Friends! How is the New Year treating you so far? Good I hope. Have you made any resolutions yet? Any luck at keeping them? I love this post by Zen Habits for inspiration on goal setting. Do share your ambitions in the comments – we’d love to know!

We’ve been enjoying our new digs in Portland, have met a few new friends, tried new restaurants, and have been enjoying a few chilly, winter walks. 2015 has been treating us well thus far.

As far as cooking, we’ve been reaching for lighter things lately. After all that holiday goodness we’ve been craving all things light and fresh. For instance, these 30-minute, nutrient-packed rainbow spring rolls. Care to join?

Origins of Fresh Spring Rolls

Fresh spring rolls (also known as gỏi cuốn or summer rolls) are a common Vietnamese dish, but the concept is believed to have originated in China. It’s thought that they may be a modification from Chinese egg rolls, but with Vietnamese flavors.

They are typically made with fresh vegetables, herbs, and protein that are wrapped in rehydrated rice paper and served with a dipping sauce.

How to Make Rainbow Spring Rolls

It all starts with a rainbow of fruits and veggies for a full spectrum of colors and health benefits, such as:

Mint – antioxidants + calms stomach

Cilantro – Vitamin C, A + antioxidants

Bell Pepper – vitamin C, carotenoids + fiber

Mango – vitamin C, A, fiber + antioxidants

Carrot – beta carotene + vitamin A

Beets – fiber + antioxidants

So much goodness in one wrap. And we haven’t even gotten to the dipping sauce yet.

The filling is cool and all, but can we talk about my love for peanut sauce?

Spring rolls are great, but peanut sauce* elevates them to AMAZING! For some extra kick, I added some fresh grated ginger – a throw back to my Veggie & Rice Noodle Bowl days- and the result is a perfectly salty-sweet sauce with some zing. I’m in love.

*Note: you can learn more about the origins of peanut sauce here.

Need more reason to love these rolls? Good. They’re:

Light

Fresh

Healthy

Crunchy

Loaded with veggies and fresh herbs

Perfect with peanut sauce

Simple – no cooking

& quick – just 30 minutes

These make a delicious light lunch or dinner and leftovers save well for the next day – just see my note about the mango!

I hope you guys love these. If you do give them a try, let us know! Leave a comment or tag an Instagram #minimalistbaker so we can see. Cheers!