Kimchi Summer Rolls

Modified: Apr 1, 2025 · Published: Mar 3, 2023 by Nicole Kendrick · This post may contain affiliate links.

These kimchi summer rolls are fresh, flavorful, and filled with nutrients. The star of this vibrant veggie show is naturally fermented kimchi, which is rich in probiotics to give your gut the boost it needs to help power your immune system. Our bodies rely on a balanced digestive system to fuel so many essential functions within us, including the fortification of our natural defense system - the immune system! That process is the catalyst for helping our bodies to combat stress and illness.

Feeling sluggish or bloated? Try adding fermented foods (e.g. kimchi, kombucha, sauerkraut) into your diet. You'll surely feel the difference that those powerful and naturally occurring probiotics in fermented foods make when regularly eaten in so many undeniably positive ways. These foods are specifically beneficial in fighting inflammation, which is reason enough to try this recipe!

This recipe is perfect for a light lunch or "grab-and-go" healthy snack. These summer rolls can also be a flavorful appetizer or side dish when paired with my Healthy Eggroll in Bowl recipe. I also like to combine them with my Buddha bowl for a larger meal that's still nice and healthy!

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Ingredients
Instructions
Substitutions
Storage
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Ingredients

kimchi
cucumber
red cabbage
carrot
kale
sesame seeds
large rice paper wrappers
almond butter
coconut aminos
fresh ginger
toasted sesame oil
jalapeño pepper

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Make the dipping sauce:

Place sauce ingredients in a food processor or blender, and then blend until smooth and set aside.

Make the summer rolls:

Fill a large bowl with cool water.
Next, dip one rice paper wrapper in the water for 5-7 seconds. The rice paper should be soft, but pliable. Do not oversoak, the wrapper will continue to soften as it sits.
Place rice paper on a smooth and even surface, such as a cutting board or clean kitchen countertop, and layer in the filling ingredients in whatever order and quantities you prefer.
Roll and seal the rice paper by rolling from the bottom of the wrapper toward the top and folding in each side like an envelope.
Serve rolls immediately, or refrigerate for up to 4 hours before eating with dipping sauce on the side.

Recipe notes:

Have all of your ingredients prepped and within reach, this will help you to assemble the summer rolls quickly and avoid the rice paper wrapper sticking after moistening.
Assemble one summer roll at a time and roll each tightly.

Substitutions

Undoubtedly, you can get really creative with kimchi summer rolls ingredients. Though this recipe is written as a vegetarian option, try adding grilled chicken, marinated tofu, or cooked shrimp for a protein packed healthy meal. Instead of cabbage or kale, you may undoubtedly substitute either or both for your favorite greens or lettuce to the roll. Similarly, you can swap out any shredded veggies of your choice to suit your tastes. Do you occasionally enjoy a little heat in your meals? Try adding sriracha to the dipping sauce or minced fresh jalapeno peppers to the filling.

Storage

Although the summer rolls are best enjoyed within 4 hours of assembly, you may refrigerate the roll for up to 24 hours. Wrap the roll accordingly, covering it tightly in plastic wrap. Additionally, you may place a damp paper towel inside an airtight container with the summer roll to prevent the roll from drying out.