What To Serve With Vietnamese Spring Rolls (20+ Best Sides)

Vietnamese spring rolls (also known as gỏi cuốn, nem cuốn, fresh spring rolls, or summer rolls) are a delicious and healthy dish full of fresh flavors and textures. These rice paper-wrapped rolls are often filled with shrimp, vegetables, and fresh herbs, making them a light and refreshing option for any meal.

But, what could make a plate of Vietnamese spring rolls even better? The perfect side dishes, of course! Whether you’re looking for delicious dipping sauces or tasty sides, these recipes will complete your meal and leave a smile on your face.

From fried vermicelli noodles and peanut dipping sauce to grilled pork skewers and cucumber salad, these side dishes will add even more variety and flavor to your meal. So, let’s explore the best side dishes to serve with Vietnamese spring rolls.

1. Vermicelli rice noodles

Vermicelli noodles are a delicious side dish to serve with Vietnamese spring rolls. These thin rice noodles are light and gluten-free, making them a perfect accompaniment to the fresh and healthy rice paper rolls.

To prepare them, simply soak the rice vermicelli noodles in warm water until they are soft and pliable. Then, toss them with dressing featuring fish sauce (or soy sauce), lime juice, and sugar (or maple syrup). Add in some fresh bean sprouts and fresh mint leaves for extra crunch and freshness.

You can even stuff the rice noodle salad into your fresh spring rolls!

We love: Vietnamese Vermicelli Noodle Salad with Grilled Chicken (by Whole and Heavenly Oven)

2. Peanut dipping sauce

Peanut sauce is a classic and delicious dipping sauce for traditional Vietnamese spring rolls. The creamy and nutty flavors of the peanut butter combined with the sweet and tangy hoisin sauce make for a perfect dipping sauce for these fresh and flavorful rolls.

Plus, it’s a great accompaniment to other Vietnamese dishes you may want to serve with your summer rolls—like pork belly, rice vermicelli noodle salad, and more.

We love: Best Peanut Sauce Recipe (by Evolving Table)

3. Vietnamese mango salad

Vietnamese mango salad is a delicious and refreshing side dish that goes so well with the flavors of Vietnamese spring rolls. The tangy and spicy flavors of the salad pair perfectly with the fresh and savory spring rolls, creating a well-balanced and satisfying meal.

This salad is easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients, including unripe mangoes, fresh herbs, and a zesty fish sauce dressing. It’s delicious with shrimp, chicken, or pork!

We love: Vietnamese Mango Salad (Gỏi Xoài) (by Wok & Kin)

4. Sweet chili dipping sauce

Sweet chili dipping sauce is a classic and delicious accompaniment to any type of spring roll. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors perfectly complements the savory fresh ingredients in the spring rolls.

You can opt for store-bought sauce, but it’s easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients!

We love: Thai Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce (by Lord Byron’s Kitchen)

5. Fried wontons

Fried wontons are the perfect side dish to pair with Vietnamese spring rolls if you want to put together a delicious snack platter.

And you won’t believe how easy it is to make fried wontons at home using store-bought wonton wrappers!

We love: Fried Wonton (Best Homemade Wontons Recipe) (by Rasa Malaysia)

6. Pickled vegetables

Pickled vegetables are a popular side dish that perfectly complements the fresh and light flavors of Vietnamese spring rolls.

These tangy and crunchy vegetables add a refreshing contrast to the soft and flavorful rolls.

With just a few simple ingredients and some meal prep, you can easily make pickled vegetables at home. Or opt for store-bought pickles when you’re short on time.

We love: Quick Fridge Pickled Vegetables (by Peas and Crayons)

7. Vietnamese fried rice

Vietnamese fried rice is another amazing side dish to serve with Vietnamese spring rolls if you’re looking for a complete meal.

Not only does it provide a delicious contrast in temperature, texture, and flavor to the fresh and light spring rolls, but it’s a traditional Vietnamese dish to enjoy with your summer rolls.

I love shrimp in my Vietnamese rice, but you can also add rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy protein. Serve it alongside your shrimp spring rolls.

We love: Vietnamese Fried Rice (Cơm Chiên) (by Savory Sweet Spoon)

8. Shrimp and vegetable stir fry

Yes, more shrimp! Shrimp and vegetable stir fry is a delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with Vietnamese spring rolls. The combination of crunchy vegetables and succulent shrimp cooked in a flavorful stir-fry sauce is the perfect dish to bulk up any Asian-inspired meal.

So, the next time you’re craving Vietnamese spring rolls, don’t forget to whip up a batch of this shrimp and vegetable stir fry to go along with it.

We love: Shrimp Stir Fry (by Will Cook For Smiles)

9. Asian slaw

For a delicious and satisfying meal, it’s hard to beat Vietnamese spring rolls. And when it comes to choosing a side dish, a crunchy Asian slaw is always my first choice.

Not only does the crunchy and refreshing slaw provide a nice contrast to the soft and savory spring rolls, but it also adds extra veggies and nutrients to your meal, and using a mix of white and red cabbage adds lots of color too. It’s even better with a zesty sesame ginger dressing!

We love: Asian Coleslaw with Sweet Sesame-Ginger Dressing (by Detoxinista)

10. Coconut shrimp

What snack plate won’t be better with perfectly crispy coconut shrimp?

The crispy and flavorful shrimp complements the fresh and light flavors of the spring rolls, making it a perfect addition to your Vietnamese food and drink spread.

You can even bake the classic coconut shrimp in your air fryer.

We love: Coconut Shrimp with the Best Sauce (VIDEO) (by Natasha’s Kitchen)

11. Egg rolls

Egg rolls are another delicious and complementary side dish for Vietnamese spring rolls. While the spring rolls are filled with fresh and light vegetables in soft rice paper wrappers, the egg rolls offer a heartier, more savory option, crispy option deep-fried in classic spring roll wrappers.

Dip them both in sweet chili sauce or peanut sauce for a burst of flavor!

We love: How to Make Egg Rolls (by Natasha’s Kitchen)

12. Vietnamese grilled pork skewers

Grilled pork skewers are a great side dish to serve with Vietnamese spring rolls.

The smoky and savory flavors of the grilled pork pair well with the fresh and crunchy vegetables in the spring rolls.

For a complete Vietnamese dining experience, serve the spring rolls and pork skewers with a crunchy slaw and a peanut dipping sauce.

We love: Vietnamese Pork Skewers (Thit Nuong) (by Balance With Jess)

13. Nuoc Chame

This fish sauce-based dipping sauce is a must-have side dish for any Vietnamese spring roll dining experience. This savory sauce adds a slightly sweet, somewhat funky, and refreshingly tangy taste to the rolls, making them even more irresistible.

It’s a popular condiment in Vietnamese cuisine and can also be used as a dipping sauce for other dishes like lettuce wraps or drizzling over steamed rice or fried noodles.

For a true taste of a Vietnamese restaurant at home, be sure to include this classic Vietnamese dipping sauce.

We love: Nuoc Cham Vietnamese Dipping Sauce (by Silk Road Recipes)

14. Asian cucumber salad

Summer rolls are a popular and delicious dish that’s perfect as an appetizer or light meal. And while they are already packed with fresh vegetables and herbs, pairing them with an Asian cucumber salad adds even more freshness and a satisfying crunch to your meal.

Plus, the tangy dressing adds a zesty kick that enhances the overall flavor of the meal.

This combination of savory and tangy flavors makes the Asian cucumber salad a perfect side dish for Vietnamese spring rolls.

We love: Asian Cucumber Salad (by Rasa Malaysia)

15. Banh mi sandwiches

Banh mi sandwiches are a great side dish to serve alongside fresh spring rolls for a Vietnamese street food-style feast.

Filled with pickled vegetables, savory meats, and zesty sauces, banh mi sandwiches are a delicious and filling accompaniment to the delicate rice paper rolls. Plus, they provide a variety of textures and flavors to enhance your dining experience.

For a gluten-free option, use butter lettuce or leaf lettuce as a wrap instead of bread. And don’t forget to serve with a side of Vietnamese peanut or chili oil sauce for dipping.

We love: Bahn Mi Sandwich (by Carlsbad Cravings)

16. Shrimp and avocado salad

Shrimp and avocado salad is another refreshing side dish to serve with your summer rolls. With its light and refreshing flavors, this salad perfectly complements rice paper rolls regardless of filling.

To make a shrimp avocado salad, simply mix together cooked shrimp, avocado, lettuce, your favorite dressing, and fresh herbs in a large bowl. It’s a simple meal that comes together in minutes, making it a great option for a light lunch or a side dish for your favorite Vietnamese dishes.

We love: Shrimp Avocado Salad (by Feel Good Foodie)

17. Edamame

Edamame is a perfect side dish to serve with any Asian spread. These delicious and nutritious soybeans add a pop of flavor and texture to your meal.

Not only is edamame a great source of protein and fiber, but it also adds a refreshing crunch and they’re delicious dipped into Vietnamese dipping sauces. Plus, it’s a great option for those looking for vegetarian or gluten-free side dishes to serve guests!

The edamame beans also make a great filling ingredient for plant-based summer rolls.

We love: EASY Garlic Edamame Recipe (10 minutes only!) (by Joyous Apron)

18. Sesame noodles

Sesame noodles are a perfect side dish to serve with Vietnamese spring rolls. The nutty flavors of the sesame oil and the savory notes of the soy sauce complement the fresh and light flavors of the spring rolls.

This indulgent side dish is a great way to balance out the rich and flavorful rolls. Plus, it’s an easy recipe that can be made in advance and served cold, making it a convenient option for entertaining.

I love to add a splash of Chinese chili garlic sauce for a spicy kick. And, if you want to boost the veggies, add some stir-fried bok choy or Chinese broccoli.

We love: Garlic Sesame Noodles (by Eat With Clarity)

19. Grilled chicken skewers

Grilled chicken skewers are a tasty side dish that goes perfectly with Vietnamese spring rolls. These flavorful and protein-packed skewers provide a nice contrast to the fresh and light rolls.

Simply marinate chicken pieces in your favorite Asian-inspired marinade, then grill them to perfection. Serve them alongside your spring rolls for a satisfying and delicious side dish.

Don’t forget to whip up a batch of peanut sauce for dipping for your chicken skewers and spring rolls!

We love: Bang Bang Chicken Skewers (by I Am Homesteader)

20. Pad thai

Pad Thai is a classic and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with Vietnamese spring rolls. The umami-rich savory flavors of the pad Thai complement the light and fresh taste of the spring rolls, creating a well-balanced meal.

This popular Thai dish is made with stir-fried rice noodles, vegetables, and protein such as shrimp or chicken, all coated in a delicious sweet and tangy pad Thai sauce.

A great pad Thai recipe is something we all need in our repertoire!

We love: Authentic Pad Thai Recipe! (by Savory Bites Recipes)

21. Bok choy stir fry

Vietnamese spring rolls, or goi cuon, are a great appetizer. But served with a bok choy stir-fry, they also make a satisfying main dish.

The crisp and flavorful bok choy pairs well with the fresh and light flavors of the rolls, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Plus, the quick cooking time of bok choy stir-fry makes it a convenient and easy side dish to prepare alongside the spring rolls. Serve with a side of peanut sauce for a delicious dipping option and a bowl of steamed whit rice.

We love: Bok Choy Stir-Fry with Garlic & Ginger (by Aline Made)

Frequently asked questions

From delicious crunchy salads to fried rice and noodles, these delicious side dishes are the perfect accompaniments to your homemade Vietnamese spring rolls.

And don’t forget to pick a dipping sauce for your summer rolls. My favorites are sweet chili sauce, peanut sauce, and nuoc cham.

So, grab your cutting board and work surface and get ready to roll up the perfect tight roll with these delicious sides by your side.