In its most basic form, the Vietnamese spring roll (sometimes known as the summer roll) is a light fried egg roll filled with fresh vegetables and pork wrapped up in rice paper. But what to serve with Vietnamese spring rolls?
Because it’s so simple to make, it’s one of the best meals to serve at get-togethers and parties because each person can make their own, allowing you to serve more guests without going broke on meat.
In addition, it’s easy to take your spring rolls from good to great by serving them with something delicious.
Check this list of what to serve with Vietnamese spring rolls below.
1. Thai Cucumber Salad with Sesame Ginger Dressing
This is the first on our list of what to serve with Vietnamese spring rollCrisp. It is refreshing and packed with flavor. This Thai cucumber salad is the perfect side dish for any summer gathering.
This dish is a staple in many Southeast Asian countries and is usually served as a condiment or alongside a meal. It’s not uncommon for the ingredients in this salad to change depending on where you are or what time of year it is.
However, the flavors tend to stay the same. This version features crunchy cucumbers tossed with sesame ginger dressing and topped with fresh cilantro.
2. Red Cabbage and Carrot Slaw
Wondering what to serve with Vietnamese spring rolls? Red Cabbage and carrot slaw feature just the right amount of tang and crunch. It is best eaten with a spoon, so be sure to make plenty.
This recipe will make enough for a party-sized salad or about six servings. For extra protein, it’s delicious with grilled shrimp!
3. Vegan Peanut Noodle Salad
Noodles are the perfect side dish for any type of food, but there’s nothing quite like noodles and peanut sauce when you’re cooking Asian. This vegan noodle salad is easy to make, completely plant-based, and full of flavor!
4. Greek Salad
For a side dish, try a Greek salad. This traditional salad is full of nutritious vegetables that will fill you up and give you energy. It’s also low in calories so it won’t fill you up too much for the rest of the meal.
To make this salad, combine chopped lettuce, diced cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and croutons. Dress with olive oil and lemon juice. Add salt and pepper according to taste preferences.
5. Spicy Thai Shrimp Salad
For a light meal, Spicy Thai Shrimp Salad is ideal for what to serve with Vietnamese spring rolls. The shrimp in this recipe is prepared with Thai chili peppers, which make them spicy.
You can use less or omit them if you don’t want any spice. This is an excellent dish to serve at parties because it’s so easy and quick to prepare.
For other dishes that pair well with Vietnamese Spring Rolls, try serving the salad along with mango sticky rice for dessert.
6. Shrimp Fajitas (Easy Sheet Pan)
This dish is a great way to use some of that shrimp you picked up on sale! You can either cook it in the oven or on the grill, although it is better to use an oven for this recipe.
These are really easy and quick too! If you want something a little fancier, you could add some shrimp from a can of Asian-style broth with tofu and veggies, then serve it over rice noodles.
Just be sure to give the shrimp enough time to cook through before adding them back into the sauce so they don’t overcook. Enjoy!
7. Chicken Satay Rice Bowls
These bowls are a great way to get some protein and carbs in after a long day of work or when you’re craving something warm and filling. And it takes less than 15 minutes from start to finish!
The rice is cooked with coconut milk for added richness, then topped with grilled chicken strips, tomatoes, cilantro, cucumbers, and peanuts.
You can also season the chicken strips with any spices you want – we like dry sherry, ground ginger, and salt.
8. Thai Cucumber Salad
This Thai cucumber salad is the perfect side dish for a traditional Vietnamese spring rolls meal. This refreshing salad can be made in minutes and packs a punch of flavor with the addition of chili, garlic, and onion.
The best part about this recipe is that it can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for days! The only problem you will have is trying not to eat it all before guests arrive.
You can use English cucumbers because they are small, thin, and crispy, which are my favorite type of cucumber, but any type of cucumber will work fine. If you want more spice, feel free to add more chili flakes or some red pepper flakes!
9. Sweet Sticky Teriyaki Chicken
This sweet sticky teriyaki chicken recipe is a great dish if you are looking for what to serve with Vietnamese spring rolls and is also an excellent side dish for any Asian-inspired meal.
This recipe starts by coating the chicken in flour, then stir-frying it with garlic, chili sauce, and soy sauce. It’s a quick dish that will have your friends asking for seconds.
10. Creamy Cucumber Radish Salad
This recipe is a delicious, refreshing side dish that’s easy to make and pairs beautifully well with spring rolls if you are looking for what to serve with Vietnamese spring rolls. It’s also vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and soy-free, so it’s perfect for almost any type of diet.
To make the salad, you’ll need cucumber peeled into ribbons, English cucumber peeled into ribbons, onion, thinly sliced radishes, thinly sliced rice vinegar, water, or fish sauce salt to taste.
Start by adding the cucumber slices to a bowl. Whisk together the rice vinegar and water or fish sauce in another small bowl, then add salt to taste.
11. Dim Sum
Dim Sum is an appetizer-like dish that originated in China and typically consists of small items such as dumplings, buns, or potstickers. Because it is so small, the Dim Sum dishes are often shared among everyone at the table.
Shumai is a type of Dim Sum that goes perfectly with Vietnamese spring. It is a steamed dumpling type popular in many East Asian cuisines.
Shumai can be served as a dim sum dish with shrimp or pork fillings. Shrimp shumai would go great with Vietnamese Spring Rolls because they share a common ingredient shrimp! Pork Shumai also goes well with this dish because they both have meat fillings.
12. Sushi
Considering what to serve with Vietnamese spring rolls? Sushi is the perfect side dish for a Vietnamese spring roll feast.
The light and refreshing flavors of sushi complement the bold, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors that are found in the spring rolls.
This food is healthy and sustainable, using only rice, vinegar, sugar, salt, and seaweed (nori). Making sushi does require some practice, but it is worth it for a healthy meal or appetizer.
13. Jasmine Rice
There are many types of rice, but jasmine rice is most associated with Asian cuisine. It’s fragrant, a little sticky, and has a distinct flavor. Jasmine rice pairs well with so many dishes, including Vietnamese spring rolls.
14. Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork)
If you are looking for what to serve with Vietnamese spring rolls, Char Siu (Chinese BBQ Pork) is a great option.
This quick and easy dish can be prepared in just minutes; the meat is usually marinated in soy sauce and brown sugar for an hour or two before cooking. The result is tender pork that has a slightly sweet taste.
15. Fried Rice
Fried rice is one of the best options. This great dish can be prepared with a few easy steps.
Start by cooking the rice according to the package instructions. For more flavor, fry the rice in 1-2 tablespoons of vegetable oil or peanut oil and saute ́ some minced garlic until it just turns golden.
Add a couple of spoonfuls of soy sauce, fish sauce, and sugar. Then add water until it covers all of the rice. Bring it up to boil and then reduce the heat so that the water is just simmering.
Finally, cover the pan with a lid. Then let cook for 15 minutes before adding fresh vegetables on top (carrots, cabbage, green beans).
16. Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
Bacon-wrapped water chestnuts are proteins. This makes it perfect as an option when deciding what to serve with Vietnamese spring rolls.
Start by preheating the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Rinse the water chestnuts under cold water, then pat them dry with a paper towel before cutting them into halves.
In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, honey, and sriracha. Brush the mixture on one side of each piece of water chestnut and wrap it around the bacon.
Place wrapped pieces on an aluminum-foil-lined baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until the bacon is crisp and golden brown.
17. Vietnamese Caramelised Pork Bowls
So many delicious dishes are perfect for serving alongside a plate of Vietnamese Spring Rolls. One of our favorites is this Caramelised Pork Bowl recipe.
Also, it’s the perfect dish when you’re looking for something hearty but not too heavy, and it’s also quick to throw together.
The pork is cooked in coconut milk, which gives it an amazing flavor, and then finished off with a drizzle of caramel sauce before serving.
18. Vegetable Stir Fry
This dish is a wonderful option for vegetarians and meat-eaters alike. The stir fry can be made with any vegetable, from carrots and broccoli to spinach and cabbage.
Also, it’s easy to make it vegan by substituting coconut or olive oil for the butter, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and replacing the eggs with tofu.
Add some ginger for heat, garlic for depth, soy sauce for saltiness, rice wine vinegar for tanginess, and sriracha or chili paste for spice.
Finally, stir fry vegetables are a great side dish on their own. They’re also wonderful served alongside other Asian dishes like egg rolls (duh) or steamed white rice with soy sauce and sesame seeds.
19. Gochujang Sesame Broccoli
This broccoli dish is an absolute winner. You can make it with fresh broccoli or frozen. If you have a mandoline, this dish is even easier to prepare.
The gochujang gives the broccoli a nice spicy kick, while the sesame seeds provide a nutty and slightly sweet contrast.
If you’re not a fan of spicy food, try using Sriracha instead. This dish pairs well with any Asian-inspired meal but especially well with Vietnamese Spring Rolls.
20. Chipotle Sweet Potato Fries with Honey Sriracha Aioli
What’s more, these chipotle sweet potato fries with honey sriracha aioli are gluten-free, vegan, and paleo.
In addition, they’re low in sugar and make the perfect appetizer or side dish. They can be served individually, in spicy aioli sauce, or as the ultimate garnish for your favorite Asian dish. Plus, they’re baked instead of fried, so you can feel good about eating them!
You will need a sweet potato and melted coconut oil to make it. Also, with maple syrup or honey, 2 teaspoons of chipotle chili powder.
21. Cold Thai Noodle Salad with Peanut Dressing
Looking for what to serve with Vietnamese spring rolls? This cold, refreshing noodle salad perfectly complements a spicy Asian dish. It’s bright, tangy, and packs in tons of veggies.
The recipe is simple and quick. Don’t let that fool you, though- it tastes great! If you make this, you will need thin rice noodles or thin vermicelli noodles, such as angel hair pasta and coleslaw mix.
Also, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar (white or apple cider) or white distilled vinegar, sugar or agave nectar, peanut butter, and red pepper flakes.
22. Spicy Sesame Noodles
One of my favorite dishes at our favorite Pho restaurant is the Spicy Sesame Noodles. I don’t know what they put in that dish, but it’s so good and addictive.
This side dish has a wonderful flavor and can be customized by adding new ingredients each time. You only need a few ingredients to make it, including sesame oil, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, sesame seeds, rice noodles, and vegetables (I like carrots).
Any type of noodle is acceptable as long as it is prepared in accordance with the instructions on the package. Adding more or less chili garlic sauce allows you to adjust the spice level in this recipe love spicy food.
The noodles are all tossed together with onion, carrots, red pepper flakes, and a spicy sauce. If you want this dish at home, it’s easier than you think! All you need is a pot of boiling water for the noodles and about ten minutes for everything else.
23. Coconut Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce
When we think of appetizers, we often think of something salty and crunchy, like chips and salsa. But if you’re looking for what to serve with Vietnamese spring rolls that are a little different and just as satisfying as an appetizer, this dish is perfect.
The shrimp are coated in a sweet chili sauce before they are fried. This gives them a crispy exterior while maintaining a tender inside.
It’s served with a side of rice noodles that have been tossed in soy sauce for an added flavor profile. The coconut milk used on the shrimp gives it a subtle sweetness that complements the sauce’s flavor.
If you’re looking for an easy-to-prepare appetizer or snack, this dish is perfect for you! Make sure to try it out at home today!
24. Grilled Honey Lemon Butter Salmon
A beautifully cooked, moist, and a delicious salmon recipe for enjoying your favorite side dishes. This dish is great for a dinner party or even just for the family. The salmon comes out delicious, moist, and tender every single time.
Also, honey and lemon butter are an excellent pair with the fish. This is because it adds flavor and helps keep the fish nice and moist on the inside.
At the same time, it also crisps up the outside in a delicious way. You don’t want to miss out on this amazing recipe!
To make this, you will need honey (or as desired), freshly squeezed lemon juice (or as desired), salt, and ground black pepper.
25. Spicy Lemongrass Shrimp with Coconut Rice
It is ideal since it can be prepared quickly and has a great flavor with spring rolls. Additionally, it’s fantastic if you want a light meal or something hot to follow spring rolls.
All you need to make this dish is some fresh or frozen shrimp and some lemongrass paste. By chopping up lemongrass stalks, you can make the paste yourself or buy it from a store. Then, simply prepare your shrimp, adding some coconut milk for richness.
After adding salt and pepper, serve the dish with rice (I like brown). Thai shrimp is sweeter than American shrimp, but both are great in this recipe.
If you’re feeling daring, try substituting prawns! They will have less texture when raw than prawns but more flavor than normal shrimp; cooked, they still taste fantastic. Thailand’s shrimp is sweeter than American shrimp, yet both.
26. Baked Honey Chicken Wings
This recipe, which is excellent for parties or just hanging out with friends on a Friday night, features chicken and honey, two flavors that I find to be a wonderful combination.
The wings are simple to prepare and bake to a golden brown color, with just the right amount of honey sweetness to counterbalance their savory flavor.
They can be served on their own or with additional sides like rice or mashed potatoes if you want to keep it simple. They will be wonderful in either case!
Mix well with all ingredients except soy sauce in a large bowl. Add the soy sauce and mix to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
Preheat the oven broiler to high heat, remove the wings from the marinade and place them on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil or a silicone mat.
Finally, broil for 10 minutes or until cooked through, turning halfway through cooking time. Serve with extra soy sauce on the side. This is one of the best options when looking for what to serve with Vietnamese spring rolls.
27. Shredded Carrot Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
A great side dish is a must, but with so many options, what do you serve? The answer: there are many options that will work well with any type of meal.
For example, if you are having a brunch date and want to keep things light, shredded carrot salad with honey mustard dressing is an easy option that tastes great and will satisfy your guests.
28. Chinese Bean Sprout Stir Fry
This stir-fry is flavorful and really simple to make. Additionally, you can add many additional things to it to make it even more delectable!
If you want a more complex flavor, you can also add carrots, cabbage, and mushrooms to this stir fry in addition to the bean sprouts, which is how I prefer to do it.
When you looking for what to serve with Vietnamese spring rolls that are quick and simple to eat or when you’re hosting a party and want something that everyone will like, Chinese Bean Sprout Stir Fry is the ideal dish to provide.
Simply place the vegetables and sauce in a pan over medium heat to prepare this dish at home. Stir continuously until the vegetables start to soften (about 5 minutes) slightly.
After that, add the bean sprouts and cook them further until they are totally wilted (another 5 minutes).
29. Coconut Peanut Sauce with Stir-Fried Veggies and Rice
This meal is so flavorful and simple to prepare that it nearly feels like eating a huge bowl of peanut butter! Coconut milk is used for cooking rice, giving it a sweet and savory flavor.
Sesame oil is used to sauté the vegetables, giving them a nutty flavor. Just enough coconut milk remains after the rice has been cooked to create a sauce for dipping your spring rolls in.
This dish is one of my favorites because although it’s simple to make, it yet seems spectacular when you serve it at a party or for dinner with friends.
Everything may be prepared in advance and then just reheated before serving. The vegetable combination can be prepared in advance and then quickly combined.
In addition, this recipe is a great dish that compliments a Spring Roll Meal. The sauce is made with coconut milk, peanut butter, and vegetables. It’s quick and easy for a side dish you can make in minutes!
You will need coconut oil or vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced or grated on a fine rasp grater (keep the skin on!), grated fresh ginger, and crushed red pepper flakes. Also, low-sodium chicken broth or vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Conclusion
Some might think this is a tough question, but I think it’s pretty easy. All you need are a few simple dishes, and you’re on your way to enjoying the best of both worlds.
Eating just a few side dishes while dipping delicious rolls into a tasty sauce will be enough for some people.
Also, if you have more time, cooking up and enjoying an array of other dishes will make for a memorable meal.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed with all the choices, Vietnamese spring rolls are an excellent entree and make for an exotic, flavorful, and healthy meal or snack.
However, to truly perfect this classic dish, serve it with sides that complement the spiciness and freshness of the spring rolls themselves. This guide will help you select what to serve with Vietnamese spring rolls.
