Cool down this summer with these vibrant and flavourful Vegan Summer Rolls. Packed with crisp vegetables, aromatic herbs, and satisfying smoked tofu, they’re a delightful blend of textures and tastes. This easy-to-follow recipe will have you creating beautiful, flavourful rolls perfect for a light lunch, a refreshing dinner, or a stunning starter. Skip the heavy meals and embrace the lightness and flavour of these simple yet satisfying Vegan Summer Rolls.

Summer roll cross section

๐Ÿ˜‹ Why youโ€™ll love this recipe!

Get ready to fall head over heels for these vibrant and flavourful Vegan Summer Rolls! Here’s why they’ll become your new go-to:

  • Fresh and Vibrant: Packed with crunchy veggies and fragrant herbs, these summer rolls are a burst of freshness in every bite.ย 
  • Healthy and Nutritious: We’re talking wholesome ingredients bursting with goodness! These rolls are naturally low in fat and calories. With each roll under 100 calories and a whopping 7 grams of protein!
  • Quick and Easy: Forget slaving away in the kitchen! These summer rolls are surprisingly quick to assemble.
  • Customizable: Feel free to get creative and personalise your rolls with your favourite veggies and herbs. The possibilities are endless!

๐Ÿ“ Ingredient notes

Summer Roll ingredients

Smoked Tofu: This is our protein powerhouse! Smoked tofu adds a lovely depth of flavour and a satisfying chewy texture. As weโ€™re using it raw itโ€™s important to use the firmest tofu you can find. You could also use baked or marinated tofu if you prefer, just aim for something with a bit of flavour.

Red Cabbage: A vibrant splash of colour and a good source of Vitamin C. Red cabbage also offers a lovely crunch. Feel free to substitute with regular green cabbage if you need to.

Cucumber: Essential for that cool, refreshing element in every bite. Cucumbers are mostly water, so they’re perfect for hydrating summer rolls.

Lettuce: Weโ€™re after a crisp lettuce here, like iceberg or romaine. It adds another layer of texture and freshness. Little Gem lettuce would also work well.

Carrot: Carrots bring sweetness and another satisfying crunch. They’re also packed with beta-carotene, which is great for healthy skin.

Rice Paper: The magic ingredient that holds it all together! Rice paper is gluten-free and becomes pliable when soaked in warm water.

Mint: A must-have for summer rolls! Mint delivers a refreshing, aromatic burst that complements the other flavours perfectly.

Basil: Another fragrant herb that adds a touch of sweetness and a beautiful aroma. Thai basil is particularly delicious if you can find it.

๐Ÿฅฃ How to make Vegan Summer Rolls

  1. Prep the Ingredients: Chop all the vegetables โ€“ red cabbage, cucumber, and carrots โ€“ into thin julienne strips or matchsticks. Try to keep the pieces relatively uniform in size for even rolling. Finely slice the cabbage as thinly as possible. Also, chop the smoked tofu into thin strips and roughly chop the mint and basil. Having everything prepped and ready to go makes the rolling process much smoother.
  1. Soak the Rice Paper: Fill a shallow dish with cold water. Submerge one rice paper sheet in the water for around 10-15 seconds. The exact soaking time will depend on the brand of rice paper, so you may need to experiment a bit. The rice paper should be pliable but not overly soft or it will tear. Remember, it will continue to soften slightly after you remove it from the water.
Soaking Rice Paper
  1. Assemble the Summer Rolls: Place the soaked rice paper on a clean, flat surface like a chopping board. Arrange a generous portion of each ingredient โ€“ tofu, red cabbage, cucumber, carrot, lettuce, mint, and basil โ€“ in a line horizontally across the centre of the rice paper, slightly closer to you than the centre. This placement will make it easier to fold the roll neatly. Getting the right amount of filling might take a little practice, so expect your first few rolls to beโ€ฆ experimental. Aim for a good amount of filling, but avoid overfilling, which can make rolling difficult.
  1. Fold and Roll: Carefully lift the edge of the rice paper closest to you over the filling, tucking it in snugly. Use your fingers to gently hold the filling in place as you begin to roll. Fold in the sides of the rice paper, like youโ€™re making a burrito, then continue rolling forward, keeping the roll tight. Place the finished roll seam-down on a plate.
  1. Serve and Enjoy: Once all your summer rolls are assembled, you can serve them immediately. For a beautiful presentation, cut each roll in half using a serrated knife. Serve with your favourite dipping sauce โ€“ a peanut satay sauce works wonderfully!
Vegan Summer Rolls

๐Ÿ’ก Tips for getting it right!

  • Perfect Rice Paper Texture: Soak the rice paper just until pliable, but not too soft. Over-soaking can lead to tearing, while under-soaking will make it difficult to roll.
  • Tightly Packed Filling: Gently press down on the filling as you roll to create tightly packed summer rolls that hold their shape.

๐Ÿค” Frequently asked questions

Are summer rolls healthy?

Yes, absolutely! These vegan summer rolls are packed with fresh vegetables and herbs, making them a low-calorie, nutrient-rich meal option. They’re a good source of vitamins, minerals, and fibre.

Can I make summer rolls ahead of time?

Sort ofโ€ฆ You can prepare the filling components ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the rolls just before serving to prevent the rice paper from becoming soggy. I tried keeping them fully assembled in the fridge, and the rice paper practically disintegrated.ย 

What dipping sauce goes well with summer rolls?

A peanut satay sauce is a classic pairing for summer rolls, but you can also experiment with other options like a sweet chilli sauce, a hoisin-based sauce, or even a simple soy-ginger dipping sauce.

What can I substitute for rice paper?

While rice paper is traditional, you could try using spring roll wrappers or even lettuce leaves as alternatives. Keep in mind that the texture and taste will be slightly different.

Are summer rolls gluten-free?

Yes, these vegan summer rolls are naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free rice paper and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well. Double-check the labels of your ingredients to be sure

No ratings yet

Simple Vegan Summer Rolls

These vibrant Vegan Summer Rolls are bursting with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a satisfying protein punch from smoked tofu. They're quick, easy, and perfect for a light and healthy meal!
Servings 8
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes

Equipment

  • High sided plate for soaking

Ingredients

  • 400 g Smoked Tofu
  • 50 g Red Cabbage
  • 80 g Cucumber
  • 100 g Lettuce
  • 100 g Carrot
  • 8 Pieces Rice Paper
  • 15 g Mint
  • 15 g Basil

Instructions

  • Prep Ingredients: Chop vegetables into thin matchsticks (julienne) or finely slice. Chop tofu into thin strips and roughly chop herbs.
  • Soak Rice Paper: Submerge one rice paper sheet in cold water for 10-15 seconds until pliable.
  • Assemble Rolls:ย Place soaked rice paper on a flat surface. Arrange a generous portion of filling in a line across the centre, slightly closer to you.
  • Fold and Roll:ย Lift the edge of the rice paper closest to you over the filling and tuck in snugly. Fold in the sides and continue rolling forward, keeping it tight. Place seam-down on a plate.
  • Serve:ย Cut rolls in half with a serrated knife and serve immediately with your favourite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • Experiment with soaking times to find the sweet spot for your rice paper brand.
  • Aim for a generous amount of filling, but avoid overfilling, which can make rolling difficult.
  • A peanut satay sauce works wonderfully with these summer rolls!
Calories: 95kcal
Course: lunch, Main Course, Side Dish, Snack, Starter
Cuisine: Asian
Diet: High Protein

Nutrition

Calories: 95kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 0.1mg | Sodium: 69mg | Potassium: 229mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 2407IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 44mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment or rating below!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Close
These Veggie Delights ยฉ Copyright 2022. All rights reserved.
Close