Sam There’s something undeniably joyful about making and serving rainbow veggie rice paper rolls with peanut sauce. These vibrant little bundles are as fun to assemble as they are to eat. I love how they showcase the natural colors and textures of fresh vegetables—and with that creamy, savory peanut dipping sauce? It’s a match made in heaven!
Whenever I want to brighten up a meal or impress guests with something light and healthy, rainbow veggie rice paper rolls are my go-to. They’re not only beautiful but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re preparing them for an appetizer, lunch, or even a light dinner, these veggie summer rolls fit the bill. And because they’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and can easily be made vegan, they’re a perfect option for sharing with a crowd.
I also love that these rainbow vegetable spring rolls can be customized to suit any season or occasion. In the summer, I load them with crunchy cucumbers, bell peppers, and fresh herbs. In the fall, I might add thin slices of apple or roasted sweet potato. The combinations are endless, and every version is a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to make rainbow veggie rice paper rolls with peanut sauce, share my favorite ingredient combinations, and answer some of the most common questions so you can roll like a pro!
Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls with Peanut Sauce | Easy Fresh Spring Rolls Recipe
Ingredients
For the Rolls:
- 12 rice paper wrappers
- 1 red bell pepper julienned
- 1 yellow bell pepper julienned
- 1 medium carrot julienned
- 1 small cucumber julienned
- 1 cup purple cabbage thinly sliced
- 1 ripe avocado sliced
- ½ cup fresh mint leaves
- ½ cup fresh cilantro leaves
- ½ cup Thai basil leaves optional
- Cooked vermicelli noodles optional
For the Peanut Sauce:
- ⅓ cup natural peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey
- 2-3 tablespoons warm water to thin
- Optional: 1 teaspoon grated ginger or garlic
Notes
Secret Tips for the Best Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls with Peanut Sauce
- Use the Right Water Temperature: When softening your rice paper wrappers, use warm water—not hot. Too-hot water can make the wrappers overly soft and prone to tearing. For perfectly pliable rainbow veggie rice paper rolls with peanut sauce, aim for about 110°F.
- Layer Your Ingredients Thoughtfully: For the most beautiful rainbow vegetable spring rolls, place your most colorful veggies like purple cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers down first on the rice paper. This way, their vibrant colors will show through once the rolls are assembled.
- Don’t Skip the Herbs: Fresh herbs like mint, cilantro, and Thai basil are what elevate your veggie summer rolls from good to great. They add an aromatic punch that perfectly complements the crisp veggies and creamy peanut sauce.
- Thin Your Peanut Sauce Just Right: The ideal dipping consistency for your peanut sauce for rainbow veggie rice paper rolls should be pourable but not watery. Add warm water one tablespoon at a time and whisk thoroughly until you reach that creamy texture perfect for dipping.
- Practice Makes Perfect: Rolling vegetable rice paper rolls gets easier with practice! The key is not to overfill and to gently tuck and roll, keeping a firm but light touch.
- Mix Up the Fillings: Keep your healthy veggie rice paper rolls recipe interesting by rotating fillings. Try adding julienned mango for sweetness, tofu or shrimp for protein, or even thinly sliced apples for a crisp twist. Your colorful veggie rolls can evolve with the seasons.
- Serve Fresh: Rainbow veggie rice paper rolls with peanut sauce are best enjoyed the day they are made, when the rice paper is soft and the veggies are crisp. If making ahead, store with a damp paper towel to maintain their texture.
- Make It a Meal: For a light and refreshing meal, serve these gluten-free rainbow vegetable rolls alongside a simple salad, jasmine rice, or a bowl of miso soup.
Recipe Overview
Difficulty Level: Easy
Course: Appetizer / Lunch / Light Dinner
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired / Vietnamese-Inspired
Servings: 4 (makes about 12 rolls)
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: ~30 minutes
Nutritional Snapshot (Per Roll)
Calories: ~90
Protein: 3g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fat: 4g
Sugar: 3g
Gluten-Free: Yes
These rainbow veggie rice paper rolls are packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants from the variety of colorful vegetables used. According to Healthline, a diet rich in antioxidants can help combat inflammation and support overall health. Pairing them with a homemade peanut sauce adds healthy fats and plant-based protein.
Budget Breakdown
Rice paper wrappers (1 pack): ~$3.00
Assorted veggies: ~$7.00
Fresh herbs: ~$3.00
Peanut butter & sauce ingredients: ~$4.00
Total Cost: ~$17.00
Cost Per Serving: ~$4.25
For more tips on budget-friendly healthy eating, visit Nutrition.gov.
Behind the Recipe
I first fell in love with rainbow veggie rice paper rolls during a trip to a local farmers market one summer. The stalls were overflowing with the most beautiful, fresh produce—crisp bell peppers, vibrant purple cabbage, sweet carrots, fragrant herbs. I wanted to create a dish that celebrated all that color and flavor in one bite.
That’s when I remembered Vietnamese rice paper rolls, often called summer rolls or fresh spring rolls. With a few tweaks and a creamy peanut dipping sauce, they became an instant family favorite. Now, I make them year-round. They’re especially fun to serve at parties or casual get-togethers where everyone can customize their own rolls.
One of the things I love most is how these rainbow vegetable spring rolls encourage eating more veggies. Even my kids get excited about rolling their own and dipping them into that irresistible sauce. And because they’re naturally gluten-free and can be easily made vegan, they fit into a wide range of diets.
I also love how adaptable they are. Sometimes I add protein like tofu, shrimp, or grilled chicken for a more filling meal. Other times, I’ll include seasonal fruits like mango for a touch of sweetness. No matter the combination, rainbow veggie rice paper rolls with peanut sauce are always a hit.
Over time, I’ve discovered so many delicious variations—sometimes I add tofu or shrimp, other times I swap in mango for a pop of sweetness. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes these vegetable rice paper rolls such a joy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This
- Light, fresh, and vibrant
- Packed with fiber and nutrients
- Naturally gluten-free and vegan-friendly
- Perfect for meal prep or parties
- Customizable with your favorite veggies and herbs
- Paired with a creamy, flavorful peanut dipping sauce
Perfect For
- Light Appetizers
- Healthy Lunches
- Gluten-Free Entertaining
- Vegan & Vegetarian Meals
- Summer Parties & Potlucks
(Explore more treats in our Healthy Side Dishes, No Cook Sides, Light Lunch Recipes, Vegetable Sides, Easy Side Recipes)
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Rolls:
- 12 rice paper wrappers
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned
- 1 yellow bell pepper, julienned
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 small cucumber, julienned
- 1 cup purple cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1/2 cup Thai basil leaves (optional)
- Cooked vermicelli noodles (optional)
For the Peanut Sauce:
- 1/3 cup natural peanut butter
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1-2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey
- 2-3 tablespoons warm water (to thin)
- Optional: 1 teaspoon grated ginger or garlic
Ingredient Highlights
Rice Paper Wrappers: The base for rainbow veggie rice paper rolls, these delicate sheets are made from rice flour and are naturally gluten-free.
Veggies: Using a rainbow of vegetables not only makes these colorful veggie rolls visually stunning but also maximizes nutritional variety (The Nutrition Source).
Fresh Herbs: Mint, cilantro, and Thai basil add incredible flavor and fragrance to every bite.
Peanut Sauce: Creamy, savory, and just a touch sweet, this sauce is the perfect complement to the crisp veggies. Plus, peanuts provide healthy fats and plant-based protein (WebMD).
How to Make It
Step 1: Prep all your vegetables and herbs. Arrange them on a large plate or tray for easy access.
Step 2: Make the peanut sauce by whisking together all sauce ingredients in a bowl. Adjust the consistency with warm water as needed.
Step 3: Fill a large shallow dish or pie plate with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for 10-15 seconds until soft and pliable. Lay it flat on a clean surface.
Step 4: Layer your veggies, herbs, avocado, and optional vermicelli noodles in the center of the wrapper.
Step 5: Fold the sides of the wrapper over the filling, then roll tightly from the bottom up, like a burrito.
Step 6: Repeat with remaining wrappers and ingredients.
Step 7: Serve immediately with peanut sauce, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Pro Tips for Success
- Use warm, not hot, water to soften the rice paper wrappers.
- Don’t overfill the rolls—less is more for easy rolling.
- Place the finished rolls on a lightly oiled plate to prevent sticking.
- Keep a damp towel over assembled rolls if not serving right away.
- Customize with seasonal veggies or add protein like tofu or shrimp.
Easy Variations
- Add Protein: Tofu, shrimp, or shredded chicken.
- Sweet Twist: Add mango or julienned apple.
- Nut-Free: Use sunflower seed butter for the dipping sauce.
- Spicy: Add thinly sliced jalapeños or a splash of sriracha.
Storage & Reheat Tips
Store assembled rainbow veggie rice paper rolls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Place a damp paper towel between layers to prevent sticking.
The peanut sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Make It a Meal
Pair your rainbow veggie rice paper rolls with peanut sauce with:
- Avocado Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
- Grilled Honey Lime Chicken Skewers
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes
Frequently Asked Questions
Soak rice paper wrappers, fill with a colorful mix of vegetables, herbs, and optional noodles, then roll tightly and serve with peanut sauce.
Julienned bell peppers, carrots, cucumber, purple cabbage, and avocado are my favorites. You can also add lettuce, sprouts, or any fresh veggies you like.
Use warm water to soften the wrappers and avoid overfilling. Be gentle when rolling and work on a clean, damp surface.
Yes! Assemble the rolls up to 1 day in advance and store with a damp paper towel between layers in an airtight container.
A creamy peanut sauce is classic, but hoisin or sweet chili sauce also works well.
Yes, they are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to use tamari instead of soy sauce in the peanut sauce if needed.
They’re best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for up to 2 days. The wrappers may become slightly chewy over time.
Absolutely! Tofu, shrimp, or shredded chicken all make great additions.
Work gently and quickly, soften the wrappers just until pliable, and avoid overstuffing.
Yes! They’re packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and healthy fats when paired with peanut sauce—a great option for light, nutritious eating.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason rainbow veggie rice paper rolls with peanut sauce are such a hit in my kitchen. They’re colorful, healthy, and endlessly customizable—a true celebration of fresh vegetables and bold flavors. Plus, they’re fun to make and a joy to share.
Whether you’re preparing a light lunch, hosting a summer party, or simply looking for a delicious way to eat more veggies, these rainbow vegetable spring rolls deliver. The vibrant rolls paired with creamy peanut sauce are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
I encourage you to experiment with different fillings and make them your own. Once you master the rolling technique, you’ll find yourself reaching for these veggie summer rolls again and again. They’re a perfect canvas for creativity—and an easy way to turn any meal into something special.
So grab some rice paper wrappers, raid your crisper drawer, and roll up a little rainbow magic in your kitchen. I promise—once you start making these, you’ll be hooked!
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Bright, fresh, and full of crunch—these rainbow veggie rice paper rolls with creamy peanut dipping sauce are the ultimate light and healthy meal or snack!
