Are you looking for some inspiration on what to serve with summer rolls? Then you’ve come to the right place! We’ve compiled a list of the best side dishes to pair with your tasty rolls.
Summer rolls are a versatile dish you can serve as a main course, appetizer, or dessert. Although you can prepare summer rolls in different ways, they all produce delicious results.
Here are the best side dishes to pair with summer rolls for an amazingly unforgettable experience. Let’s go!
1. Chicken Satay Rice Bowls
These bowls are an excellent, healthy way to consume protein and carbohydrates together. The sauce is the highlight of this dish.
Also, the chicken gets a fantastic depth of flavor by being marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, peanut butter, honey, and lime juice, which you can’t achieve by simply grilling or frying the chicken on its own.
After that, add brown sugar and lime juice to generate a sticky coating that gives each bite a distinct flavor. The versatility of this dish is another fantastic quality.
Depending on your mood or the number of people you’re dining with, you can make it hot or sweet.
If you want something milder but still flavorful, try garnishing with fresh cilantro leaves and slices of avocado or cucumber.
2. Shrimp Fajitas
Shrimp fajitas are a great idea if you’re thinking of what to serve with summer rolls. Shrimp’s incredible flavor is difficult to contest.
They become crispy and caramelized in spots while being seared on a hot pan.
After that, you can toss them in any kind of sauce, whether it be sweet or spicy. Summer rolls are the ideal side dish for these delicious fajitas!
The crisp veggies and fresh herbs make the perfect complement to the delicious shrimp and creamy guacamole. Furthermore, who doesn’t love a delicious avocado?
3. Spicy Thai Shrimp Salad
It only takes a few minutes to prepare this shrimp salad; all you need to do is chop up some vegetables, cook your shrimp in some oil, and then combine everything with a dressing made of lime juice, garlic, chili paste, soy sauce, and sugar.
Consider including rice noodles or steamed vegetables to make it more satisfying if you’re serving this as a meal rather than an appetizer or side dish.
For added crunch, you may also add some peanuts!
4. Sweet Chili Dip
This is a perfect dish to prepare if you’re looking for what to serve with summer rolls.
If you’ve ever had summer rolls at your neighborhood Chinese restaurant, they were almost certainly served with a sweet chili dipping sauce.
The renowned dipping sauce gives each mouthful the ideal amount of moisture and a light chili kick to tantalize your tastebuds.
This homemade chili dip recipe tastes far better than anything you can purchase already made in a jar and is free of any doubtful or unsavory additions.
5. Asian Chopped Salad
Chinese food sold in the US and the UK occasionally comes in unappealingly gloopy forms. This frequently happens as a result of using a bit too much cornstarch or gelatin to thicken recipes.
By adding some color with a vibrant Asian chopped salad, you can avoid this type of kitchen problem.
Consider adding chopped peppers, red onion, cabbage, cucumber, and spring onions to a dish, along with a dressing made of white wine vinegar, white lime juice, and lime zest.
6. Vegan Peanut Noodle Salad
If you want something light and flavorful to finish your dinner, serving vegan peanut noodle salad is a wonderful option. For what to serve with summer rolls, try this salad.
It has a ton of flavor yet isn’t overly filling, so you can enjoy it without feeling like you just finished a meal.
If you have the time, you can make your ramen noodles using whole wheat flour rather than white flour.
You can also use extra-firm tofu because it holds up well when frying it. Make sure they are thin enough; they will turn chewy if they are too thick.
This dish goes nicely with anything, especially other Asian dishes like sushi or Vietnamese pho!
7. Pineapple Fried Rice
Serve your summer rolls with pineapple fried rice if you enjoy combining sweet and savory dishes.
This one doesn’t require a recipe; you can just toss in any leftover ingredients you need to use up within the next day.
Heat a pan and add vegetables such as peppers, red onion, and chilies. You can now proceed after adding some soy sauce for more umami flavor.
8. Red Cabbage and Carrot Slaw
For what to serve with summer rolls, red cabbage, and carrot slaw is a wonderful option! Its fresh flavor and crisp texture go incredibly well with the savory filling of the summer rolls.
It’s also quite simple to make; just put the ingredients in a food processor, add the dressing, and you’re done!
9. Creamy Cucumber Radish Salad
While radish salad is flavorful and light, it also has a slight kick. Despite the dressing’s richness and zing, its strong flavors will balance the summer roll.
The flavor is strong enough to keep things interesting without overpowering your meal.
This meal is especially perfect for gatherings because it can be prepared in advance, allowing you to concentrate on getting ready for your visitors rather than spending all day in the kitchen.
Even better, you can prepare it ahead of time and keep it in the refrigerator in an airtight container until you’re ready to serve it—it will keep for up to three days that way!
10. Chicken and Sweetcorn Soup
Chicken and sweetcorn soup is a good option of what to serve with summer rolls if you want to serve a variety of appetizers.
Also, it’s a takeaway favorite, so serve it in small quantities so that everyone doesn’t get filled up before the main meal.
11. Wok Fried Noodles
Noodles are undoubtedly one of the most delicious and versatile Asian foods available.
If you can find fresh, juicy king prawns, add them to make them extra spectacular, or add scallops to make something deserving of a high-end restaurant.
As an alternative, serve a bunch of colorful, crisp vegetables to keep things simple.
It’s simple, but that doesn’t make various summer rolls with a serving of the noodles you choose any less tasty.
12. Mango Salad with Spinach
The nutritious mango salad with spinach is a fantastic complement to summer rolls, whether you’re serving them at your next gathering or simply want to prepare a delicious lunch for yourself.
It is perfect for any occasion since it has the ideal mix of sweet to savory flavors. Also, this salad is quite easy to prepare, so you may treat yourself whenever you want.
To customize this recipe, feel free to add any additional ingredients (such as bell peppers and onions).
Also, you may prepare it beforehand so that all you need to do to serve it is put it in a bowl.
13. Greek Salad
This salad is a fantastic option if you’re looking for what to serve with summer rolls.
Greek salad mixes the salty and sweet flavor of feta cheese with the crispness of cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions.
If you want something that will showcase summer rolls’ flavor, this is it because it pairs perfectly with their crunchy texture.
Also, if you’re serving this dish during a gathering, think about including other ingredients that would enhance its flavors.
For instance, it would be wonderful to add some olives or red pepper flakes for extra heat if you were serving a Greek salad as part of the menu for a dinner party.
Depending on the number of guests, you may add some black beans or corn to your dish to give it more substance without making it too heavy.
14. Chinese Broccoli with Garlic Sauce
The next time you prepare an Asian feast, make sure you have this takeout-style Chinese broccoli with garlic sauce on the table. It’s delicious, healthy, and essential.
Serve alongside your summer rolls and a sizable bowl of egg-fried rice if you want to keep things simple.
On those evenings when you are simply too busy for any fuss, this meal is ideal for vegetarian visitors; fuss-free and quick to prepare.
15. Sweet and Sour Chicken
Sweet and sour chicken is an all-time favorite takeout order. It’s a great dish to try if you’re looking for what to serve with summer rolls.
Everyone likes it, it’s wonderful for youngsters and picky eaters, and it’s loaded with healthy ingredients like onions, peppers, pineapple, and crispy water chestnuts.
You can make a great weekend meal without ordering takeout by serving it directly from the pan with rice and summer rolls.
16. Chinese Bean Sprout Stir-fry
This stir-fry is flavorful and really simple to make. Additionally, you can add a ton of more goodies to it to make it even tastier!
If you want a more complex flavor, you can also add carrots, mushrooms, and cabbage to this stir fry.
Whenever you want something 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 offer.
17. Carrot Salad and Honey Mustard Dressing
If you’re looking for what to serve with summer rolls, try this dish.
This recipe is an excellent way to give your food some crunch and sweetness while giving the impression that you put much more effort into it than you really did.
This salad can also be served as a side dish with any meal. It’s always a good idea to have a quick side dish on hand, especially if you’re serving a dish that doesn’t include any vegetables.
Most foods go well with the honey mustard dressing because it has the perfect amount of zing without being overly sweet or cloying.
Try adding nuts like walnuts, almonds, or even peanuts if you want to make your dish more protein-rich.
If your dish needs a little more sweetness, you can also add some dried cranberries or raisins. Be careful not to use too many, or the other flavors will be overpowered.
18. Baked Honey Chicken Wings
Don’t know what to serve with summer rolls? Try these yummy honey chicken wings! This dish is perfect for gatherings or just hanging out with friends on a Friday night.
Easy to prepare, the wings bake up golden brown and have the right amount of honey sweetness to counterbalance their savory flavor.
They can be served on their own, with other sides like rice or mashed potatoes, or you can keep it simple and serve them that way. They’ll taste great either way!
19. Grilled Honey Lemon Butter Salmon
This is such a great side to pair with your summer rolls. If you’ve never had salmon grilled, the fish is prepared by being seared in a skillet until it is golden brown on the exterior and still soft on the inside.
Then you brush it with honey and lemon juice, which gives it a delightful sweet-and-sour flavor.
If you want to give your salmon even more flavor, you may also add other ingredients like capers or soy sauce.
This meal is perfect to offer when you are having guests over for dinner because it is simple to prepare and only uses one skillet (so cleanup is not too difficult).
20. Coconut Shrimp with Chili Sauce
You can try this side if you’re looking for what to serve with summer rolls. The ideal way to enjoy your summer rolls is with coconut shrimp and sweet chili sauce.
The sauce is sweet and sour and goes well with the summer rolls. In addition, it contains coconut, making it a great way to add some healthy fats to your diet.
Consider adding nuts or seeds, such as sesame or pumpkin seeds, to this recipe if you’re looking for more ingredients.
They are also excellent providers of fiber and protein. This meal goes well with other Asian foods like chicken satay and Thai curry, making it a fantastic choice for gatherings.
21. Spicy Sesame Noodles
This spicy sesame noodle is another excellent idea for what to serve with summer rolls. This side dish has a wonderful flavor and can be modified 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 of your choice.
Any type of noodle is acceptable as long as it is prepared following the instructions on the package. Using more or less chili garlic sauce allows you to adjust the spice level in this recipe.
22. Thai Noodle Salad and Peanut Dressing
This side dish is incredibly quick and simple to prepare, but it’s also full of flavor and really comforting on hot days!
Since the noodles are cooked al dente, they are still chewy but not hard.
They are dipped in a flavorful, spicy peanut sauce that is mostly savory but also a touch salty and sweet.
You can combine them with fresh vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and cucumbers for a crunchy texture contrast.
Then, for freshness, add cilantro and lime juice for tart brightness. This recipe is ideal when you want something healthy but filling.
It pairs well with summer rolls since they both contain crunchy ingredients like shrimp or peanuts; they complement one another perfectly!
23. Gochujang Sesame Brocolli
You can prepare this tasty, simple dish in about 30 minutes. For what to serve with summer rolls, it’s one of your best options.
You only need a few ingredients: broccoli, sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, rice vinegar, gochujang paste, and sesame seeds.
Add some fresh ginger or grated carrots to your vegetables if you want to spice them up even more. The versatility of this dish makes it fantastic!
24. Vegetable Stir Fry
Even though the rolls are already amazing, the stir fry gives them a little extra flavor. You can add different vegetables when making your stir fry, such as zucchini, mushrooms, red peppers, and carrot.
Also, you can add more ingredients that will enhance the flavor of this dish.
It’s simple enough to prepare on weeknights when you don’t have time to prepare an elaborate meal, but it’s also elegant enough for a dinner party or a great dinner out.
25. Caramelized Pork Bowls
For what to serve with summer rolls, try these caramelized pork bowls. Even the pickiest member of the family will be pleading for more of this dish since it is so simple and tasty.
It only requires a few ingredients and some preparation time. This is simple to prepare on a weeknight or in advance for a party.
You can make many substitutes, which is especially wonderful if you have gluten-free or vegan visitors over.
Also, you can add nearly any vegetables you desire to make it even more nutrient-dense. If you like, you may also substitute chicken for the pork!
26. Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
Water chestnuts give the meal a wonderful texture with their crunch and sweetness.
If you want something extra on the side, then no need to worry about what to serve with summer rolls.
Their versatility allows you to prepare them ahead of time or cook them just before serving.
Try adding some spices or seasonings to your bacon-wrapped water chestnuts if you want to spice them up a bit more. I like to season mine with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
They taste great with soy sauce too! These are fantastic to offer at parties because they go well with any cuisine you want to serve alongside them.
27. Pad Thai
The flavor of pad Thai contrasts beautifully with the delicate flavor of summer rolls. Adding some vegetables and tofu will complete the dish.
It’s also a fantastic way to use leftover rice and noodles from other meals.
If you want to get creative, you may also use additional ingredients. Shrimp, chicken, and tofu are all suitable additions that will enhance the flavors of your summer rolls.
Pad Thai is suitable for serving at any time of the day, but it tastes especially wonderful as an after-school snack or as part of a late-night supper feast.
Use pre-made sauce packets rather than preparing your sauce from scratch to simplify this recipe (make sure they are vegan!).
However, if you choose to make it yourself, I suggest using fresh ginger root rather than ginger powder so that it tastes better.
28. Sushi
Last on our list of what to serve with summer rolls is sushi! Sushi has a fantastic flavor and a very light, fresh texture.
It is a great way to use up leftovers, which is one of its adorable advantages. If you have any fresh produce or fruit on hand, you may also add it.
The occasion should also be considered when combining sushi and summer rolls.
Due to their widespread popularity and ease of preparation, summer rolls are excellent for gatherings.
But having sushi on hand can be really helpful when you need something more filling than just summer rolls.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed our list of what to serve with summer rolls. Whether you want something light or filling, there’s a wide variety of options.
With these dishes, your next summer rolls meals just got interesting!
