Shrimp Summer Rolls with Zesty Passion Fruit Dipping Sauce

Light, refreshing, and bursting with tropical flavor, these shrimp summer rolls make a perfect meal or appetizer for any warm-weather occasion.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 28, 2025

Light, refreshing, and bursting with tropical flavor, these shrimp summer rolls make a perfect meal or appetizer for any warm-weather occasion.

Embrace the vibrant tastes and nourishing qualities of summer with shrimp summer rolls, dipped in a bright, tangy passion fruit sauce. This recipe draws inspiration from Southeast Asian cuisine and is a testament to how fresh produce and simple techniques can yield a dish that’s both beautiful and satisfying. Perfect for gatherings, light lunches, or a healthy dinner option, these rolls are as fun to assemble as they are to eat.

Why You’ll Love Shrimp Summer Rolls

Light and Refreshing: Crisp lettuces, herbs, and avocado wrapped in delicate rice paper.
Protein-Packed: Tender, succulent shrimp provide lean protein and texture.
Tropical Twist: The unique passion fruit dipping sauce is tangy, a little sweet, and intensely flavorful.
Customizable: Easily substitute or add your favorite veggies and herbs.
Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: Naturally accommodating to special diets.

What Are Summer Rolls?

Summer rolls—also called Vietnamese spring rolls or gỏi cuốn—are fresh, uncooked rolls typically made with rice paper, an assortment of vegetables, fresh herbs, and often protein like shrimp, tofu, or pork. Unlike fried spring rolls, summer rolls are light, fresh, and showcase their ingredients’ natural flavors and colors, making them visually enticing and nutritionally balanced.

Key Ingredients

To capture the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors, this recipe uses:

Shrimp: Choose large or extra-large shrimp, cooked, peeled, and sliced in half lengthwise for easy rolling and an attractive cross-section.
Rice Paper Wrappers: Thin, translucent rounds made from rice flour; found in Asian food aisles.
Fresh Herbs: A medley of mint and cilantro creates aromatic depth.
Avocado: Adds richness and creaminess to the filling.
Bibb or Butter Lettuce: Mild, pliable leaves keep fillings crisp and contained.
Optional Veggies: Sliced carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers for extra crunch and color.

For the Passion Fruit Dipping Sauce

Passion Fruit Pulp: Provides sweet-sour complexity; use fresh or defrosted frozen pulp.
Fish Sauce: Traditional Vietnamese umami seasoning adds salty depth.
Shallot: Finely minced for mild sharpness.
Bird’s Eye Chile or Serrano: Brings gentle heat; adjust amount to your spice preference.
Water: Lightens the sauce for dipping.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Shrimp Summer Rolls

These fresh rolls require some simple prep and assembly.

1. Prepare the Dipping Sauce

In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp passion fruit pulp, 2 tbsp fish sauce, 1 finely minced shallot, 1 thinly sliced chile, and 2 tbsp water. Whisk together and refrigerate until serving.
Tip: If fresh passion fruit is unavailable, frozen pulp can be used. Taste and adjust the level of sweetness, salt, and acidity as needed.

2. Set Up Rolling Station

Warm Water Bath: Fill a pie plate or wide bowl with warm water for softening the rice paper wrappers.
Cutting Board: Use a clean board or a plate to assemble rolls.
Prepare Fillings: Halve the shrimp, slice avocado, wash and dry herbs and lettuce.

3. Build the Rolls

Dip one rice paper wrapper in the warm water for 10–20 seconds, just until flexible but not translucent or overly soft.
Lay the wrapper flat on the cutting board.
Layer a few leaves of cilantro and mint, followed by avocado slices and about 6 shrimp halves (per roll).
Top with a bit more cilantro and mint, then add 2 lettuce leaves.
Fold in the sides of the wrapper, then roll from the bottom up, tucking tightly as you go to seal.
Repeat with remaining wrappers and filling ingredients.
If desired, slice each roll in half with a sharp knife for serving.

4. Serve

Arrange rolls on a platter, seam side down, and serve with the chilled passion fruit dipping sauce on the side.
Summer rolls are best served fresh, but can be covered with a damp paper towel and plastic wrap for up to 2 hours before serving.

Full Recipe at a Glance

Yield	Prep Time	Total Time	Level
8 rolls	30 min	35 min	Easy

Ingredients

1/2 cup passion fruit pulp (fresh or frozen, thawed)
2 tbsp fish sauce
1 small shallot, finely chopped
1 small fresh red chile, thinly sliced (Bird’s Eye or Serrano)
2 tbsp water
8-12 large shrimp, cooked, peeled, sliced in half lengthwise
8 rice paper wrappers
1 small bunch cilantro, leaves only
1 small bunch mint, leaves only
1 ripe avocado, sliced
16 Bibb lettuce leaves

Optional: julienned carrots, cucumber, bell pepper, or vermicelli noodles as desired for added crunch and bulk.

Instructions

Make the dipping sauce: In a small bowl, mix passion fruit pulp, fish sauce, shallot, chile, and water. Chill until ready to serve.
Soften rice papers: Dip each rice paper in warm water 10–20 seconds; lay flat on the board.
Layer filling: Start with herbs, add avocado and shrimp, then more herbs, and finish with lettuce.
Roll: Fold edges, then roll tightly, ensuring wrapper doesn’t rip.
Repeat with all ingredients. Cut rolls in half if desired.
Serve with sauce. Enjoy immediately.

Tips for Perfect Summer Rolls

Work Quickly: Rice paper becomes sticky if left too long; keep a damp towel nearby to prevent drying.
Don’t Overfill: This prevents tearing as you roll.
Use the Freshest Herbs: For the most aromatic and flavorful rolls.
Try Variations: Substitute shrimp with tofu or grilled chicken for a different spin, or include vermicelli noodles for a heartier bite.

Nutritional Information (per roll)

Calories	Fat	Saturated Fat	Protein	Carbohydrates	Fiber	Sugar	Sodium	Cholesterol
135	4.5g	0.5g	13g	12g	2g	1.5g (0g added)	287mg	86mg

Make-Ahead & Storage

Short-Term Storage: Cover assembled rolls with a damp paper towel and wrap in plastic. Store in the refrigerator up to 2–3 hours.
Dipping Sauce: Can be made 2 days ahead and refrigerated. Stir before serving.

Pairings & Serving Suggestions

Serve As: An appetizer, a light entree, or as part of a relaxed dinner menu.
Pair With:
- Red Wine Risotto with Mushrooms
- Roasted Mushrooms on Greens with Miso Dressing
- Saucy Chipotle Pork Tenderloin
- Smashed Sunchokes and Potatoes
Balance the Menu: Add a peanut or hoisin sauce for variety, and herbal iced teas for a refreshing drink.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use a different protein instead of shrimp?

A: Absolutely! Tofu, grilled chicken, or even thinly sliced beef can be substituted for shrimp.

Q: Are summer rolls gluten-free?

A: Yes, as long as rice paper wrappers and fillings are used, these rolls are gluten-free. Double-check condiments and sauces to ensure no gluten-containing ingredients.

Q: Can I make these ahead for a party?

A: Summer rolls are best fresh, but you can roll them a few hours ahead—keep them covered with a damp towel in the refrigerator. Assemble just before serving for best texture.

Q: What can I use if I can’t find passion fruit?

A: If passion fruit is unavailable, try mango, pineapple, or orange juice in the dipping sauce to echo the tropical tang.

Q: Are summer rolls healthy?

A: Yes, they are low in calories, high in protein, and packed with vitamins and fiber from fresh veggies and herbs.

Expert Tips for Flawless Summer Rolls

Cut ingredients to uniform size for easier rolling and even presentation.
Roll tightly, but gently to avoid tearing the rice paper. Practice makes perfect!
Add a touch of acid (lime juice or vinegar) to the sauce or the filling for extra sparkle.

Explore More Fresh Recipes

Shrimp Summer Rolls with Three Dipping Sauces
Vietnamese Spring Roll with Peanut Passion Fruit Sauce
Shrimp Spring Rolls with Chili Mango Dipping Sauce

Whether you’re looking for a healthy lunch, an impressive appetizer for gatherings, or a way to add more color to your meals, these shrimp summer rolls with passion fruit dipping sauce deliver on freshness, flavor, and fun. Enjoy experimenting with fillings and sauces—summer is on the plate, all year round!

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb