor in one colorful package. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’re treating yourself while actually nourishing your body with vibrant, fresh ingredients. The combination of crunchy vegetables, tender chicken, silky noodles, and that utterly craveable peanut dressing creates magic in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal prep solution, this bowl deserves a regular spot in your rotation!