Chicken and Veggie Spring Rolls and a delicious tahini dipping sauce + A ZWILLING Giveaway for Mother’s Day! Eat the rainbow! Everyone needs a meat and vegetable cleaver! Check out the giveaway!
It’s funny how a word or phrase can change your day. I’m a woman. I’m rational and irrational (sometimes, come on, everyone is). I’m joyful, happy, emotional. . I care about my body, my appearance, how I look. Yesterday, after Pure Barre class, I went to the local acai bowl place (Bowl of Heaven) and I was with my friend, Melissa.
We’re both Korean. and yes, Asians look younger than they are. . in this case, I’m referring to Melissa. The girl behind the check out counter asks us “Is this together?” We say no. I proceed to order and then the girl asks for my rewards number. . she says Melissa, “We can put your order on your mom’s rewards account” . . and I say out loud. . “You think I’m her mother?!” Melissa’s like 30 something. So, needless to say, it made me feel pretty bad. . like I look old enough to be a 30 something’s mother. I am a mother, we all know that but my kids are 9 and 6!
And what bothered me the most was that the girl didn’t even apologize. Clearly, she was wrong and she didn’t say a word.
I could’ve come home and remained in a bad mood but I didn’t. I came home and made these delicious chicken and veggie spring rolls. Recently, ZWILLING sent me these cleavers, one for meat and one for vegetables. They are amazing and they cut meats and veggies so well! I also love that they are wide so you can use the knife to scoop up what you are cutting and slicing! If you watch my instagram stories, you saw this beauty in action yesterday! I used the vegetable cleaver to slice all of my veggies and the meat cleaver to slice my chicken.
I’m thrilled to be able to give away one of EACH TODAY!! Enter using the widget below! Now, back to these chicken and veggie spring rolls!
SPRING ROLLS
My guidelines for spring rolls: keep it fresh, colorful, use foods that are in season and have different textures and flavor.
And the dipping sauce is equally as important! I make spring rolls all the time and today, I made a delicious, creamy tahini dipping sauce for these chicken and veggie spring rolls! I loved this sauce with the fresh veggies and chicken, sooooo good!
I hope you make these chicken and veggie spring rolls! And be sure to enter the giveaway down below!
Chicken and Veggie Spring Rolls
Ingredients
For the spring rolls:
- 1 package rice paper wraps for spring rolls available at all Asian markets; look for the large round ones, comes with 25 sheets of rice paper
- Large bowl of very hot water
- 2 to 3 cups green leaf lettuce shredded or chopped
- 1/2 red bell pepper sliced thin lengthwise
- 1/2 yellow bell pepper sliced thin lengthwise
- 1 large carrot peeled and julienned
- ½ head red cabbage sliced thin
- steamed asparagus spears
- cooked rotisserie chicken or roast chicken sliced into strips
; (roast chicken recipe above) - lime wedges and fresh mint leaves optional
For the tahini dipping sauce:
- 1/2 cup tahini
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- sea salt to taste start with a pinch
- 1/2 cup water + more if needed
- roasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
For the spring rolls:
- Once you have all of your vegetables sliced, prepped and ready to go, set up a workstation with all of your ingredients close by. If you’ve rolled spring rolls before, you can use a cutting board or any clean, flat surface but if this is your first time rolling, I recommend working on a non-stick silicone baking mat or something where the rice paper won’t stick so it’s easier for you to work, fold and roll.
- Next to the prepped and cut ingredients, you will need a large bowl of hot to very warm water. I boil water, let it cool down slightly and then pour it into my bowl and then let it cool down slightly so it’s not burning hot. You will need very warm water to work with.
- To begin, grab one sheet of rice paper and dip it into the warm water. Rotate the rice paper around until you have wet the entire sheet. Lay the wet rice paper down on your work surface and top with the vegetables and the chicken (start with the lettuce first, the order does not really matter.) Lay the vegetables and chicken on top of the rice paper sheet with at least 2 inches of rice paper showing at the bottom.
- Start by folding up the bottom part of the rice paper, up and over your vegetables. Then, fold in each end, the right and the left and then continue rolling the spring roll, firmly but gently so you don’t tear the rice paper, like rolling a sleeping bag until you have rolled to the opposite end. Because the rice paper is sticky, the spring roll will just close and seal on its own. Place the finished spring roll on a non-stick baking sheet and cover loosely with plastic wrap. Be careful not to place the spring rolls too close, or on top of each other or they will stick to each other.
- Repeat until all of the rice paper sheets have been used. *Note: you may need to get more hot water to dip the rice paper sheets into as you work.
For the dipping sauce:
- Whisk together all of the ingredients in a small to medium-sized bowl. Taste and season with more salt, or add just a little more water if you think the sauce is too thick. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired and serve with the spring rolls. Enjoy!! (Note: store any leftover dipping sauce in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. I love simply dipping raw veggies into this sauce! So good!)
THE GIVEAWAY!
One reader will win both of these cleavers! One meat cleaver and one vegetable cleaver, retail value: $375! Good luck! Open to residents within the United States only.
Disclosure: This giveaway is sponsored by ZWILLING. All opinions are my own.
I love your blog!
Toms shoes 🙂 with flowers on them of course!
So difficult because she wants nothing but I know she will enjoy going out for lunch so that’s my gift to her although it’s really a gift to me to spend time with her.
Giving momma dearest money did she can get whatever she likes. Its tradition in our household. Asian parents especially mine always has a comment on anything you get them that’s it’s wasting money. So this works for us.
My mom is getting a trip to see her grandson! And a distance second to that … a chance to spend time with me!
We are taking my mom to brunch at the Iron Horse Hotel in Milwaukee. We are getting her a hydrangea too.
These spring rolls look amazing! Can’t wait to try them.
Can’t wait to make these, Alice! I’m getting my mom a lilac tree for Mother’s Day!
Love this! Fingers crossed…
I don’t get why people STILL continue to make remarks regarding peoples age and/or weight without knowing them! BLOWS MY MIND. Way to put it behind you with these gorgeous spring rolls though!
I’m getting my mom lawn care for the summer. After dad passed away, she can’t do it herself and we live 1300 miles away, so it’s the best we can do to help out.
A wreath!
we’ll you look great, keep doing what you are doing! Love these spring rolls.
I made my mom a Snapfish picture book
No mom so maybe you can be my mom, Alice? Just jokes. I want to apologize for the insensitive person who said mom thing to you and didn’t. Don’t know your age but you are a Beautiful human being with such a vibrant. Happy, living life. Enjoy your blog, Snapchat, instagram.
Looks amazing!
Making some bird houses for mom. They get a bunch of birds in their backyard
Need that tahini dipping sauce in my life!
Those cleavers are the absolute best! And those spring rolls, well, my day would be perfect if I had those for lunch.
What?! Sorry that she was rude enough to make the comment AND not apologize for it. That reflects on her not you.. besides you look great!! More importantly, good for you to not let it get you down!!! These spring rolls look delicious!
I am making that for dinner tonight. Maybe in a few weeks with those knives too ; P!! : ) Lorrie
i’m cooking dinner with my mom!
I am planning on taking my mom shopping for Mother’s Day and let her pick out the gift she really wants. I usually just get her flowers for her garden and cook her dinner but I thought I would change it up a bit this year. My son has decided he is going to make her some chocolate covered strawberries and blueberries as well.
These look so good! I see a lot of peanut dipping sauces for spring rolls, this one with tahini looks extra yummy!
I’m taking my mom to an event at a winery. Planning to grab a bottle of rosé and snack on some crackers and cheese afterwards and enjoy the weather!
PS. I have been wanting to take a stab at making my own spring rolls forever. Thank you for this easy to follow recipe, I am getting everything at the store this afternoon!
We don’t really talk so she’ll get a text.
So pretty and colorful! Love these!
These spring rolls look amazing and easy to make. Two important details for a wanna be Top Chef lolol
When will people learn? You do NOT comment on age and you DO NOT ask someone when they are due unless they’ve been abundantly clear they are pregnant. Having said that- Melissa must look 6 because there is no way you appear to be the mother of a 30 year old! I always think you look quite child like and I am amazed at both your dedication to this blog, fitness ,and your family 😉 As an aside- I don’t know how old the girl behind the counter was, but the only way I’d understand her comment is if she was super young herself. I know my perception of age has really changed as I’ve gotten older. I often perceive people much younger than they actually are. In my 20’s , I am certain I did the opposite, because let’s face it when you’re teen or in your 20’s everyone seems older than you. So perspective is everything, but you are GORGEOUS and as always you’re killing it with the tasty eats!
Krysten, thank you! you are so sweet! and you’re right. . she was young. Thank you for the sweet comment!
As soon as we’re back in the same state, we’ll have a proper coffee date followed by antiquing. Until then, a chat on the phone is the best we can do!
Wow, you do NOT look old enough to have a daughter in her 30’s or whatever age she thought your friend was. That is crazy. You are an inspiration to me on an almost daily basis. To eat better, cook beautiful food and take care of my body. Thanks for everything!
Thank you so much, Angela!
She is getting a plant!
Love those colors! Would make a perfect lunch!
I’ll be getting my mom flowers and a card (:
First of all, happy (almost) mother’s day to you! For this year, I am undecided yet on what to get mom. I am thinking between a spa day, or a cooking class. Either way, she and I will bond over whichever I choose!
PS, these spring rolls look amazing! Thank you for the recipe and chance to win!
I noticed the other day that my Mother does not have a picture of us. So I printed a picture from my bridal shower and bought a frame for it. I will be giving her the frame and a card for Mother’s Day.
Alice, I enjoy these spring rolls! As for the comment at the check out, you have everything going for you and people love you. Including myself! That is all that matters! ?
Thank you, you are very sweet! I’m letting it roll . . !!
Definitely going out for brunch 🙂
I got my mother china.
I’m not sure yet. Trying to find her something cute with a chicken theme
I always get my mom a hanging basket of flowers and a giftcard to her favorite restaurant for Mothers Day!
I no longer have my mother.
I’m going to get my mom a card and a hanging flower basket.
If my mom was still here, lots and lots of hugs and kisses from her grand babies.
Love love these light rolls my dear and a stunning giveaway.
xx
An antique spoon stamped down to be a bookmark with her favorite, butterflies, attached. A necklace shaped like a bear that says “mama” on it with mine and my siblings birthstones on it. Lastly, we are diy-ing a homemade candle in a tea cup!
I got my mother some bedding plants for her garden. I am hoping that I got the right ones though!
My mom loves a new hanging basket with a beautiful arrangement of flowers.
Hi Alice!!
Having sons of +30 myself I can’t understand how anyone could see you as having them yourself. You look great, but above that, you don’t seem to feel any older than your actual age.
A question on the rolls, don’t you cook them??
Thanks
MArta (from Argentina)
Hi Marta! Thank you! You are very sweet! You are right. I actually feel younger than I am so I feel silly for letting that comment affect me the way it did. Re: the recipe: You DO use cooked the chicken (if using) and I wrote on the recipe card that I like to use already cooked rotisserie chicken! Other than that, nothing else is cooked except the asparagus, which is steamed (also indicated on the recipe card). All of the other veggies are raw and the dipping sauce is just whisking the ingredients together! Spring rolls use rice paper, which you don’t cook . . you simply wet in hot water, which makes them useable and you don’t actually have to “cook” anything! Please let me know if you have any other questions! Have a great day!
I love how colorful these spring rolls are!
After I read your article about your luncheon date with your friend, I wasn’t surprised that the incident with the clerk bothered you, especially since she didn’t apologize for her mistake, which suggests that either she didn’t understand that her mistake was offensive and rude, she felt that her assumption was reasonable even if it was wrong, or she never learned that when she speaks out of turn, an apology is in order. I am most impressed that you didn’t allow this incident to gnaw and nag at you. Instead you channeled the irritation into a positive project by providing your readers, including me, with a delicious-looking spring roll recipe that I plan to make and enjoy eating tonight. Thank you.
Hi Ell, Thank you so much for this sweet comment. she was young. . but you are right, maybe she was too embarrassed and didn’t know what to say or maybe she never learned that when she speaks out of turn, an apology is in order. Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment here for me. . this means so much! I am constantly reminded everyday how lovely people (my readers) are and you just made my day! Thank you so much and hope you enjoy the spring rolls! If you do make them tonight, please let me know how you like them and the dipping sauce! cheers, alice
I will be giving my Mom and my MIL, a handmade gift from the grandkids with a couple of bottles of wine. I hope you have a wonderful Mother’s Day, Alice! xoxo
I am making a gift for my mom. I will make a photo album or scrapbook.
I love how colorful your spring rolls are! I have never tried to make them at home, but now I will give it a try! Thanks!
I hope you do! Thank you so much!
I love your instagram stories the most!
Thank you!!! you are so sweet!!!
I GOT MY MOM A GEORGE FOREMAN GRILL FOR MOTHER’S DAY.
These rolls are so gorgeous, Alice!
I’m making these spring rolls tonight – yummy! Can’t wait! Thanks for the recipe.
On a funny note, I’m half Asian and recently someone asked me if I was 16. 16?! Kidding me? I’m 30 and a mother too. People are ridiculous. Your story made me laugh. Keep on keeping on!
I am planning on taking my mom to a nice spa day for mother’s day!!
This definitely makes me want to eat my colors! So fresh.
I’m getting my mom a set of barstools she wanted for her newly remodeled kitchen!
The substitute mom in my life is getting dinner out at the restaurant of her choice.
I am getting her flowers and taking her to the movies!
My mom passed away when i was in my early 20s so I usually do some kind of volunteer work on Mothers Day. This year will be Meals on Wheels.
I’m planning to make homemade afternoon tea desserts and finger foods for my mum for mother’s day. This recipe would be a great addition ?
For mother’s day my wife and I are having her parents over for supper. I am grilling chicken breasts and will make an artichoke/garlic/olive/white wine sauce to go over them, maybe some quinoa pilaf on the side, definitely sweet potato fries, and garlic/bacon asparagus. Probably a bottle of that California or French dry rose that is everywhere now. I cheated and bought some chocolate chip/mint Ice cream for desert. We also bought her a nice hanging plant and made her a card too.
I am giving flowers to all the special ladies in my life.
I got my mom outdoor decorations.
I got my mom an card to send to her since I wasn’t with her this year, but I will be taking her out to dinner the following weekend.
I took my Mom to dinner at one of her favorite restaurants
I got my mother a really nice robe – it’s the kind of thing she would never get for herself, but I know she really wanted it.
for mothers day we had a big bbq to celebrate!
We had a spa day to celebrate.
My mom is in the process of moving. I’m waiting until Mother’s Day is over to get her something kitchen related for her new home. I’m thinking that she might enjoy a pressure cooker so that she doesn’t have to turn her oven on as much during the summer heat.
I gave her a flower arrangement and took her out to brunch.
I brought my Mom a huge bouquet from the flowering trees in my yard.
I love spring rolls! They’re so much easier than they appear and a fun way to get your veg in!
I got my mom a photo book of her with my son – her first grandson 🙂 and made my MIL some homemade granola.
I just got her a nice card since she lives so far away.
i couldnt afford my moms gift yet but i will be gifting her late tickets to a concert.