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California Roll Cucumber Salad Recipe

California Roll Cucumber Salad Recipe

4.9 from 8 reviews

The California Roll Cucumber Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish inspired by the flavors of the popular California sushi roll. Combining thinly sliced cucumbers, creamy avocado, and savory imitation crab meat with a tangy soy-sesame dressing, this salad offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes. Perfect as a light meal or side dish, it’s easy to prepare, gluten-free, and ideal for warm days or sushi lovers seeking a quick, no-roll alternative.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Protein

  • 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup imitation crab meat, shredded
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped

Dressing and Seasonings

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise (preferably Japanese Kewpie mayo)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for a spicy kick)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnishes

  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 sheet nori, thinly sliced into strips (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Cucumbers: Thinly slice the cucumbers and place them in a colander. Lightly salt the slices and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Afterward, gently pat them dry with paper towels to remove any remaining water.
  2. Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sriracha (if using) until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  3. Combine Crab and Avocado: Add the shredded imitation crab meat and diced avocado to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss to coat the ingredients evenly without mashing the avocado.
  4. Add Cucumbers and Green Onions: Fold in the prepared cucumbers and finely chopped green onions, stirring gently to combine all components without breaking the avocado pieces.
  5. Garnish and Season: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and thin nori strips over the salad. Adjust salt and pepper according to taste.
  6. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld and serve chilled for the best taste.

Notes

  • For a spicier version, increase the amount of sriracha or add a sprinkle of chili flakes.
  • Use Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise for an authentic flavor, but regular mayo works as a substitute.
  • Thinly slicing the cucumbers and salting them helps reduce excess water, keeping the salad from becoming soggy.
  • Omitting nori strips makes the salad simpler but including them adds an extra umami flavor and texture.
  • This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Nutrition

Keywords: California Roll Salad, Cucumber Salad, Imitation Crab Salad, Avocado Salad, Sushi Inspired Salad, Gluten Free Salad