The vibrant colors of summer always inspire me to create something fresh and light, and these Avocado Summer Rolls have become a seasonal favorite in my kitchen. Imagine biting into a delicate rice paper wrap, revealing layers of creamy avocado, crisp veggies, and a touch of sweetness from ripe peaches, all layered with fragrant herbs. Each bite bursts with flavor, and the silky coconut basil sauce complements the rolls beautifully, turning a simple snack into a gourmet experience.
As the warm sun invites us to enjoy outdoor meals, these rolls are perfect for picnics, casual lunches, or as an impressive appetizer at gatherings. Plus, they’re so easy to make that you’ll be whipping them up week after week. With a variety of filling options, they accommodate any dietary preference—vegan, gluten-free, and wholly satisfying. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your favorite ingredients, and let’s dive into this joyful assembly of summer goodness!
Why Love These Avocado Summer Rolls?
Fresh and Flavorful: These Avocado Summer Rolls are a refreshing blend of ingredients that brightens any meal.
Vibrant Appeal: Bursting with color and texture, they make for an eye-catching dish at parties or casual lunches.
Customizable Ingredients: Enjoy the freedom to mix and match fillings—add your favorite veggies or fruits to suit your taste.
Quick Assembly: Perfect for busy days, these rolls come together in no time, making snack prep a breeze.
Health Benefits: Packed with wholesome ingredients, they are vegan, gluten-free, and full of nutrients—great for guilt-free munching.
Dip Delight: The creamy coconut basil sauce elevates the flavor, making every bite a burst of deliciousness.
Avocado Summer Rolls Ingredients
For the Coconut Basil Sauce
• Coconut Milk – a creamy base that gives the sauce its velvety texture; ensures a rich flavor.
• Fresh Basil – the star herb, adding aromatic freshness; feel free to mix with Thai basil for a unique twist.
• Cashew Butter – contributes to the creaminess and richness; you can substitute with almond or peanut butter if needed.
• Lime Juice – adds a zesty punch that brightens the sauce; adjust to suit your taste.
• Jalapeño (optional) – adds heat for those who enjoy a spicy kick; omit for a milder sauce.
• Garlic – enhances depth of flavor; use fresh for the best results.
• Ginger – provides a warming touch; grated fresh ginger works beautifully.
• Salt – essential for seasoning; adjust to complement the other flavors.
For the Summer Rolls
• Rice Wrappers (6, 28cm) – necessary for wrapping; larger size makes them easier to handle.
• Cooked Rice Noodles (4 ounces) – offers substance and chewiness; you can use vermicelli or quinoa for a gluten-free option.
• Extra-firm Tofu (4 ounces) – provides a protein punch and satisfying texture; baked tofu adds a different flavor profile.
• Ripe Avocado (1) – adds creaminess and healthy fats; you can substitute with cucumber for a lighter bite.
• Ripe Peaches (2) or Ripe Mango (1) – introduces sweetness and juiciness; swap for seasonal fruits, or skip if unavailable.
• Watermelon Radish (½) – optional for crunch and vibrant color; regular radish or cucumber works well too.
• Fresh Herbs (Basil, Thai basil, Mint) – enhances aroma and freshness; use a mix based on what you have on hand.
• Sesame Seeds (Pinches) – optional garnish for a delightful texture; can be omitted for a low-calorie option.
• Tamari and Sriracha – optional for serving; these add flavor and spice to your avocado summer rolls.
How to Make Avocado Summer Rolls
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Prepare the Basil Coconut Sauce: In a food processor, combine coconut milk, fresh basil, cashew butter, lime juice, jalapeño (if desired), garlic, ginger, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth and creamy; taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
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Soften the Rice Paper: Fill a shallow dish with warm water. Submerge one rice paper wrapper for about 7 seconds, allowing it to soften, then gently lay it on a damp kitchen towel to prevent sticking.
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Assemble the Summer Rolls: Place a handful of cooked rice noodles, a few slices of extra-firm tofu, creamy avocado, ripe peach slices, radish, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs in the center of the softened wrapper. Fold the bottom over the fillings, tuck them in, then fold the sides and roll tightly to seal.
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Repeat the Process: Continue to assemble the remaining rolls using the same technique, ensuring each roll is tightly wrapped to hold the delicious fillings together.
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Serve in Style: Arrange the summer rolls on a vibrant plate and serve with the creamy coconut basil sauce alongside tamari and sriracha for an added flavor kick.
Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Avocado Summer Rolls
Fridge: Store summer rolls in an airtight container for up to 3 hours. If making in advance, place parchment paper between rolls to prevent sticking.
Freezer: For longer storage, wrap each summer roll tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. They can be frozen for up to 1 month.
Reheating: If frozen, allow rolls to thaw in the fridge overnight. For best results, serve cold as a snack with coconut basil sauce; reheating may alter texture.
Dipping Sauce: Keep the coconut basil sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It pairs perfectly with your avocado summer rolls!
What to Serve with Avocado Summer Rolls?
These delightful rolls serve as a light and refreshing centerpiece, perfectly suited for summer gatherings or weekday meals.
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Carrot Coconut Gazpacho: A silky, chilled soup that pairs beautifully with the rolls, adding a citrusy zing for your palate.
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Fresh Cucumber Salad: Crisp, cool cucumbers tossed in a light vinaigrette enhance the freshness of the summer rolls, creating a delightful contrast.
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Chilled Herbal Tea: A refreshing drink that complements the vibrant flavors of the rolls, making your meal more relaxing and enjoyable.
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Quinoa Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette: This protein-packed salad offers a hearty bite while balancing the lightness of the avocado summer rolls.
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Mango Sticky Rice: For a sweet finish, this dessert adds a tropical flair that echoes the fruits in the rolls, making for a cohesive dining experience.
Adding these dishes transforms your summer rolls into a complete feast, perfect for sharing with friends and family!
Expert Tips for Avocado Summer Rolls
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Wrapper Wetness: Soak rice wrappers just until soft; over-soaking can make them too flimsy and prone to tearing.
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Ingredient Balance: Avoid overfilling your rolls to prevent bursting. Aim for a balanced amount of avocado, veggies, and noodles.
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Chill Ingredients: For the freshest taste, chill your fillings before assembling to keep the rolls crisp and cool.
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Dipping Sauce Prep: Make the creamy coconut basil sauce ahead of time; storing it in the fridge allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Flavor Variations: Customize your avocado summer rolls with different fillings or herbs based on seasonal availability for exciting new flavors.
Make Ahead Options
These Avocado Summer Rolls are a fantastic choice for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the coconut basil sauce up to 3 days in advance; just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and flavorful. The rice wrappers can be softened right before assembling the rolls to prevent sogginess, as they tend to lose their texture if pre-prepared. Assemble the rolls with your favorite fillings and wrap them tightly, then store in the fridge in a single layer with parchment paper in between to maintain their crispness for up to 3 hours. When you’re ready to serve, simply plate the rolls with the sauce for an effortless yet gourmet snack!
Avocado Summer Rolls Variations
Embrace creativity with these delightful twists and substitutions that will make your Avocado Summer Rolls even more exciting and personalized!
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Gluten-Free Noodles: Swap rice noodles for quinoa or spiralized zucchini to keep it gluten-free while adding nutrition.
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Fruit Fiesta: Replace peaches with mango, pineapple, or even strawberries for a fun fruity update.
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Spicy Kick: Add sliced jalapeños or red chili flakes inside the rolls to give your summer rolls a zesty, spicy addition.
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Herb Harmony: Experiment with different herbs like cilantro or dill for a unique aromatic twist that brightens the flavors.
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Crunch Factor: Toss in thinly sliced bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for an extra crunch and vibrant color.
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Creamy Alternatives: Instead of avocado, use hummus or nut butter for a different creamy profile—perfect for nut lovers!
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Savory Delight: Create a more savory version by omitting the fruits altogether and loading up on seasoned mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
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Savory Sauces: Try different dipping sauces such as peanut sauce or a sweet chili sauce for a whole new flavor experience.
Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into endless possibilities with these variations!
Avocado Summer Rolls Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe avocados for the rolls?
Absolutely! Look for avocados that are slightly soft when gently squeezed but not mushy. The skin should be dark and bumpy, indicating they are ripe and ready to be enjoyed in your summer rolls.
What is the best way to store leftover summer rolls?
These delicious Avocado Summer Rolls are best stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 hours. If you must store them longer, I recommend wrapping each roll in parchment paper to prevent sticking, but enjoy them fresh for the best flavor experience!
Can I freeze Avocado Summer Rolls?
Yes, you can! To freeze, tightly wrap each summer roll in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They can remain frozen for up to 1 month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Keep in mind that these rolls are best eaten cold, as reheating may make the rice paper less appealing.
What should I do if my rice paper wraps keep tearing?
Very! If your rice paper is tearing, it could be due to soaking it for too long, making it too flimsy. To avoid this, soak the wrappers just until they’re soft enough to manipulate (about 7 seconds), then lay them on a damp cloth. If you still have issues, consider trying a thicker brand of rice paper wrappers.
Are these summer rolls suitable for people with allergies?
Of course! This recipe is vegan and gluten-free, making it friendly for many dietary preferences. However, always be cautious about allergens—especially with the cashew butter in the coconut basil sauce. You can easily substitute it with sunflower seed butter or omit it entirely if nut allergies are a concern.
Fresh Avocado Summer Rolls with Creamy Coconut Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the Basil Coconut Sauce by blending coconut milk, fresh basil, cashew butter, lime juice, jalapeño, garlic, ginger, and a pinch of salt until smooth.
- Soften the rice paper by submerging it in warm water for about 7 seconds, then lay it on a damp kitchen towel.
- Assemble the summer rolls by placing cooked rice noodles, tofu, avocado, peach slices, radish, and fresh herbs in the center, then wrap tightly.
- Repeat the process for each roll, ensuring they are tightly wrapped.
- Serve the rolls with the creamy coconut basil sauce, tamari, and sriracha. Optionally garnish with sesame seeds.