In a world where dietary preferences are increasingly diverse, these vegan spring rolls shine as a fresh, vibrant option that welcomes vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free eaters alike. The translucent rice paper wraps encase a lively medley of chili-lime jackfruit “carnitas,” shirataki noodles, mint, and green onion—delivering texture, spice, and brightness all at once. According to the original recipe, the combination of jackfruit, cumin, coriander, garlic and lime makes this a “plant-based diet game-changer.”
Because the recipe uses rice paper wrappers and shirataki noodles (rather than wheat-based), it naturally aligns with gluten-free needs too, making it a savvy choice for inclusive meal planning.
For vegetarian hosts and party planners, this dish doesn’t feel like a “special diet option”—it feels like a feature dish. The jackfruit’s pulled-texture mimics the satisfying bite of shredded meat, yet remains fully plant-based. The mint and green onion bring freshness, while the dipping sauce (if included) adds depth without relying on dairy or eggs. In every roll you’ll find that balance of crisp, soft, savory and bright—making it equally appealing to folks who are vegan, those who simply flavor more vegetables, and anyone avoiding gluten.
Finally, the portability and assembly-friendly nature of these spring rolls make them ideal for everything from easy weeknight dinners to elegant appetizer spreads. Since the fillings are bold but simple, you can prep ahead, allow guests or family to assemble their own, or even bring them to potlucks where you want to cover multiple dietary restrictions in one dish. Whether you’re feeding a group that includes omnivores, vegetarians and gluten-free guests, or you’re just planning a weekend lunch for two, these rolls deliver flavor, versatility and crowd-friendly appeal.
Vegan Spring Rolls
Recipe Details
Yield: 12-15 rolls
Active Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Spring Roll Ingredients
- 1 (7-ounce) bag Shirataki Spaghetti, drained
- 1 (10.6-ounce) package Chili Lime Jackfruit Carnitas
- 1 green onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup mint sprigs, finely chopped plus more for serving
- 12 to 15 Spring Roll Rice Wrappers
- Canola oil, for frying
- Red leaf lettuce leaves, for serving
How to Make Spring Rolls
- Empty the package of jackfruit carnitas into a large bowl, breaking up any large pieces. Stir in green onion and mint.
- Fill a large bowl halfway with lukewarm water and gently submerge 1 rice paper.
- Transfer the wrap to a cutting board, then add a scoop of filling and a few rice noodles. Fold over the sides about an inch, then gently roll from the bottom up, keeping the paper tight.
- Place roll on a towel-lined sheet tray and repeat with remaining rolls.
- Fill a small saucepan a quarter of the way full with canola oil. Bring to 350 degrees F, then add a spring roll using a slotted spoon.
- Fry for 2 minutes on each side, or until golden. Remove to a towel-lined plate; repeat with remaining rolls.
Vegan Spring Rolls Nutrition Facts
*Estimated per roll (recipe yields 12–15 rolls). Based strictly on Thrive Market’s ingredient amounts.
| Serving Size | 1 roll |
|---|---|
| Calories | ≈ 70 kcal |
| Protein | ≈ 1 g |
| Carbs | ≈ 10 g |
| Sugar | ≈ 3 g |
| Fiber | ≈ 2 g |
| Fat | ≈ 3 g |
Spring Roll Variations & Tips
- Switch up the protein filler: Use grilled tofu, tempeh strips, or seasoned chickpeas instead of jackfruit if you prefer a different plant-based bite.
- Gluten-free wrapper upgrade: Ensure the rice paper wrappers are certified gluten-free (many are), or substitute with thinly sliced cucumber sheets for ultra-low-carb fans.
- Fresh herb overload: Increase the mint and add basil or cilantro for extra herbaceous lift and bright flavour in each roll.
- Crunch factor boost: Insert julienned carrots, daikon radish or crisp bell pepper strips inside the roll for a refreshing texture contrast.
- Spicy dipping sauce: Whisk together tamari (or coconut aminos for gluten-free), lime juice, chilli garlic sauce and a touch of maple syrup for a vegan, gluten-free dipping sauce with punch.
- Make ahead trick: Keep all fillings prepped and stored in separate airtight containers. Soften wrappers only when ready to roll to avoid soggy wraps and maintain crisp textures.
- Bake instead of fry: For a lightly crisped version, brush assembled rolls with sesame oil and bake at 400°F for 6-8 minutes instead of frying—still vegan and gluten-free.
Best Spring Roll Pairings
- Cashew-lime salad: Serve alongside a crunchy slaw made from red cabbage, carrot ribbons, cilantro, and a lime-cashew vinaigrette for complementary textures.
- Rice noodle soup: Pair the rolls with a warm bowl of miso broth, gluten-free rice noodles, bok choy and scallions for a light but satisfying fusion meal.
- Sparkling ginger-lime drink: A chilled sparkling water with ginger and lime enhances the freshness of the rolls and keeps the palette clean.
- Thai-style mango salad: Add a side of green mango, cucumber, peanuts (or roasted sunflower seeds for nut-free) and chilli for a sweet-spicy contrast.
- Dairy-free coconut yogurt dip: Offer a side of coconut-milk yogurt mixed with finely chopped mint, lime zest and a pinch of salt as a cool drizzle over the rolls.
- Light rosé or dry Riesling: Choose a crisp wine that complements fresh herbs and citrus flavours without overpowering the roll’s fillings.
When to Make Spring Rolls
- Casual weeknight dinner: Keep it simple—set out bowls of fillings and let everyone assemble their own spring rolls at the table for a fun interactive meal.
- Vegetarian/vegan gathering: These rolls are ideal for a plant-forward crowd, and since they’re gluten-free as well, they reduce menu complications at group meals.
- Potluck or buffet dish: Prepare the rolls ahead and arrange them on a platter with dipping sauce—easy to transport and enjoy by guests of many dietary needs.
- Light lunch or brunch: Serve the rolls alongside a fruit salad or smoothie bowl for a fresh midday meal that feels elevated but not heavy.
- Game-day snack upgrade: Roll them up mini-size for finger-food style servings during a casual sports or movie night—flavourful and diet-inclusive.
- Travel or picnic option: Pack the fillings and wrappers separately for transport; assemble on site for crisp texture and fresh rolls without sogginess.
Recipe credit: Angela Gaines