Spring rolls often call to mind delicate rice wrappers stuffed with bright veggies and a sweet peanut dip. But if you’re aiming to lower carbs, standard wrappers and sugary sauces can cause a detour in your health goals. Determined to keep the fresh crunch and sweet peanut sauce, I experimented with alternatives like lettuce leaves or low-carb wraps. Below, you’ll discover how to roll up crisp vegetables and optional protein in a keto friendly “wrapper,” alongside a lighter peanut sauce that preserves the classic taste with fewer sugars. Enjoy these as an appetizer, lunch, or nutritious snack that you can confidently include in a low-carb routine.

Prep Time, Serving Info, Approximate Calories

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Assembly Time: 10 minutes
Calories: ~120 per roll (depends on fillings and sauce)
Servings: ~6-8 rolls

(Calorie estimate is based on lettuce or similar low-carb wraps, minimal sweetener, and moderate peanut butter in the sauce.)

Step-by-Step: Building Crisp, Flavorful Rolls Without the Carbs

1. Pick Your Wrapper

Traditional rice paper wraps add carbs, so try:

Lettuce leaves (like butter lettuce or romaine) for a soft fold.
Collard green leaves blanched briefly in hot water to make them pliable.
Keto friendly tortillas or coconut wraps (if you’re okay with a bit more net carbs).

If you use collard greens, slice off the thick stem at the base, and quickly dip the leaf in simmering water for 15–20 seconds to soften. Pat them dry.

Potential Pitfall: Wrapper tearing if it’s stiff.
Active Fix: Blanch or slightly warm them to make them more flexible.

2. Chop Fresh Veggie Fillings

Choose crunchy, vibrant vegetables, such as:

Cucumber sticks (seeded if watery)
Carrot matchsticks (lower sugar variety or a small portion if you track carbs strictly)
Bell pepper strips in bright colors
Shredded cabbage or bean sprouts for extra texture

Slice them into thin strips. If you like herbs, gather fresh cilantro or basil leaves. Keep your veggies in neat piles for quick assembly.

Potential Pitfall: Excess moisture from veggies leading to soggy wraps.
Active Fix: Pat sliced veggies dry with paper towels before rolling.

3. Optional Protein

If you want more substance, pick a lean or keto friendly protein:

Cooked shrimp halved lengthwise
Thinly sliced chicken breast (grilled or poached)
Firm tofu (pressed and sautéed)

Season lightly with salt, pepper, or a dash of soy sauce (low sodium) if desired. Let any cooked protein cool fully before adding to the rolls, so it doesn’t wilt your greens.

Potential Pitfall: Bland protein that doesn’t elevate the flavor.
Active Fix: Marinate or season your protein for a short while with ginger, garlic, or a drizzle of sesame oil.

4. Roll It Up

On a clean surface, lay out your wrap (lettuce leaf or collard green) with the smooth side facing down. Near the center, stack a small handful of veggies, a few protein pieces, and optional fresh herbs. Fold the bottom edge up, tuck in the sides, and roll tightly upward similar to a burrito. If it’s a lettuce leaf, you might need two leaves overlapped for sturdiness. Secure each roll with a toothpick if it unravels.

Potential Pitfall: Fillings spilling out if the roll is overstuffed.
Active Fix: Use fewer fillings and wrap snugly, pressing gently as you roll.

5. Create a Low-Carb Peanut Sauce

In a small bowl, combine:

2 tablespoons of peanut butter (natural, no sugar added)
1 tablespoon of coconut aminos or low-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon of lime juice (adds tang)
1 teaspoon of a keto friendly sweetener (like monk fruit or erythritol)
½ teaspoon of grated ginger or garlic (optional)
A dash of hot sauce if you like heat

Whisk in 1-2 tablespoons of water to reach your preferred consistency. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit more water.

Potential Pitfall: Sauce thickening up if peanut butter is dense.
Active Fix: Add water one teaspoon at a time, whisking until smooth.

6. Taste and Adjust

Sample the sauce. If you want extra sweetness, add a pinch more sweetener. If it needs salt, stir in a few drops of fish sauce or more coconut aminos. The goal is a balanced sweet savory profile that complements the fresh veggies.

Potential Pitfall: Over salty sauce if coconut aminos or soy sauce is too concentrated.
Active Fix: Thin with water or lime juice if you overshoot.

7. Plate and Garnish

Arrange the finished rolls on a platter. You can cut them in half for a pretty cross section if they hold together well. Place a small bowl of peanut sauce in the center for dipping. If you want extra flair, top with sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, or more fresh herbs.

Potential Pitfall: Rolls unraveling once sliced.
Active Fix: Tuck the ends firmly, and slice carefully with a sharp knife.

8. Serve Immediately or Chill Briefly

These rolls taste best fresh, while the lettuce or collard leaves remain crisp. If you need to hold them for an hour or two, store them in the fridge, covered with a slightly damp paper towel to prevent drying out. The peanut sauce keeps in a sealed container in the fridge for up to two days, just stir before using.

Potential Pitfall: Wilting greens if stored too long.
Active Fix: Prepare them as close to serving time as possible, or keep components separate until mealtime.

Nutrition Facts

One roll (with minimal protein) plus a small portion of peanut sauce might contain:

Calories: ~120–130
Fat: ~8-9g (from peanut butter and minimal oil)
Carbs: ~5-6g net
Fiber: ~2-3g (depending on veggie choice)
Protein: ~5-6g

Using lower-carb wrappers, minimal sweeteners, and plenty of vegetables keeps these fresh yet satisfying.

Tips for Maximum Freshness and Storage

Enjoy them promptly for the best crunch. If you make extras, separate the sauce to preserve texture. Wrap each roll in plastic wrap or parchment paper to avoid sticking. They remain decent for up to 2 days in the fridge, but the greens may soften. If they look wilted, a quick rinse in cold water can perk them up slightly before drying again.

Meal Prep Variation: Store cut veggies and protein in containers. Roll them just before eating so you get the crispest bite.

A Personal Take on Flavor Additions

I love adding a thin slice of avocado inside each roll for creaminess. If you crave a stronger punch, toss a few fresh chili slices or extra jalapeño bits. Another route is to sprinkle chopped peanuts or toasted sesame seeds on top of the peanut sauce for texture. If you want a sweeter side note, slip a slice or two of fresh mango or a little grated carrot into the roll, just keep an eye on carbs.

Pairing Suggestions with Other Recipes

These refreshing spring rolls pair beautifully with a light soup (like a veggie broth or miso soup), or serve them as an appetizer before a main dish like our Keto Jalapeño Popper Bites for a spicy theme. A crisp, sugar free iced tea or even an Iced Chai Latte from Easy Gym Recipes can provide a cooling companion. If you’d like a dessert afterward, try a small serving of 3 Ingredient Low-Carb Coconut Cups to stay on your low-carb path.

Meal Planner Note: Check out our downloadable meal planners if you want to incorporate these rolls in a weekly menu. You can easily scale up or down depending on lunch or snack needs.

Pin This Recipe for Later

Want a bright, veggie filled snack or appetizer that fits your low-carb goals? Pin these Low Carb Keto Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce and label: “Crisp lettuce wraps, tangy dip, no guilt!” so you’ll have quick access whenever you want an easy, fresh meal or side dish.