Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls with Peanut Sauce

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Colorful, crisp, and creamy—these no-cook rolls deliver big flavor in every bite.

There are days when firing up the stove just feels like too much. That’s when I lean on these rainbow veggie rice paper rolls with peanut sauce. They’re fresh, vibrant, and packed with crunch—the kind of light meal or snack that leaves you feeling energized, not weighed down.

I first fell in love with rainbow veggie rice paper rolls with peanut sauce during a trip to Vietnam. Market stalls were filled with these translucent bundles of vegetables and herbs, each one a little different. I couldn’t get enough. Back in my own kitchen, I started making my own versions—and this colorful veggie-packed take has become a staple. Paired with a creamy, savory-sweet peanut dipping sauce, these rolls are now one of my favorite ways to eat more plants.

These vegetarian rice paper rolls are the epitome of effortless cooking. They require no heat, minimal prep, and deliver maximum flavor. Whether I’m making them for a quick solo lunch or a spread for guests, they always bring joy to the table. The rice paper turns delightfully chewy while the crisp vegetables inside add contrast. The peanut sauce, with its perfect balance of salty, sweet, and tangy notes, ties it all together.

I’ve also found that rainbow veggie rice paper rolls with peanut sauce are a wonderful way to introduce more veggies into your diet—even for picky eaters. Something about the vibrant colors and hands-on assembly makes them irresistible. Once you’ve made these a few times, you’ll have them on repeat all season long.

Whether you’re prepping for a party, a light lunch, or a snack board, rainbow veggie rice paper rolls with peanut sauce check all the boxes: no-cook, make-ahead friendly, gluten-free, vegan, and gorgeous to serve. Plus, they’re endlessly customizable. Once you get the hang of rolling them, you’ll want to keep rice paper wrappers on hand year-round.

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Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls with Peanut Sauce

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Derek

These rainbow veggie rice paper rolls with peanut sauce are crisp, colorful, and refreshing—perfect for light lunches, vegan snacking, or party appetizers. Packed with crunchy vegetables and herbs, and served with a creamy peanut dipping sauce, they’re naturally gluten-free, plant-based, and require no cooking. Easy to prep and endlessly customizable!

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Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Lunch, Snack

Cuisine Plant-Based, Vietnamese-Inspired

Servings 12 rolls

Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 12 rice paper wrappers
• 1 cup red cabbage finely shredded
• 1 large carrot julienned
• 1 cucumber julienned
• 1 red bell pepper julienned
• 1 yellow bell pepper julienned
• 1 avocado sliced thinly
• 1 cup lettuce leaves romaine or butter lettuce
• Fresh herbs mint, cilantro, basil

Peanut Dipping Sauce:

• ½ cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
• 1 –2 tbsp warm water to thin
• 1 garlic clove grated
• 1 tsp ginger grated

Instructions

 

• Prep your vegetables: Julienne or shred all veggies, slice avocado, and wash herbs.
• Make the peanut sauce: Whisk all ingredients together, thinning with warm water until pourable.
• Set up your rolling station: Fill a large shallow dish with warm water. Have a clean tea towel or cutting board ready.
• Soften rice paper: Dip one wrapper into the water for 10–12 seconds, then lay flat.
• Layer fillings: Place a few pieces of each veggie, avocado, and herbs in the center.
• Roll it up: Fold the sides over, then roll tightly from the bottom up like a burrito.
• Repeat: Continue until all ingredients are used.
• Serve with peanut sauce for dipping.

Notes

Secret Tips for Rainbow Veggie Rice Paper Rolls with Peanut Sauce

1. Use the freshest veggies for maximum crunch: For the best flavor and texture in your rainbow veggie rice paper rolls, select crisp, vibrant vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, carrots, and cabbage. The fresher the produce, the more satisfying the bite!
2. Layer herbs first for visual appeal: Place mint, cilantro, or basil as the first layer against the rice paper. This will make your vegetarian rice paper rolls look stunning through the translucent wrapper and give each bite an aromatic lift.
3. Don’t oversoak the rice paper: When learning how to roll rice paper wrappers, remember: 10-12 seconds in warm water is enough. It should still feel a bit firm when you lay it on your surface—it will continue softening as you add fillings.
4. Balance textures in your fillings: Include a mix of crunchy (carrot, bell pepper), soft (avocado, tofu), and leafy (lettuce, herbs) ingredients. This creates the perfect bite in every roll and elevates the overall mouthfeel of these gluten-free spring rolls.
5. Double your peanut dipping sauce: These rolls disappear fast—so does the peanut dipping sauce for spring rolls. I always recommend making a double batch so there’s plenty for dipping, drizzling, or even spooning over grain bowls later.
6. Meal prep the fillings: If you’re making meal prep rice paper rolls, store prepped veggies and herbs in separate containers. Assemble fresh rolls each day for the best texture, as rice paper doesn’t store well once fully rolled.
7. Experiment with sauces: Besides the classic peanut dipping sauce, try hoisin-peanut blends, tamari-ginger dressings, or spicy chili garlic sauces for different flavor profiles. This keeps your easy rice paper roll fillings exciting every time.

Keyword easy rice paper roll fillings, gluten free spring rolls, how to roll rice paper wrappers, meal prep rice paper rolls, no cook vegan recipes, peanut dipping sauce for spring rolls, rainbow veggie rice paper rolls, vegan rice paper rolls, vegetarian rice paper rolls

Recipe Overview

Difficulty Level: Easy
Course: Appetizer / Lunch / Snack
Cuisine: Vietnamese-inspired / Plant-based
Servings: 12 rolls
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: None
Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutritional Snapshot (Per Roll)

Calories: ~100
Protein: 3g
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 11g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g

These vegetarian rice paper rolls are low in calories but high in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. The vegetables provide phytonutrients, while the peanut sauce adds plant-based protein and heart-healthy fats—see Cleveland Clinic’s insights on nuts and heart health.

Budget Breakdown

Rice Paper Wrappers (1 pack): ~$3.00
Vegetables (rainbow mix): ~$6.00
Fresh Herbs: ~$2.00
Peanut Butter & Sauce Ingredients: ~$2.50
Total Cost: ~$13.50
Cost Per Roll: ~$1.13

Behind the Recipe

There’s something about food you eat with your hands that makes it more fun—and these rainbow veggie rice paper rolls with peanut sauce are no exception. I started making them after one too many heavy meals left me craving something crisp and clean. They’re now my go-to when I want to feel refreshed but still satisfied.

The first time I served these at a gathering, they disappeared within minutes. People were drawn to the vibrant colors—purples from cabbage, oranges from carrots, greens from herbs, reds and yellows from bell peppers. It’s like eating the rainbow, but better. The beauty of these fresh spring rolls is that they offer so much flexibility. You can stick with a classic combination of vegetables or add tofu, shrimp, or even fruit for a twist.

I often find myself using rainbow veggie rice paper rolls with peanut sauce as a clean-out-the-fridge meal. Almost any crunchy or tender veggie works beautifully inside a roll. I also love experimenting with different herbs—mint brings coolness, basil adds depth, and cilantro gives a bright, fresh edge.

And then there’s the sauce. Oh, that sauce! The peanut sauce is what takes these rolls to the next level. Creamy peanut butter combined with umami-rich soy sauce, fresh lime juice, and a hint of sweetness makes each dip unforgettable. Whether you’re making these for yourself or entertaining, that sauce is the star that keeps people coming back for more.

I love serving these for gatherings because they look impressive, but take no time to prep once you’ve done the slicing. Plus, everyone can build their own—which makes it fun for kids and adults alike. Light, colorful, and packed with nutrients, this is the kind of dish I return to again and again.

What Makes It Irresistible

• Fresh and crunchy with every bite
• Creamy peanut dipping sauce adds richness
• Naturally gluten-free and vegan
• No cooking required—perfect for hot days
• Customizable with any veggies or proteins

Best Served When

• Light lunch or dinner that doesn’t weigh you down
• Party appetizer—great for making ahead
• Healthy meal prep for grab-and-go snacking
• Fun family dinner with a build-your-own roll station
• Hot summer days when you want something cool and crisp

Pantry Rundown

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 12 rice paper wrappers
• 1 cup red cabbage, finely shredded
• 1 large carrot, julienned
• 1 cucumber, julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, julienned
• 1 yellow bell pepper, julienned
• 1 avocado, sliced thinly
• 1 cup lettuce leaves (romaine or butter lettuce)
• Fresh herbs (mint, cilantro, basil)

Peanut Dipping Sauce:

• 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
• 1–2 tbsp warm water (to thin)
• 1 garlic clove, grated
• 1 tsp ginger, grated

Ingredient Highlights:

• Rice Paper Wrappers: Gluten-free and low-calorie—find their full nutrition profile on Nutritionix.
• Rainbow Vegetables: The more colors you include, the more antioxidants you get—as explained by Healthline’s guide to eating the rainbow.
• Peanut Sauce: Provides plant-based protein and healthy fats—see WebMD’s benefits of peanuts.

How It’s Done

1. Prep your vegetables: Julienne or shred all veggies, slice avocado, and wash herbs.
2. Make the peanut sauce: Whisk all ingredients together, thinning with warm water until pourable.
3. Set up your rolling station: Fill a large shallow dish with warm water. Have a clean tea towel or cutting board ready.
4. Soften rice paper: Dip one wrapper into the water for 10–12 seconds, then lay flat.
5. Layer fillings: Place a few pieces of each veggie, avocado, and herbs in the center.
6. Roll it up: Fold the sides over, then roll tightly from the bottom up like a burrito.
7. Repeat: Continue until all ingredients are used.
8. Serve with peanut sauce for dipping.

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Derek’s Pro Tips

• Don’t oversoak the rice paper—it should still have structure when you start rolling.
• Layer wisely: Put leafy herbs down first so they show through the wrapper.
• Slice your veggies thin for the best texture and easier rolling.
• Work quickly once the rice paper is softened.
• Make ahead: Rolls can be stored in a covered container lined with a damp towel for up to 1 day.

Make It Yours

• Add protein: Grilled shrimp, tofu, tempeh, or chicken
• Switch the sauce: Try almond butter or tahini instead of peanut butter
• Use other veggies: Zucchini ribbons, jicama, daikon radish, microgreens
• Add noodles: A small bundle of vermicelli noodles makes the rolls more filling
• Go spicy: Add sliced chili or sriracha to the peanut sauce

Keep It Cozy

• Storage: Store assembled rolls in a container lined with damp paper towels; cover with plastic wrap.
• Shelf Life: Best eaten within 24 hours.
• Reheating: No need! Serve these fresh spring rolls cold or at room temperature.

Morning Pairings 🍽️

Pair these fresh rolls with:

• Sticky-Sweet and Savory Pork Skewers
• Grilled Zucchini with Ricotta & Walnuts
• Cheddar Hash Brown Waffles

Comfort Food Questions Answered

Final Stir

Rainbow veggie rice paper rolls with peanut sauce are proof that healthy food can be just as fun, flavorful, and satisfying as anything else on your table. The contrast of crisp vegetables, creamy peanut sauce, and chewy rice paper wrappers makes every bite exciting.

I love that this dish brings people together—it’s one of my favorite things to serve at gatherings. Everyone can roll their own, adding exactly what they love. Plus, it’s a great way to eat more colorful veggies and try new combinations.

When you’re looking for a refreshing, easy meal that celebrates fresh ingredients, these rainbow veggie rice paper rolls with peanut sauce deliver every time. They remind us that simple flavors, when combined thoughtfully, can create something truly special. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine.

So next time you’re craving something light and fresh—or just want to impress your friends—give these rolls a try. I promise they’ll disappear faster than you can make them.

“Fresh food is the ultimate comfort when you let the ingredients shine.“—Chef Derek

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✨ Light, crunchy, and flavor-packed—these easy rice paper rolls with peanut sauce are a must-try for plant-based snacking!