Cucumber Salad with Crab Meat Delight Recipe

Introduction

This refreshing cucumber salad with crab meat delight combines crisp, cool cucumber with tender imitation crab in a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s a simple, light dish perfect for warm days or as a delightful side.

Ingredients

• 1 Persian cucumber
• 1/2 tsp sea salt (fine grain preferred)
• 6 oz imitation crab sticks (flaked or shredded)
• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1.5 tbsp mayonnaise (I use Hellmann’s Mayonnaise)
• 1 pinch black pepper
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 pinch toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
• 1 green onion stalk (thinly sliced, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Julienne the Persian cucumber into thin strips and place them in a small bowl. Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp of fine sea salt, toss to coat evenly, and let sit for 5–10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Then gently squeeze the cucumber strips to remove excess water and set aside.
2. Step 2: Shred or slice the imitation crab sticks lengthwise to your preference. Set aside.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, combine 1.5 tbsp mayonnaise, 1/2 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well combined. Adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cucumber strips, shredded imitation crab meat, and the creamy dressing. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
5. Step 5: Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onion stalk. Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, add thinly sliced radishes or a handful of toasted almonds.
• Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing option.
• Use fresh crab meat instead of imitation crab for a more authentic flavor.
• Adjust the rice vinegar amount to make the salad more or less tangy to your taste.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because the cucumber releases moisture over time, this salad is best enjoyed fresh. If needed, give it a quick stir before serving and drain excess liquid.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cucumbers instead of Persian cucumbers?

Yes, you can substitute with English cucumbers or any seedless variety for a similar texture and mild flavor.

Is imitation crab meat the same as real crab?

Imitation crab is made from processed white fish and flavored to taste like crab. It’s a budget-friendly alternative, but if you prefer real crab, fresh or canned crab meat works well too.

Cucumber Salad with Crab Meat Delight Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 90 reviews

A refreshing and light Cucumber Salad with Crab Meat Delight featuring julienned cucumbers, delicate imitation crab meat, and a creamy, tangy dressing garnished with sesame seeds and green onion.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cucumber:

• 1 Persian cucumber
• 1/2 tsp sea salt (fine grain preferred)

For the Imitation Crab:

• 6 oz imitation crab sticks (flaked or shredded)

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 tsp sugar
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1.5 tbsp mayonnaise (Hellmann’s recommended)
• 1 pinch black pepper
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar

For the Garnish:

• 1 pinch toasted sesame seeds
• 1 green onion stalk (thinly sliced)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cucumber: Julienn the cucumber into thin strips and place in a small bowl. Sprinkle with 1/2 tsp sea salt and toss to coat evenly. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Then gently squeeze the cucumber strips to remove excess water and set aside.
2. Prepare the Imitation Crab Meat: Shred or slice the imitation crab meat sticks into fine pieces or lengthwise strips according to preference. Set aside until needed.
3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 tsp sugar, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1.5 tbsp mayonnaise, a pinch of black pepper, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well combined. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
4. Combine and Toss Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared cucumber strips, shredded or sliced imitation crab meat, and the creamy sauce. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onion on top as garnish. Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving for a cool, refreshing salad.

Notes

• Using a Persian cucumber is preferred due to its thin skin and fewer seeds, but you can substitute with English cucumber.
• Adjust the amount of mayonnaise to your preferred creaminess.
• Letting the cucumber sit with salt and then squeezing removes excess water to prevent a watery salad.
• This salad is best served fresh but can be chilled for up to 1 hour before serving.
• For extra flavor, add a dash of soy sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes if desired.

Keywords: cucumber salad, crab meat salad, imitation crab recipe, creamy cucumber salad, easy summer salad