Print

Fresh Vegan Smashed Cucumber and Herb Summer Rolls

fresh vegan smashed cucumber and herb summer rolls - featured image
Print Recipe

These fresh vegan smashed cucumber and herb summer rolls are light, cooling, and packed with flavor, perfect for hot summer days. The unique smashing technique releases cucumber juices and blends beautifully with fresh herbs wrapped in delicate rice paper.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium English cucumbers, smashed gently
  • 1 cup fresh mint leaves, loosely packed
  • 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • ½ cup fresh Thai basil leaves (optional)
  • 1 large carrot, julienned
  • 1 cup cooked vermicelli rice noodles, cooled (optional)
  • 8–10 rice paper wrappers (about 8-inch diameter)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
  • 3 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce (gluten-free tamari if needed)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon maple syrup or agave nectar
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • Optional: red pepper flakes or finely chopped fresh chili for heat

Instructions

  1. Rinse and pat dry the cucumbers. Use the flat side of a knife or rolling pin to gently smash each cucumber lengthwise until it splits open and flattens slightly. Cut into 2-3 inch lengths.
  2. Peel and julienne the carrot into thin matchstick-sized strips.
  3. If using, cook vermicelli noodles according to package instructions, rinse under cold water, drain well, and toss with a little sesame oil to prevent sticking.
  4. In a large bowl, gently toss smashed cucumbers, julienned carrots, fresh mint, cilantro, and Thai basil leaves. Fold in noodles if using.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together tamari, lime juice, maple syrup, minced garlic, grated ginger, and toasted sesame oil. Add chili flakes if desired.
  6. Fill a large shallow bowl with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper into the water for 15-20 seconds until softened but still slightly firm. Lay flat on a clean surface or damp towel.
  7. Place a small handful of the cucumber and herb filling near the bottom third of the wrapper. Fold the bottom edge over the filling, fold in the sides tightly, and roll up firmly but gently until sealed. Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling.
  8. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the rolls, slice in half if desired, and serve immediately with the dipping sauce.

Notes

Soak rice paper wrappers just until pliable to avoid tearing. Be gentle when smashing cucumbers to preserve crispness. Assemble rolls close to serving time to prevent rice paper from drying out. Keep a damp towel over assembled rolls if making ahead. Multitask by soaking the next wrapper while rolling the current one.

Nutrition

Keywords: vegan, summer rolls, smashed cucumber, fresh herbs, gluten-free, light, cooling, easy recipe

Find it online: https://goldensimmer.com/fresh-vegan-smashed-cucumber-and-herb-summer-rolls-easy-recipe-for-hot-days/