Get ready to fall in love with one of my absolute favorite fresh recipes: Hearty Veggie Rolls with Peanut Sauce! Bursting with crisp, colorful veggies and fragrant herbs, all tucked inside delicate rice paper and served with a lush, nutty peanut sauce, this dish is a celebration of texture and taste in every bite. Whether you’re prepping a beautiful appetizer, a picnic star, or a vibrant lunch, these rolls are crowd-pleasers that happen to be vegan and gluten-free (with tamari). Trust me – once you make Hearty Veggie Rolls with Peanut Sauce, you’ll want them on repeat all year long.

Hearty Veggie Rolls with Peanut Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in Hearty Veggie Rolls with Peanut Sauce brings something special, from rainbow hues and crisp crunch to that irresistible creamy finish. Here’s why these simple elements work so well together and how they create a totally satisfying and balanced roll.

Rice Paper Wrappers: These translucent sheets are the perfect vessel for wrapping up all the fresh goodness—just dip and roll!
Shredded Red Cabbage: Vibrant, antioxidant-rich, and crunchy, cabbage adds bulk and a gorgeous pop of color.
Shredded Carrots: Sweet, crisp, and loaded with vitamin A—carrots lend both color and texture.
Red Bell Pepper: Thinly sliced, bell pepper delivers a burst of sweetness and juiciness in every bite.
Cucumber: Julienned cucumber keeps things fresh and hydrating, and adds a lovely snappy crunch.
Avocado: Sliced avocado brings creamy, healthy fats to contrast all that crispness.
Fresh Mint Leaves: Mint elevates the flavor with cooling, aromatic notes.
Fresh Basil Leaves: Basil gives the rolls a fresh, peppery kick and lovely herbal aroma.
Chopped Peanuts (optional): For extra crunch and nutty depth, sprinkle some peanuts inside or on top!
Sesame Seeds (optional): A sprinkle of sesame not only looks beautiful but also ups the toasty, savory notes.

Creamy Peanut Butter: The base of a dreamily rich, umami-filled peanut sauce.
Soy Sauce or Tamari: Essential for balancing salty, savory, and umami flavors (use tamari for gluten-free).
Rice Vinegar: Adds tang and brightness to the sauce—don’t skip it!
Maple Syrup or Honey: For a hint of sweetness and luxury (vegan if using maple syrup).
Sesame Oil: Brings fragrant, nutty complexity to the peanut sauce.
Fresh Ginger: A zesty note that lifts everything and plays well with the creamy sauce.
Garlic: For irresistible depth and savoriness.
Warm Water: Just a splash at a time, to create the perfect dippable texture.

How to Make Hearty Veggie Rolls with Peanut Sauce

Step 1: Whisk Up the Peanut Sauce

The magic starts with that decadent peanut sauce! Simply whisk together creamy peanut butter, soy sauce or tamari, rice vinegar, maple syrup (or honey), toasted sesame oil, zesty ginger, and fresh minced garlic in a bowl. Gradually add warm water until the sauce is silky and pourable. Set it aside—you’ll be dipping and drizzling it over everything!

Step 2: Prep the Veggies and Herbs

Slice and shred all your veggies into long, thin strips so they layer beautifully and fit perfectly inside the rolls. Strip the mint and basil leaves from their stems. Lay everything out assembly-line style; it makes rolling easier (and let’s admit, the colors are just stunning all together).

Step 3: Soften the Rice Paper Wrappers

Pour warm water into a shallow dish or rimmed plate. Dip one wrapper in the water for 10–15 seconds—just until it feels pliable, not too soft. Gently lay it flat on your work surface or a damp clean towel. Don’t worry if it’s a bit delicate at first; it’ll get easier as you go.

Step 4: Layer the Fillings

In the center of the softened wrapper, pile on a bit of each ingredient—cabbage, carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, avocado, a sprinkle of mint and basil, and peanuts or sesame seeds if you’re using. Don’t overfill! A little restraint here makes for a tighter, tidier roll.

Step 5: Roll It Up

To roll: fold the bottom edge of the wrapper up and over the filling, then fold in each side, and roll tightly from the bottom—just like a mini burrito. Place it seam-side down, and repeat with the rest. They may look delicate, but they’re surprisingly sturdy!

Step 6: Serve with Peanut Sauce and Enjoy

Arrange your Hearty Veggie Rolls with Peanut Sauce on a platter, grab that glorious sauce, and dig in! These are best served right away for maximum crunch, but they’re delicious straight from the fridge too.

How to Serve Hearty Veggie Rolls with Peanut Sauce

Garnishes

I love sprinkling extra chopped peanuts and sesame seeds over the finished rolls for texture and eye appeal. You can also scatter a few extra mint and basil leaves around for a hint of fresh, fragrant color.

Side Dishes

These rolls shine on their own, but they make a gorgeous meal when paired with a crisp Asian slaw, miso soup, or some steamed edamame. They’re light but filling enough to be enjoyed as an appetizer or main course.

Creative Ways to Present

Hearty Veggie Rolls with Peanut Sauce are super versatile! Try slicing them into bite-sized pieces for party platters, or arranging them rainbow-style on a big board with different dipping sauces, like sweet chili, hoisin, or even extra spicy sriracha for adventurous guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Hearty Veggie Rolls with Peanut Sauce, place them in an airtight container lined with a damp paper towel. Lay another damp towel on top to keep the wrappers soft and prevent drying out; cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 2 days.

Freezing

These rolls don’t freeze well, unfortunately. The fresh vegetables and herbs lose their texture and the rice paper wrappers become chewy and oddly tough after freezing. It’s best to enjoy them fresh, or from the fridge within a couple of days.

Reheating

No need to reheat these beauties—they’re meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature! If they’ve been in the fridge, let them sit out for 10 minutes before serving for the softest texture.

FAQs

Can I add protein to Hearty Veggie Rolls with Peanut Sauce?

Absolutely! For a heartier version, add strips of baked or pan-seared tofu, or even cooked shrimp for a pescatarian twist. Just make sure they’re cool and dry before rolling.

How do I keep rice paper from sticking and tearing?

Work with one wrapper at a time and don’t oversoak. Place the softened wrapper on a damp towel and assemble quickly. If it does tear, just keep rolling—it’ll hold together pretty well after the initial wrap.

What other veggies can I use?

Hearty Veggie Rolls with Peanut Sauce are endlessly customizable: try thin asparagus, blanched snap peas, ripe mango, or sliced radishes for fun twists. The more colors and textures, the better!

Is the peanut sauce vegan and gluten-free?

Yes, the sauce is vegan if you use maple syrup instead of honey, and gluten-free if you use tamari in place of regular soy sauce. Always double-check your ingredients if allergies are a concern.

Can I make these ahead for parties or meal prep?

Definitely! Assemble Hearty Veggie Rolls with Peanut Sauce a few hours ahead, keep them moist with damp towels, and store airtight. Serve chilled with plenty of sauce for dipping—they’re always a hit!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a bright, customizable, and refreshingly simple meal, you can’t go wrong with Hearty Veggie Rolls with Peanut Sauce. These rolls are proof that healthy eating can be totally crave-worthy and fun. Give them a try—you’ll be rolling up new favorites in no time!

Hearty Veggie Rolls with Peanut Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 8 rolls 1x
Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free (if using tamari)

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Description

Enjoy these fresh and flavorful Hearty Veggie Rolls with a delicious Peanut Sauce. Packed with colorful veggies and herbs, wrapped in rice paper, and served with a creamy peanut dipping sauce, these rolls make a perfect appetizer or light main course.

Ingredients

Scale

Rice Paper Rolls:

8 rice paper wrappers
1 cup shredded red cabbage
1 cup shredded carrots
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cucumber, julienned
1 avocado, sliced
1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup chopped peanuts (optional)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Peanut Sauce:

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 clove garlic, minced
2–3 tablespoons warm water (to thin)

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Instructions

Peanut Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, maple syrup, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Thin with warm water. Set aside.
Roll Assembly: Soak rice paper wrapper in warm water until pliable. Layer veggies and herbs in the center, add peanuts and sesame seeds. Roll tightly like a burrito. Repeat with remaining wrappers.
Serve: Serve rolls with peanut sauce for dipping.