Peanut Sauce Recipes for Spring Rolls, Summer Rolls, and Salads

Peanut Sauce Recipes for Spring Rolls, Summer Rolls, and Salads

Peanut sauce is the kind of condiment that transforms simple dishes into memorable meals. Creamy, savory, nutty, and often kissed with a bit of sweetness or heat, it’s a versatile star in many Southeast Asian-inspired dishes. Whether you're dipping crisp spring rolls, drizzling it over fresh summer rolls, or tossing it into a hearty salad, the right peanut sauce can elevate everything on your plate.

In this post, we’ll explore three unique peanut sauce recipes tailored specifically for spring rolls, summer rolls, and salads. Each has its own twist and purpose—so whether you like it spicy, sweet, tangy, or herby, there’s something here for every flavor craving.

1. Classic Vietnamese-Style Peanut Sauce for Spring Rolls

Spring rolls—also known as fresh rolls or salad rolls—are often filled with rice noodles, shrimp, herbs, and crunchy veggies. The traditional dipping sauce served alongside these rolls balances creamy peanuts with a salty-sweet undertone and a kick of umami.

Ingredients:

½ cup creamy peanut butter

2 tablespoons hoisin sauce

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

1–2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to taste)

¼ cup warm water (or more to thin)

Crushed roasted peanuts and chopped scallions for garnish

Instructions:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, hoisin, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sriracha.

Gradually add warm water, whisking until smooth and pourable.

Taste and adjust seasoning—add more vinegar for tang or sriracha for heat.

Pour into a small dipping bowl and top with crushed peanuts and scallions.

Pairing Tips:

This sauce is perfect for rolls with shrimp, lettuce, mint, and vermicelli noodles.

If you prefer a vegetarian option, use tofu and add shredded carrots or jicama for crunch.

For an extra hit of brightness, add a squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving.

2. Zesty Lime Peanut Sauce for Summer Rolls

Summer rolls are similar to spring rolls, but often focus more on fresh herbs and lighter fillings like cucumber, mango, and avocado. A zesty, citrusy peanut sauce balances their cool, refreshing character.

Ingredients:

¼ cup natural peanut butter

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 clove garlic, minced

1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

2–3 tablespoons water

1 teaspoon chili flakes or a dash of chili oil (optional)

Instructions:

Whisk together the peanut butter, lime juice, sweetener, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.

Add water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.

Stir in chili flakes or a dash of chili oil if you like it spicy.

Let the sauce sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld.

Pairing Tips:

This light, tangy sauce shines when paired with rolls containing mango, mint, cucumber, and tofu or grilled chicken.

It's ideal for hot days when you're craving something bright and refreshing.

For extra zest, zest your lime before juicing and stir in a bit of the zest for depth.

3. Savory-Sweet Thai Peanut Dressing for Salads

Salads deserve more than bottled ranch or vinaigrette. This Thai-style peanut dressing brings life to leafy greens, cold noodle salads, and even grilled chicken or shrimp salads. It’s creamy, with a balanced sweet-savory profile and just a whisper of spice.

Ingredients:

½ cup peanut butter (smooth or chunky)

2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari

1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon lime juice

2 teaspoons sesame oil

1 teaspoon sriracha or Thai chili paste (optional)

¼ cup warm water (adjust for texture)

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients except water in a mixing bowl or blender.

Gradually add warm water and whisk (or blend) until the dressing reaches a silky, pourable texture.

Taste and tweak—add more sugar for sweetness or lime for acidity.

Pairing Tips:

This sauce is excellent over chopped cabbage, shredded carrots, red peppers, cucumbers, and herbs like cilantro or Thai basil.

Toss into rice noodle salads with edamame and grilled protein for a hearty, filling meal.

Store extra sauce in the fridge—it thickens when chilled but loosens with a splash of warm water or lime juice.

Bonus Tips for Perfect Peanut Sauce Every Time

1. Start with smooth, natural peanut butter.

Avoid heavily processed versions with added sugars or oils if you want full control over the flavor.

2. Adjust consistency based on use.

Dipping sauces should be thicker, while dressings should be pourable. Add warm water a bit at a time.

3. Customize the heat.

Add chili flakes, sriracha, or Thai chili paste for fire, or leave them out for a more kid-friendly version.

4. Use citrus to brighten.

Lime juice cuts through the richness of peanut butter and brings freshness to every bite.

5. Make it once, use it all week.

Peanut sauce stores beautifully in the fridge for up to a week. Use it on grain bowls, roasted veggies, or even as a sandwich spread.

Flavor Fusion: How to Match Sauce with Rolls and Salads

Sauce Style Best With... Flavor Notes

Vietnamese-Style Shrimp spring rolls, veggie rolls, tofu rolls Umami-rich, salty-sweet, savory

Zesty Lime Mango avocado rolls, herb-packed summer rolls Bright, citrusy, tangy with light heat

Thai Savory-Sweet Dressing Cabbage slaw, noodle salads, grilled meats Sweet-savory, creamy, touch of chili

Peanut sauce is more than a side condiment—it's a spotlight ingredient that brings out the best in every roll, salad, or bowl. By tailoring your peanut sauce to the dish, you transform ordinary meals into something craveable, colorful, and completely satisfying.

Helpful Reading 

 Low Histamine Bread Recipes 

https://www.amazon.com/Low-Histamine-Bread-Recipes-Loaves-Sensitive-ebook/dp/B0F2SNZKDR/

The Dahlia Microfarm: Starting a Profitable Backyard Flower Business 

https://www.amazon.com/Dahlia-Microfarm-Starting-Profitable-Vegetables-ebook/dp/B0F4XYPR3Z/

Lavender for Weddings and Events: Grow and Create DIY Bouquets, Decor and More 

https://www.amazon.com/Lavender-Weddings-Events-Bouquets-Flowers-ebook/dp/B0F4YSH9M3/