Fresh & Flavorful Apple & Shrimp Summer Rolls: A Healthy Delight with Cosmic Crisp Apples

Light, bright, and bursting with fresh flavors, these Apple and Shrimp Summer Rolls are incredibly simple to make and an absolute joy to eat. They’re thoughtfully designed to be SEO-friendly, making them perfect for those seeking healthy, delicious, and easy meal ideas. With our expert tips for assembly, you’ll master them in no time! Utilizing a naturally crisp and slow-to-brown apple variety, such as the incredible Cosmic Crisp, ensures these rolls can be prepared ahead of time or packed for lunch the next day without losing their vibrant appeal. Each roll is generously loaded with tender, succulent shrimp, a rainbow of crisp, colorful vegetables, and the delightful sweetness and crunch of fresh apple. Healthy eating has truly never been more fun or delicious! (Skip to recipe.)

A special thank you to Cosmic Crisp® Washington Apples for sponsoring this post. This partnership allows me to share this incredibly tasty recipe with you and highlight my new favorite fruit, not just for this dish, but for all my snacking, cooking, and baking adventures.

Finding Joy in Simple Pleasures and Wholesome Food

In moments when the world outside feels overwhelming and life seems to grow too vast, I often find solace in stepping back and reconnecting with the quiet rhythms of my own small world. This process of slowing down, reassessing, and grounding my soul in my immediate surroundings brings a profound sense of peace. It’s a time for cultivating gratitude and fostering positivity, a perfect opportunity to discover comfort in life’s simple, small pleasures. These aren’t just minor incidents; they are wonderful moments that often bring as much, if not more, joy than grand plans or major accomplishments.

I am deeply thankful for my country home, where I can gaze out my kitchen window directly into the tranquil forest. I cherish the opportunity to walk down the road to the pond with Pippa, breathing in the invigorating fresh air as she bounds ahead, eagerly sniffing every new bush and intriguing bump. My heart truly sings when I receive an unexpected phone call from one of my children, just to chat about their day, or a thoughtful text message from a friend checking in. A contented sigh escapes me as I settle into my large, comfortable red leather chair, sipping a warm cup of tea while leisurely leafing through a new cookbook, seeking inspiration for tonight’s dinner. I am immensely grateful for the abundant food in my fridge, freezer, and pantry, a constant reminder of life’s blessings. I often find myself chuckling with pure pleasure as I watch the comical antics of our quirky chickens and the proud strut of our rooster. Even the sight of snow swirling gracefully outside the window and the sound of the wind howling softly under the eaves bring a unique sense of warmth and coziness.

Among these cherished moments, I truly revel in the exquisite deliciousness of biting into the incredibly crisp and crunchy new apple variety I’ve recently discovered. I inhale deeply, savoring the sweet and spicy aroma of these same apples baking to perfection with butter, brown sugar, and a hint of rum. I take another slow sip of my tea, my gaze drifting out the window, and in these moments, the world outside doesn’t seem quite so chaotic anymore.

Introducing Cosmic Crisp® Washington Apples: The Ultimate Crunch

Allow me to introduce you to these extraordinary new apples that have captivated my palate: Cosmic Crisp® Washington State apples. “Boy, are they ever crisp!” is truly an understatement. They are magnificently crisp, wonderfully sweet, delightfully tangy, and bursting with complex flavor. As an added, highly practical bonus, they are naturally slow to brown, making them an unparalleled choice for everything from casual snacking to sophisticated cooking and baking. The Cosmic Crisp® apple was developed through classic breeding techniques (meaning it’s non-GMO, which is fantastic!) at Washington State University. It’s a superb cross between the ‘Enterprise’ and ‘Honeycrisp’ varieties, inheriting the best qualities of both. This sweet, impressively large, and exceptionally juicy apple boasts a remarkably firm and crisp texture, often surpassing other popular varieties in both crispness and sweetness. Without a doubt, it has become my new absolute favorite apple.

I’m thrilled to report that these exceptional apples are now widely available locally (I found them at our Superstore), so I’ve been happily stocking up. I’ve discovered that storing Cosmic Crisp apples in the refrigerator’s crisper drawer is ideal, as they maintain their remarkable freshness and crunch for an extended period. In an informal test, I left a cut apple on the counter overnight, and to my amazement, it didn’t brown at all! It remained just as crispy and delicious the very next day. This unique characteristic makes Cosmic Crisps an outstanding choice for fresh salads and raw dishes, like these vibrant Apple & Shrimp Summer Rolls. You can confidently prepare these rolls and store them in the fridge for several days; the Cosmic Crisps will retain every bit of their satisfying crunch, with not a single hint of browning to mar their beautiful appearance. I’ve even kept a cut apple in a baggie in the fridge for multiple days, and it consistently stayed bright, fresh, and perfectly crispy. What an incredible boon this would have been for packing apple wedges in school lunchboxes; I only wish I’d had them around when our children were in school! For another delightful way to enjoy these versatile apples, try them in this tasty and convenient breakfast: Swiss Muesli with Rose Cardamom Apple.

Cosmic Crisps: A Baker’s Dream Come True

Beyond their incredible raw appeal, the natural sweetness, firm texture, and remarkable resistance to browning make Cosmic Crisp apples a truly outstanding candidate for all your baking and cooking endeavors. I’ve successfully used them to create absolutely delicious baked apples, and they have become a staple for roasting as a simple yet elegant dessert (or even for a luxurious breakfast topping with yogurt). Cosmic Crisps require minimal, if any, added sugar, and they impressively maintain their beautiful shape throughout the cooking process.

Roasted Rum Apples

This quick and comforting recipe perfectly showcases the Cosmic Crisp’s baking prowess:

Peel 2 Cosmic Crisp apples, then cut them into quarters and carefully core each piece. Further cut each quarter into 4 robust chunks. Arrange these apple chunks in a single layer within a small baking dish. Sprinkle them evenly with 1 tablespoon of rich brown sugar, dot with 1 tablespoon of creamy butter, and drizzle generously with 2 tablespoons of spiced rum (I highly recommend a spiced black rum for depth of flavor) and ¼ cup (60ml) of water. Bake, uncovered, in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for approximately 1 hour, ensuring you stir them halfway through to promote even caramelization. Serve these delightful apples warm, perhaps with a delicate drizzle of heavy cream or a decadent scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of creamy yogurt. Yuuuuum!

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While those incredibly yummy, rum-infused apples are hard to forget, let’s gracefully return to the main event: the starring role of Cosmic Crisp apples in these truly delectable Apple & Shrimp Summer Rolls.

Crafting Perfect Apple & Shrimp Summer Rolls at Home

Whether you prefer to call them summer rolls, salad rolls, fresh spring rolls, or simply rice paper rolls, these incredibly fresh and vibrantly tasty wraps trace their origins to Vietnam but have rightfully earned widespread popularity around the globe. You’ve likely enjoyed them in your favorite Asian restaurants, but what you might not realize is just how remarkably easy they are to prepare right in your own kitchen. Before you begin, take a moment to carefully read through the directions and familiarize yourself with each step. Don’t be discouraged if your very first rolls aren’t absolutely perfect; with each one you craft, your technique will undoubtedly improve. And should you happen to make a few “duds,” I’ve included a clever trick to save them, ensuring they still look neat and are delightfully easy to eat. Once you’ve mastered the art of making these foundational summer rolls, you’ll be empowered to create all sorts of creative and delicious variations.

You can readily purchase the delicate rice paper wrappers and fine rice vermicelli noodles at most Asian grocery stores or larger supermarkets. The possibilities for fillings are truly endless, though traditional rolls typically feature a protein, rice noodles, an assortment of raw vegetables, and fresh greens or herbs. This particular combination of tender shrimp and wonderfully crunchy Cosmic Crisp® apples creates an especially fresh and vibrant flavor profile. The natural sweetness of the apples harmonizes beautifully with the sweet, succulent shrimp, and I particularly appreciate that there’s absolutely no concern about the apples browning, even if I prepare these rolls several hours in advance. Leftover rolls remain just as fresh and appealing when packed in a lunchbox the next day as they were when initially served, making them an ideal choice for healthy meal prep.

Easy Tips for Assembling Your Apple & Shrimp Summer Rolls Like a Pro

Achieving beautifully rolled summer rolls is easier than you think with these simple, effective tips. Preparation is key for a smooth assembly process:

• Prep All Fillings First: Ensure all your filling elements—shrimp, noodles, chopped vegetables, and sliced apples—are prepped and ready to go. This streamlines the rolling process and keeps your workstation organized.
• Meld Dipping Sauce Flavors: Stir together all the ingredients for your dipping sauce ahead of time. This allows the flavors to properly meld and deepen, enhancing the overall taste experience. A well-balanced sauce is crucial!
• Set Up Your Workstation: Designate a clean plate or cutting board as your primary rolling surface. Keep a wide, shallow bowl filled with room-temperature water nearby for dipping the rice paper wrappers. Alternatively, you can work near your sink and briefly wet the wrappers under a cool, gentle tap, ensuring they are evenly moistened.

Now, you’re perfectly ready to roll!

Step-by-Step Rolling Guide:

1. Moisten the Wrapper: Gently dip one rice paper wrapper into the water, ensuring both sides are fully moistened. The wrapper will still be partially stiff, but don’t worry—it will soften completely within a minute or two as you begin filling and rolling it. Lay the moistened wrapper flat onto your chosen work surface.
2. Layer the Foundation: Place a small, manageable amount of the soaked rice noodles (approximately a scant ¼ cup) in a neat rectangle across the bottom third of the wrapper. Aim for the noodle rectangle to be about 3½ to 4 inches (9 to 10 cm) wide, leaving space on the sides.
3. Add Creaminess: Lightly spread about 1 teaspoon of mayonnaise across the top of the noodles. This adds a lovely touch of richness and helps bind the other ingredients, adding a subtle flavor dimension.
4. Introduce Crunch: Next, add a small, even amount of the finely shredded cabbage, followed by a few strips of vibrant, julienned carrot. These layers provide essential texture and a burst of color.

5. Freshness and Fruit: Add a few delicate strips of refreshing cucumber on top of the cabbage layer. Then, add a small, generous handful of your crispy Cosmic Crisp apple sticks. The apple is the secret ingredient for an unexpected burst of flavor and texture.
6. Creamy Avocado: Top the apple sticks with 1 or 2 thin, creamy slices of ripe avocado. This adds a wonderful, smooth contrast.
7. Herbaceous Touch: Pinch off the tough stem of a fresh cilantro sprig. Select one perfectly shaped cilantro leaf and set it aside for later, as it will be used for presentation. Place the leafy top portion of the remaining cilantro sprig directly on top of the avocado.

8. Initial Roll: Carefully lift the front edge of the rice wrapper closest to you and gently pull it up and over the filling. At the same time, use your other fingers to tuck in any loose vegetables, creating a compact and tight start. Roll it once, just enough to snugly enclose the initial filling.
9. Add Presentation Elements: Pause your rolling momentarily. Take the previously reserved single, attractive cilantro leaf and place it onto the flap of wrapper directly in front of the partially rolled section. Then, carefully lay three shrimp halves (pink side down for optimal color display) in a neat row directly in front of the roll, ensuring the middle shrimp half is positioned precisely over the cilantro leaf you just placed. This strategic placement ensures they will be beautifully visible through the translucent wrapper.
10. Secure the Sides: Before completing the roll, fold in the sides of the rice paper wrapper over the ends of the filling. This creates a neat, sealed package that prevents ingredients from escaping.
11. Final Roll: Continue to roll up the summer roll firmly until the wrapper is completely enclosing all the ingredients, forming a tight, attractive package. The strategically placed cilantro leaf and shrimp will beautifully show through the final translucent layer, creating a stunning presentation for each of your salad rolls.

Important Tip for Perfection: If, during your assembly, your wrapper happens to tear or if the roll feels too loose and flimsy, don’t despair! There’s an easy fix! Simply moisten another rice paper wrapper. Allow it to soften for about 2 minutes, then take your imperfect roll and double wrap it, rolling it again in the second wrapper. This time, pull a bit more tightly as you roll to create a perfectly neat and secure summer roll. Don’t let a small hiccup prevent you from enjoying these delicious creations!

The result? Delicious, healthful, and incredibly pretty summer rolls that are a feast for both the eyes and the palate.

Now, let’s get dipping into that zesty sauce and experience the full symphony of flavors!

Prepare for an explosion of fresh flavors and a delightful medley of textures! You’ll experience the tender, succulent bite of shrimp perfectly complemented by the sweet, refreshing crunch of Cosmic Crisp apple. These sensations are beautifully balanced by the crispness and vibrant color of raw vegetables, the satisfying softness of the vermicelli noodles, and the unique, slightly chewy texture of the rice paper wrapper itself. To elevate this experience further, the zingy and subtly spicy light dipping sauce adds a vibrant punch that will make your taste buds sing with delight. This isn’t just healthy eating; it’s a culinary feast that’s not only visually stunning but also an absolute pleasure for your palate. You’re officially a summer roll pro now, ready to whip up these gorgeous, healthy delights for friends and family anytime. Happy rolling!

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Kitchen Frau Notes: To save valuable time, opt for precooked frozen large shrimp and thaw them efficiently. Simply place them in a bowl of cold water to thaw for about 20 minutes, then drain thoroughly. If you’re starting with raw shrimp, defrost them first, then quickly drop them into boiling water and cook for just 1 minute. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to cool rapidly, then drain completely. This quick cooling helps maintain their tender texture and prevents overcooking.

Apple & Shrimp Summer Rolls Recipe

Ingredients:

• 3 oz (90 g) dried rice vermicelli noodles (yields approximately 3 cups cooked, providing a soft texture)
• 12 to 24 circular rice paper wrappers (depending on desired thickness and any double-wrapping needed for perfection)
• 4 tablespoons good quality mayonnaise (for creaminess inside the rolls and a hint of richness)
• 1 cup finely shredded red or green cabbage (for crunch, volume, and vibrant color)
• 2 medium carrots, peeled (for sweetness, earthy flavor, and a beautiful orange hue)
• 1 four-inch (10cm) piece of English cucumber (for refreshing crispness and hydration)
• 1 large crisp, non-browning apple, such as the exceptional Cosmic Crisp (the star, offering sweet crunch and no browning)
• 1 ripe avocado (for creamy texture, healthy fats, and mild flavor)
• 12 sprigs of fresh cilantro (for aromatic freshness and a bright herbal note)
• 18 large cooked shrimp, shelled (for tender protein and a delightful pink color)

For the Zesty Dipping Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons natural evaporated cane sugar (for balanced sweetness that complements the tang)
• 2 tablespoons tamari soy sauce (or regular soy sauce, for umami and depth; use tamari for a gluten-free option)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (for bright acidity and a zesty lift)
• 2 tablespoons water (to thin the sauce to the perfect, dippable consistency)
• 1 teaspoon dried red chili flakes (adjust to taste for a touch of heat and visual appeal)

Instructions:

Prepare the Ingredients:

1. Cook Vermicelli: Set a medium saucepan filled with water on to boil. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, remove the saucepan from the heat. Submerge the dried rice vermicelli noodles completely into the hot water. Allow them to soak undisturbed for exactly 3 minutes, or according to package directions. Immediately drain the noodles in a colander and rinse them thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. Set the colander aside to drain completely while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
2. Prepare Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the dipping sauce: natural evaporated cane sugar, tamari soy sauce, fresh lime juice, water, and dried red chili flakes. Stir vigorously with a spoon or whisk until the sugar is fully dissolved and the ingredients are well combined. Set the sauce aside to allow the flavors to meld and deepen while you prepare the roll fillings.
3. Cut Carrots: For an appealing presentation and easy rolling, trim the peeled carrots into uniform 3½-4 inch (9-10 cm) lengths. Cut each length into thin ⅛-inch slices lengthwise, then further cut these slices lengthwise into delicate ⅛-inch matchsticks. Alternatively, for a quicker preparation, simply grate the carrots using a box grater, ensuring fine strands.
4. Cut Cucumber: Prepare the English cucumber in the same precise manner as the carrots, cutting it into thin, refreshing matchsticks. Avoid grating the cucumber, as it can release too much water and make the rolls soggy.
5. Prepare Apple: Leave the vibrant peel on your Cosmic Crisp apple for added color and nutrients. Carefully cut off the ‘cheeks’ (the fleshy sides) from the apple, leaving a square column around the core. Discard the core. Cut the apple flesh into uniform ¼-inch (0.5 cm) sticks lengthwise. The non-browning quality of Cosmic Crisp apples makes this step completely stress-free, even when prepping ahead.
6. Slice Avocado: Cut the ripe avocado in quarters lengthwise and carefully remove the pit. Strip the peel off each quarter, then slice the creamy flesh into thin lengthwise strips. This adds a luxurious, smooth texture to the rolls.
7. Prepare Shrimp: If using precooked shrimp, simply remove the tails. If using raw shrimp, first cook them as per the “Kitchen Frau Notes” above, then remove tails. Cut each large shrimp in half lengthwise to create two attractive ‘C’ curls. This ensures they lay flat and are easily visible through the wrapper.
8. Set Up Assembly Station: Arrange all your meticulously prepared ingredients neatly in separate bowls or piles on a large cutting board. This organized setup will make the rolling process much smoother and enjoyable. Have a wide, shallow bowl or flat pan filled with room-temperature water ready for dipping the rice paper wrappers.

Assemble the Apple Shrimp Summer Rolls:

Refer to the detailed step-by-step photos above if you’re new to making salad rolls. The key to success is to avoid overfilling your rolls, especially during your first few attempts. Use small amounts of each ingredient until you get a feel for how much filling allows you to achieve a neat, tight roll that holds its shape beautifully.

1. Wet Wrapper: Gently dip one rice paper wrapper into the prepared water, ensuring both sides are fully moistened. It should feel pliable but not overly soft yet. Lay the softened rice paper flat onto your cutting board or plate, positioned horizontally in front of you.
2. Noodle Base: Place a small amount of the drained rice vermicelli (about ¼ cup) into a neat rectangle approximately 3½ inches (9cm) wide. Position this rectangle crosswise on the rice paper, about ⅓ of the way from the bottom edge.
3. Mayonnaise Layer: Spread about 1 teaspoon of mayonnaise evenly across the top of the noodles. This doesn’t need to be perfectly spread, but it helps adhere the next layers and adds a subtle creaminess.
4. Vegetable Layers: Arrange a few strands of finely shredded cabbage, followed by 3 or 4 strips each of carrots and cucumbers, neatly on top of the noodles. Keep these layers fairly compact.
5. Apple and Avocado: Add a generous amount of the Cosmic Crisp apple sticks, trying to keep them in a relatively neat rectangle atop the other fillings. Then, carefully layer 1 or 2 thin slices of ripe avocado over the apples.
6. Cilantro Prep: Take a cilantro sprig. Pluck off one nicely shaped leaf and set it aside for the final decorative touch. Pinch off the tough stem from the remaining sprig and place the leafy top portion directly atop the avocado.
7. Initial Roll & Tuck: Lift the bottom edge of the moistened rice paper nearest you. Gently pull it up and over the filling. As you roll forward, use your fingers to carefully tuck in any loose filling ingredients, ensuring a compact and tight start to your roll. Roll it once, securing the initial filling tightly.
8. Add Shrimp & Decorative Cilantro: Pause your roll. Take the previously reserved single, attractive cilantro leaf and place it onto the rice paper directly in front of the partially rolled section. Then, carefully arrange 3 shrimp halves onto the rice paper in a neat row right in front of the roll, ensuring their vibrant pink sides are facing down (this makes them beautifully visible through the translucent wrapper). Position the middle shrimp half precisely over the decorative cilantro leaf.
9. Fold & Finish: Before completing the roll, fold in the sides of the rice paper wrapper over the ends of the filling. This creates a neat, sealed package, preventing ingredients from escaping. Continue to roll up the summer roll firmly until the wrapper completely encloses all the ingredients, forming a tight, attractive package. The strategically placed cilantro leaf and shrimp will beautifully show through the final translucent layer, creating a stunning presentation for each of your salad rolls.

Handy Tip for Imperfect Rolls: If, for any reason, your roll splits open, or if it feels too loose or appears untidy, don’t despair! You can easily double wrap it. Simply moisten another rice paper wrapper and allow it to soften for about 2 minutes. Then, take your less-than-perfect roll and re-roll it carefully within this second layer of rice paper, pulling a bit more firmly this time to create a perfectly neat and secure finished roll. This trick ensures every roll looks perfect for serving!

These exquisite summer rolls can be prepared several hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator. For optimal texture, remove them from the fridge about 20 minutes before serving, as the rice paper wrappers tend to firm up when chilled and are best enjoyed when softened slightly at room temperature. Thanks to the remarkable qualities of Cosmic Crisp apples, these rolls will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 2 days without any browning, making them perfect for healthy meal prep.

This recipe makes 12 delightful summer rolls and serves 4 as a light, refreshing meal or appetizer. Enjoy the wholesome freshness!

Guten Appetit!

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