Catbus Cucumber Salad Rolls

Serves 4 · 40 min prep · 6 min cook

Ingredients

• 12 rice paper wrappers
• 2 large English cucumber
• 4 oz rice vermicelli noodles
• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves
• 8 butter lettuce leaves
• 1 large carrot
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 firm avocado
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
• 3 tbsp warm water
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp maple syrup
• 1 tsp grated fresh ginger

Instructions

1. 1Soak the rice vermicelli in just-boiled water for 5 to 6 minutes until soft and springy; drain, rinse under cool water, and snip into shorter lengths with kitchen scissors.
2. 2Peel the cucumbers into long thin ribbons with a peeler, stopping when you reach the seedy core; pat the ribbons dry so they will not waterlog the rolls.
3. 3Julienne the carrot and red bell pepper into matchsticks. Slice the avocado thinly and drizzle at once with a little lime juice to keep it bright.
4. 4Whisk peanut butter with warm water, soy sauce, maple syrup, grated ginger, and remaining lime juice until a silky dipping sauce forms; set aside in small cups.
5. 5Fill a wide shallow dish with warm water. Dip one rice paper wrapper for 8 to 10 seconds until pliable but still slightly firm—it will soften further as you work.
6. 6Lay the wrapper flat on a clean board. Across the lower third place a butter lettuce leaf, a small bundle of noodles, cucumber ribbons, carrot, pepper, avocado, mint, and cilantro.
7. 7Fold the bottom edge up over the filling, tuck in both sides like a cozy blanket, then roll upward firmly but gently into a neat cylinder; the wrapper should feel smooth and sealed.
8. 8Repeat with remaining wrappers, keeping finished rolls under a slightly damp clean towel so they stay soft and do not stick together.
9. 9Arrange three rolls per plate or lunch box, sprinkle lightly with toasted sesame seeds for a freckled Catbus look, and nestle a cup of peanut sauce beside them.
10. 10Serve cool and fresh the same day; these light rolls travel well for a picnic lunch and taste like a quiet ride through a cucumber garden.