California Roll Cucumber Salad Recipe
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.
- Author: Tara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
- Diet: Halal
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Add cucumbers and green onions: Add the prepared cucumbers and chopped green onions to the bowl, stirring gently to combine all ingredients carefully.
- Garnish and season: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and nori strips on top of the salad. Adjust salt and pepper as needed to taste.
- 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