Summer rolls are a Vietnamese delicacy that has become a popular appetizer during the warm summer months.
This light and fresh dish consist of fresh vegetables, herbs, rice noodles, and protein, all wrapped in a rice paper roll.
With its refreshing taste and endless options for fillings, it’s no wonder that summer rolls have become a favorite among many. But what to serve with summer rolls?
You don’t want to overpower the delicate flavors of the rolls, but you also don’t want to leave your guests hungry.
Here are some quick and amazing side dishes that will compliment your summer rolls and elevate your appetizer game.
What are summer rolls? What do summer rolls taste like?
Summer rolls, also referred to as rice paper rolls, are a popular appetizer or snack in many Asian cuisines.
They consist of various fillings like vegetables, meats, and herbs wrapped in thin rice paper.
The ingredients used may vary depending on the region and can range from traditional Vietnamese fare such as pork, shrimp, vermicelli noodles, carrots, bean sprouts and herbs to Korean-style summer Rolls that incorporate BBQ beef or bulgogi.
Summer rolls have a delicate flavor that is both crunchy and savory due to the freshness of the fillings.
The rice paper wrapper adds a light chewiness, while herbs such as mint and basil bring brightness to each bite.
Common dipping sauces for summer rolls include sweet chili sauce or a mixture of hoisin sauce, soy sauce and hot pepper flakes – though some prefer them plain!
17 Best Sides to serve with summer rolls
1. Grilled Corn on the Cob
Grilled corn on the cob is the ideal side dish for summer rolls. The sweetness of the corn and the smoky flavor from the grill perfectly balances the freshness of the rolls.
Serve it with a dollop of butter and a sprinkle of salt for a delicious side dish.
2. Cucumber Salad
A refreshing cucumber salad is the perfect pairing for summer rolls. The crispness of the cucumber, mixed with the tangy dressing, is the perfect balance for the rolls.
To make the dressing, mix together rice vinegar, sugar, and water, then add thinly sliced cucumbers and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
3. Mango Salad
For a tropical twist to your summer rolls, make a mango salad. The sweetness of the mango, combined with the spicy dressing, makes for an explosive flavor combination.
Mix together sliced mango, red onion, chili, lime juice, and fish sauce for a delicious salad.
4. Avocado and Tomato Salad
Avocado and tomato salad is the absolute side dish for summer rolls. The creaminess of the avocado equalizes the acidity of the tomato, while the lime dressing adds a burst of fresh flavor.
Simply mix together cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, lime juice, and cilantro for a fresh and easy salad.
5. Vietnamese Slaw
Vietnamese slaw, also known as kimchi-style slaw, is the perfect side dish for summer rolls.
The crunchiness of the cabbage, mixed with the tangy and spicy dressing, is the perfect balance for the rolls.
To make the dressing, mix together rice vinegar, honey, fish sauce, and red pepper flakes, then toss it with sliced cabbage, carrots, and scallions.
6. Edamame
Edamame is a quick and easy side dish that is perfect for summer rolls.
Simply boil edamame pods, sprinkle them with salt, and serve them alongside your rolls for a protein-packed snack.
7. Grilled Shrimp
Grilled shrimp is a classic pairing with summer rolls. The smokiness of the grill and the sweetness of the shrimp perfectly complement the rolls.
Marinate the shrimp in garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper, then grill them for a quick and easy side dish.
Discover More: 19 Sides to Serve with Shrimp Salad: A Guide to Delicious Complements
8. Fresh Fruit
Fresh fruit is a light and refreshing side dish that is perfect for summer rolls.
Watermelon, pineapple, and mango are all great options that will add a sweet and juicy element to your meal.
9. Green Papaya Salad
Green papaya salad is a classic Vietnamese side dish that is the perfect match for summer rolls. The flavor of the salad is tangy, spicy, and sweet all at once.
To make the dressing, mix together lime juice, fish sauce, garlic, sugar, and chili, then toss it with shredded green papaya and carrots.
10. Fried Spring Rolls
For a heartier side dish, consider adding fried spring rolls to your meal. The crispy exterior and savory filling make for a satisfying contrast to the light and fresh rolls.
Serve them alongside your summer rolls for the perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Explore More: What to Serve with Vietnamese Spring Rolls-Delicious Sides!
11. Sweet and Spicy Noodle Salad
Sweet and Spicy Noodle Salad is a vibrant noodle salad bursting with flavor, featuring sweet and spicy chili-garlic sauce, crunchy vegetables, and juicy prawns or chicken.
Pair it with summer rolls for a full meal.
12. Grilled Lemongrass Chicken Skewers
Grilled Lemongrass Chicken Skewers are flavorful skewered chicken thighs marinated in a zesty lemongrass-based sauce, then grilled to perfection.
Serve on the side of summer rolls for a delicious dinner.
13. Vietnamese Pho Soup
Vietnamese Pho Soup is a traditional Vietnamese soup that consists of broth, noodles, and meat or seafood, making it a hearty addition to any meal.
It’s especially delicious when accompanied by summer rolls.
14. Coconut Rice
Deliciously fragrant coconut rice is simple to make yet incredibly flavorful. Serve it up as a side dish to a plate of freshly made summer rolls for a complete dining experience.
15. Thai Chicken Satay
Marinated in a blend of spices and coconut milk, these skewered chicken thighs are grilled to perfection. (Recipe)
Serve them with creamy peanut sauce and summer rolls for a delicious dinner.
16. Vietnamese Vermicelli Rice Noodles
Vietnamese Vermicelli Rice Noodles are thin rice noodles served cold and topped with herbs, vegetables, and meat or seafood.
Paired with summer rolls, they make an incredibly flavorful main dish that’s sure to please the pickiest eaters.
17. Tom Yum Soup
Tom Yum Soup is a classic hot and sour Thai soup made with fragrant broth, mushrooms, and prawns or chicken. It’s the perfect addition to any summer roll meal.
Learn More: 16 Top and Delicious Dishes to Serve with Beer Cheese Soup
What are the best flavors to go with summer rolls?
Oh my goodness, let me tell you what to serve with summer rolls! The options are endless, and the flavors are so fresh and tasty.
First off, a classic peanut dipping sauce is always a great choice for those who love a little sweet and salty combination.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some hoisin sauce or chili paste to really spice things up.
Another delicious option is a tangy mango salsa that adds the perfect amount of sweetness to balance out the savory flavors in the roll.
And don’t forget about soy sauce or fish sauce for those who prefer something more traditional. Of course, there’s also sriracha if you need an extra kick of heat!
Lastly, I highly recommend pairing your summer rolls with some ice-cold watermelon juice or coconut water – it’s refreshing and satisfying on hot summer days while complementing the lightness of these delightful appetizers perfectly.
Trust me when I say that trying out different dips with your summer rolls will only enhance their flavor profile and leave everyone asking for more!
Find Out More: Elevate Your Meal with Delicious 23 Side Dishes to Serve with Southwest Egg Rolls
How do you jazz up summer rolls?
Summer rolls are a great way to jazz up any meal! Not only are they light and refreshing, but they also offer a healthy substitute for traditional fried appetizers.
To jazz up summer rolls, start by trying different fresh and exotic ingredients. Try adding grilled shrimp, smoked salmon or thin slices of seared beef for added flavor.
You could also try more unusual additions like pickled radishes, julienned jicama or crispy tofu strips.
For an extra burst of flavor, use dipping sauces that complement the ingredients, like hoisin sauce, peanut satay or sweet chili garlic sauce.
Additionally, you can add crunchy vegetables to your summer rolls, like bell peppers and cucumbers, for texture as well as herbs and edible flowers for color and brightness.
Finally, serve your summer rolls with a variety of dipping sauces so everyone can find something they enjoy!
How do you display summer rolls on a platter?
Serving summer rolls on a platter is an easy and visually appealing way to present them.
To do so, start by arranging the rolls in the center of the platter. Place them in a circular pattern for a fun, festive look.
If desired, add extra toppings or garnishes such as fresh herbs, chopped peanuts or sliced cucumber to fill any spaces between the rolls.
Then, arrange dipping sauces and condiments such as hoisin sauce or sweet chili sauce around the outside of the platter.
To finish, add small sprigs of cilantro or mint leaves for a pop of color and extra flavor. With these decent steps, you can create an appetizing display of summer rolls that will wow your guests!
Explore More: What to serve with Egg Rolls- 25 Top Quick & Easy Sides
what sauce to serve with summer rolls
Summer rolls are a popular Asian appetizer and snack, typically containing an array of vegetables like lettuce, carrots, cucumber, and herbs wrapped in a thin rice paper.
To make them even more delicious and flavorful, here are 10 great sauces to serve with summer rolls:
1. Peanut Sauce
Peanut Sauce is a classic dipping sauce that combines peanut butter, Thai chilies, ginger, garlic, and fish sauce for a savory-sweet combination that’s sure to please.
2. Hoisin Sauce
The sweetness of hoisin sauce pairs perfectly with the subtle flavors of summer roll ingredients.
It’s made with soybean paste, sugar syrup or molasses, garlic chili sauce or sesame oil, Chinese five-spice powder and some other seasonings.
3. Sweet Chili Sauce
Also known as Thai sweet chili sauce, this condiment is made from red chilies blended together with vinegar, garlic cloves and sugar for a spicy-sweet taste sensation like no other. (recipe)
4. Soy Sauce
Not just any soy sauce will do! Opt for low-sodium versions whenever possible since high sodium levels can easily overpower delicate flavors in the summer rolls.
5. Sesame Oil
Sesame oil is traditionally used in many Asian cuisines due to its subtle nutty flavor and aroma that can be added to just about any dish to enhance flavor without overpowering it.
A few drops of sesame oil can add an extra layer of complexity to your summer rolls!
6. Ponzu Sauce
Made from mirin (a type of Japanese rice wine), sake or rice vinegar mixed with katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes), ponzu is tart but has a wonderful umami flavor that pairs especially well with light ingredients like those found in summer rolls.
7. Sriracha
Heat lovers will adore the spiciness of sriracha! This beloved hot sauce is typically made from chili peppers mashed into a paste along with vinegar and seasonings like garlic and sugar for a unique blend you won’t soon forget!
8. Teriyaki Sauce
Although teriyaki may contain more sugar than other sauces on this list, it doesn’t have to be overly sweet when paired correctly with savory flavors found in summer rolls like carrots and cucumbers – so don’t let the sweet factor deter you!
9. Black Bean Garlic Sauce
Black Bean Garlic Sauce is a dark-colored condiment that contains fermented black beans combined with garlic for an excellent umami flavor that complements most meats or vegetables very well – including your favorite summer roll fillings!
10. Tahini Dressing
Tahini dressing is similar to hummus in texture but features tahini (ground sesame seeds) instead of chickpeas as its main ingredient, which gives it an earthy nutty flavor that works great as both a dip or drizzled over veggie-filled summer rolls for extra oomph!
Wrap Up on what to serve with summer rolls
Summer rolls are a light and fresh appetizer that are perfect for warmer weather.
When it comes to side dishes, you want something that will complement the delicate flavors of the rolls without overpowering them.
These quick and amazing side dishes are the perfect match for your summer rolls.
Whether you’re looking for something sweet, tangy, or spicy, there’s a side dish on this list that will take your summer rolls to the next level.
So, the next time you’re serving up some summer rolls, consider pairing them with one (or a few) of these delicious side dishes. Your guests will thank you!
FAQs
How many summer rolls per person?
The number of summer rolls per person depends on how much food they want to eat.
Generally, it is recommended that two to three summer rolls per person are a sufficient portion size.
Summer rolls are generally light and low in calories, so it’s easy to enjoy multiple servings if desired.
It’s also helpful to consider the other dishes being served alongside the summer rolls;
for example, if there is a large amount of fried food or dessert available, then one summer roll per person might be enough.
What to serve with vegetable rolls?
Vegetable rolls can be served with any number of dishes.
A few ideas to consider include a refreshing cucumber salad, a savory stir fry, a light soup like miso, or even a flavorful rice dish like fried rice.
To make the meal even more satisfying, adding some crunch to the plate with tempura vegetables, crispy vegetables, or roasted nuts can be an easy and mouth-watering way to round out the meal.
For something sweet, you could consider serving fresh fruit such as mangoes or strawberries for dessert.
Whether you choose to serve vegetable rolls as an appetizer, main course, or side dish, they are sure to be enjoyed by everyone.
