Fresh Salmon Spring Rolls with Citrus Dipping Sauce

Fresh, light, and full of flavor, these salmon spring rolls are an easy, healthy dinner that’s also satisfying. They’re perfect for warm evenings, busy weeknights, or any night you want a quick meal without standing over the stove. Flaky baked salmon replaces the usual shrimp or pork, paired with rice noodles, crisp vegetables, and fresh herbs, all wrapped in rice paper and served with your choice of dipping sauce.

This is a simple variation on Vietnamese-style spring rolls (goi cuon). The components are easy to swap based on what you have: use different vegetables, switch the herbs, or offer both peanut sauce and nuoc cham so everyone can pick their favorite. They’re also family-friendly because people can assemble their own rolls.

Why You’ll Love These Salmon Spring Rolls

They look impressive but are straightforward to make. Highlights include:

• Bright, fresh flavors with a satisfying texture
• An excellent way to showcase salmon
• Highly customizable with different vegetables and herbs
• Great for meal prep or build-your-own dinners
• Easy to serve with a variety of sauces and sides

These spring rolls also make a great lunch if you store components separately and roll them just before eating.

Ingredient Notes

Below are a few pointers to help you prepare. The full ingredient list and measurements are in the recipe card further down.

Please scroll ⬇️ to the recipe card for full ingredient amounts and step-by-step instructions.

Salmon

Salmon fillets are ideal because they bake quickly and flake easily for filling the rolls. Use fresh or fully thawed frozen salmon. I season the fillets simply—oyster sauce, pepper, garlic powder, and a touch of oil—and bake at high heat until flaky.

Optional toppings like scallion oil, crushed peanuts, and fried shallots or scallions add texture and umami that elevate the rolls without extra fuss.

Vermicelli Noodles

Thin rice vermicelli works well, but banh hoi (woven rice vermicelli sheets) is my favorite because it stays together and makes rolling easier. Vermicelli cooks in just a few minutes; rinse with cold water to stop cooking and brush lightly with oil to prevent sticking.

Lettuce and Herbs

Soft lettuces like butter lettuce or green leaf are best because they fold easily inside rice paper. For herbs, mint and cilantro are classic choices; Thai basil is a great alternative if you want a stronger, aromatic note.

Vegetables

Use whatever crunchy, fresh vegetables you have on hand. Good options include carrots, cucumber, shredded cabbage, bean sprouts, bell pepper, avocado, or mango. Aim for a mix of crunchy and fresh elements plus herbs for balanced texture.

Dipping Sauce

Serve these with either a Vietnamese-style peanut sauce for a creamy, kid-friendly option, or with nuoc cham (fish sauce dip) for a sweet-salty-tangy finish. Both pair nicely with the salmon and fresh herbs.

Scroll ⬇️ to the recipe card for exact ingredient amounts and instructions.

How to Cook the Salmon

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Season the fillets with oyster sauce, pepper, garlic powder, and oil, then bake for about 10–15 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. After baking, spoon scallion oil on top and sprinkle with crushed peanuts and fried shallots if desired for extra flavor.

How to Fold Spring Rolls

Folding rice paper can feel tricky at first, but it’s easy with a little practice. Dip a rice paper wrapper in room-temperature water for a few seconds until it softens—don’t soak it too long. Lay it flat and place the lettuce, noodles, and vegetables toward the bottom half, then add salmon slightly toward the center so it remains visible through the wrapper.

Fold the sides in, then roll firmly—like a burrito—taking care not to overfill the wrapper to avoid tearing. Keep finished rolls covered with a damp paper towel so they don’t dry out, and don’t stack them directly on top of one another.

Dipping Sauce Ideas

Both Vietnamese peanut sauce and nuoc cham (fish sauce dip) are excellent choices. Peanut sauce is creamy and approachable for kids, while nuoc cham offers the classic balance of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy that complements the salmon and herbs.

What to Serve With Salmon Spring Rolls

These rolls are satisfying on their own but also pair well with heartier sides like fried rice or lighter accompaniments such as cucumber salad, miso soup, fruit tea, or bubble tea. For gatherings, consider adding a few shareable finger foods to round out the spread.

Fresh, Easy, and So Good

These salmon spring rolls are a fresh, homemade meal that doesn’t demand a lot of time. They’re fun to assemble, adaptable to different tastes, and ideal for nights when you want something lighter but filling.

If you try them, I’d love to hear which vegetables or sauces you used and how you customized the rolls at home.

RECIPE