Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you verify your coconut aminos, fish sauce, and red curry paste are certified gluten-free (most are, but always check labels). Rice noodles are naturally gluten-free, making this a perfect option for those avoiding gluten.

I can't find Thai basil. What should I substitute?

Regular basil works well as a substitute, though the flavor profile will be slightly different. You can also increase the mint and cilantro proportions if you can't find Thai basil. Each herb brings something special, but the salad will still be delicious with just two types of herbs.

Can I prep this for lunches throughout the week?

Definitely! This salad makes fantastic meal prep. Store the components separately: cooked chicken, prepared vegetables, herbs, cooked and chilled noodles, and dressing. Assemble just before eating to maintain the best textures. The prepped components will stay fresh for about 3 days in the refrigerator.

Is there a vegetarian alternative to fish sauce?

For a vegetarian version, substitute the fish sauce with a combination of soy sauce (or more coconut aminos) and a squeeze of lime juice. You could also use commercial vegetarian "fish sauce" made from seaweed, which provides similar umami notes without any fish.

Spring Roll-Inspired Grilled Chicken Salad Recipe

This Spring Roll-Inspired Grilled Chicken Salad is a flavor explosion that brings all the delicious elements of spring rolls into a satisfying, deconstructed salad format. Juicy grilled chicken thighs, crisp veggies, and fragrant herbs combine with a mouthwatering peanut dressing to create a dish that’s fresher than fresh. Perfect for warm evenings when you want something light yet totally satisfying!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No Fussy Rolling Required: Get all the flavors you love about spring rolls without the tedious wrapping and rolling process!
Meal Prep Champion: Components can be prepped ahead, making weeknight dinners a breeze – just assemble when you’re ready to eat.
Nutrient-Packed Powerhouse: Loaded with colorful vegetables, lean protein, and fresh herbs for a meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.
Flavor That Builds: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavor-packed your final dish will be, but even a quick 20-minute marinade works wonders.

Spring Roll-Inspired Grilled Chicken Salad

Ingredients You’ll Need

Avocado oil: Creates the base for our marinade with its mild flavor and high smoke point, perfect for grilling.
Coconut aminos: Adds that umami depth without being overpowering – it’s like soy sauce’s gentler, slightly sweeter cousin.
Rice vinegar: Brings brightness and acidity that balances the rich elements in the dish.
Fish sauce: Just a touch adds incredible depth and authentic Southeast Asian flavor – trust me, don’t skip this!
Coconut sugar: Provides a subtle sweetness that rounds out all the flavors beautifully.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic perks up the entire dish with aromatic goodness.
Red curry paste: Delivers complex flavor without requiring dozens of individual spices – a true kitchen shortcut hero.
Coconut milk: Creates creaminess in the marinade and helps tenderize the chicken.
Lime zest: Adds bright citrus notes that elevate all the other flavors.
Peanut butter: The secret to that irresistible creamy dressing – use natural, creamy varieties for best results.
Chicken thighs: More flavorful and juicy than breast meat, they’re forgiving on the grill and absorb marinade beautifully.
Lettuce, cucumbers, carrots, green onions: Provide that fresh crunch and variety of textures that make this salad so satisfying.
Fresh herbs: Mint, cilantro, and Thai basil create the signature fragrant flavor profile that makes this dish unforgettable.
Rice noodles: Light and satisfying, they soak up the dressing and make this a complete meal.
Peanuts: Add wonderful crunch and nutty flavor that ties everything together.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Swaps

Try grilled shrimp or tofu instead of chicken for equally delicious results. For shrimp, reduce grilling time to about 2 minutes per side. For tofu, press it well before marinating and consider using a grill basket.

Veggie Variations

Add thinly sliced bell peppers, shredded cabbage, or bean sprouts for extra crunch and nutrition. Mango slices add a lovely sweet contrast if you’re feeling adventurous!

Noodle Alternatives

Swap the rice noodles for zucchini noodles or soba noodles. For a lower-carb option, just double up on the veggies and skip the noodles entirely.

Nut-Free Version

Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and swap the chopped peanuts for toasted sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

How to Make Spring Roll-Inspired Grilled Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dual-Purpose Marinade & Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together avocado oil, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, fish sauce, coconut sugar, minced garlic, red curry paste, coconut milk, and lime zest until smooth. This mixture pulls double duty as both marinade and the base for your dressing!

Step 2: Create the Peanut Dressing

Transfer about half a cup of your marinade mixture to a separate bowl, then whisk in the peanut butter until smooth and creamy. If it seems too thick, add more marinade a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Set this aside while you work on the rest of the components.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Add your chicken thighs and salt to the remaining marinade, tossing to ensure every piece is well-coated. Let it sit while you prep the other ingredients – even this short marinating time will infuse plenty of flavor!

Step 4: Prep the Fresh Components

In a large bowl, gently toss together the sliced romaine, cucumbers, carrots, green onions, and fresh herbs. The combination of textures and colors here is just beautiful! Set this aside while you cook the noodles and chicken.

Step 5: Cook the Rice Noodles

Follow package directions to cook your vermicelli rice noodles – they typically need just a few minutes in hot water. Once tender, drain them and immediately plunge into ice water to stop the cooking and keep them perfectly chewy.

Step 6: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (350-400°F). Oil the grates lightly, then grill the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side with the lid closed. You want nice grill marks and fully cooked chicken with an internal temperature of 165°F. After grilling, let the chicken rest for 5-8 minutes before slicing to keep all those delicious juices inside.

Step 7: Assemble Your Masterpiece

Drain those chilled noodles and divide them among four bowls. Top with your fresh veggie mixture, then arrange sliced chicken over each bowl. Drizzle generously with the peanut dressing, sprinkle with chopped peanuts and additional fresh herbs, and serve with lime wedges on the side.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Marinade Magic: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator if you have time.
Perfect Grilling: Don’t move the chicken around too much on the grill – let it sit undisturbed to develop those gorgeous grill marks and caramelization.
Herb Handling: Tear larger herb leaves rather than chopping them to prevent bruising and browning.
Rice Noodle Success: Don’t overcook the rice noodles! They continue softening even after draining, so aim for slightly firmer than you want your final texture to be.
Assembly Timing: For the best texture contrast, assemble just before eating. If making ahead, keep components separate until serving time.

How to Serve

This salad is a complete meal on its own, but there are some fantastic ways to enhance your dining experience:

Serving Suggestions

Serve family-style by placing all components in separate bowls and letting everyone build their own perfect salad bowl. This makes dinner interactive and fun!

Perfect Pairings

A cold Thai beer, coconut water, or a citrusy iced tea makes the perfect beverage companion. For appetizers, spring rolls (the traditional wrapped kind) or a simple miso soup make great starters.

Garnish Ideas

Set out small bowls of extra toppings like sliced jalapeños, lime wedges, additional herbs, and chili oil so everyone can customize their bowl to their preferred spice level and flavor profile.

Make Ahead and Storage

Prepping Components

You can prepare nearly everything a day ahead: marinate the chicken, make the dressing, chop the vegetables, and cook the noodles. Store each component separately in the refrigerator, then simply grill the chicken and assemble when ready to eat.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The dressing may thicken when cold – just add a splash of water and whisk to bring it back to the right consistency.

Reheating Tips

The chicken can be enjoyed cold in this salad, but if you prefer it warm, quickly reheat it in a skillet with a splash of water to prevent drying out, or microwave gently.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you verify your coconut aminos, fish sauce, and red curry paste are certified gluten-free (most are, but always check labels). Rice noodles are naturally gluten-free, making this a perfect option for those avoiding gluten.
I can’t find Thai basil. What should I substitute?

Regular basil works well as a substitute, though the flavor profile will be slightly different. You can also increase the mint and cilantro proportions if you can’t find Thai basil. Each herb brings something special, but the salad will still be delicious with just two types of herbs.
Can I prep this for lunches throughout the week?

Definitely! This salad makes fantastic meal prep. Store the components separately: cooked chicken, prepared vegetables, herbs, cooked and chilled noodles, and dressing. Assemble just before eating to maintain the best textures. The prepped components will stay fresh for about 3 days in the refrigerator.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to fish sauce?

For a vegetarian version, substitute the fish sauce with a combination of soy sauce (or more coconut aminos) and a squeeze of lime juice. You could also use commercial vegetarian “fish sauce” made from seaweed, which provides similar umami notes without any fish.

Final Thoughts

This Spring Roll-Inspired Grilled Chicken Salad brings all the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asia right to your dinner table with minimal fuss. It’s the perfect balance of fresh and satisfying – light enough for a summer evening but substantial enough to keep you going. I love how this dish transforms ordinary ingredients into something that feels special enough for guests but easy enough for weeknights. Give it a try, and I’m confident it will earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection!