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California Roll Cucumber Salad Recipe

5 from 54 reviews

This California Roll Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and light dish inspired by the flavors of a traditional California sushi roll. Combining thinly sliced cucumbers, shredded imitation crab meat, creamy avocado, and a tangy sesame-soy dressing, it’s an easy-to-make, no-cook salad perfect as a side dish or light lunch. The salad is garnished with toasted sesame seeds and nori strips for an authentic touch and a satisfying crunch.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup imitation crab meat, shredded
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 sheet nori, thinly sliced into strips (optional)

Dressing

  • 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)

Garnish and Seasoning

  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cucumbers: Thinly slice the cucumbers and place them in a colander. Lightly salt them and let sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Then, gently pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, mix the mayonnaise, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sriracha (if using) until smooth and well combined.
  3. Combine crab and avocado: Add the shredded imitation crab meat and diced avocado into the bowl with the dressing and gently toss to coat evenly without mashing the avocado.
  4. Add cucumbers and green onions: Add the prepared cucumbers and chopped green onions to the bowl, stirring gently to combine all ingredients carefully.
  5. Garnish and season: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and nori strips on top of the salad. Adjust salt and pepper as needed to taste.
  6. Chill and serve: Refrigerate the salad for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and achieve the best taste and texture.

Notes

  • Using Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise enhances the authentic flavor profile of the dressing but regular mayonnaise works fine as a substitute.
  • For a spicier kick, don’t hesitate to add sriracha to your taste preference or omit it for a milder salad.
  • Make sure to drain the cucumbers well to avoid excess water making the salad soggy.
  • Serve chilled for the best refreshing experience.
  • This salad is best eaten within one day of preparation to maintain freshness.

Keywords: California roll salad, cucumber salad, imitation crab salad, avocado salad, Japanese salad, no cook salad, light lunch, seafood salad