This Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad is a fresh and crunchy dish made with cool cucumbers, sweet crab meat, and creamy avocado. It’s like sushi in salad form, perfect for warm days!
I love how quick this salad is to whip up! Just toss everything together, and you’ve got a tasty side dish or a light lunch. Plus, it’s a fun way to eat your veggies! 🥒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: For a crunchier texture, use English cucumbers. They have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, making them great for salads. If English cucumbers aren’t available, regular cucumbers work well too!
Imitation Crab Meat: This is the key flavor ingredient. If you’re looking for a seafood alternative, try using shredded cooked chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian option. It won’t taste exactly the same, but it’ll still be delicious!
Avocado: I recommend using a ripe avocado for its creaminess in this salad. If you don’t have an avocado or want to skip it, you could use a small amount of cream cheese instead for a similar texture.
Mayonnaise: Japanese mayo like Kewpie adds a nice umami flavor. If you want a lighter option, swap it for Greek yogurt; just note the flavor will change a bit—add a little sugar to balance it out!
How Do I Make the Dressing Perfectly Creamy?
Creating the dressing is essential for the flavor of this salad. To ensure it’s creamy and well-mixed, follow these steps:
- Start with room temperature mayonnaise to help it blend smoothly.
- In a small bowl, whisk the mayo with rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and any sweetener you choose. This will create a balanced flavor.
- Combine thoroughly until the mixture is creamy and well-blended. You can add a splash of water if the dressing is too thick.
Carefully toss the salad with your dressing to keep the crab and avocado intact. This way, everyone can enjoy that creamy deliciousness in every bite!
Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 cup imitation crab meat (surimi), chopped
- 1 ripe avocado, diced or mashed
- 2 green onions, sliced thinly
- 1 tbsp black sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise (preferably Japanese mayo like Kewpie)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp honey or sugar (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- Pinch of salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: a few drops of sriracha or chili flakes for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare. Just chop, mix, and chill! Allowing it to rest in the fridge for 10-15 minutes enhances the flavors, but you can enjoy it right away too!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Base
In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumbers and the chopped imitation crab meat. Make sure the cucumbers are evenly coated for the best flavor in every bite!
2. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and honey (if you’re using it). Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Keep whisking until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
3. Combine the Salad
Pour the dressing over the cucumber and crab mixture. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly without breaking the crab or avocado too much.
4. Add the Creamy Avocado
Carefully add the diced or mashed avocado to the salad. Fold it in gently so that it adds creaminess without becoming mushy.
5. Finish and Garnish
Sprinkle the sliced green onions and black sesame seeds over the top of the salad. Toss lightly to incorporate. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more soy sauce, salt, or a bit of heat if desired!
6. Chill and Serve
Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes to let all the flavors meld together. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish or a light lunch.
This salad captures the delicious flavors of a California roll with its fresh cucumbers, imitation crab, creamy avocado, and a zesty dressing. Enjoy a delightful and crunchy bite every time!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Fresh Crab Meat Instead of Imitation Crab?
Absolutely! If you prefer fresh crab meat, feel free to use it instead of imitation crab. Just keep in mind that fresh crab can have a richer flavor, so adjust the amount based on your taste preferences.
How Do I Keep the Avocado From Browning?
To keep the avocado fresh and prevent browning, try to prepare and add it just before serving. If you need to make the salad ahead of time, sprinkle a little lime juice over the diced avocado before gently folding it into the salad. This adds flavor and helps slow down the browning process!
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes! To make this salad vegan, substitute the imitation crab with a plant-based crab alternative or tofu. Also, replace the mayonnaise with vegan mayo. You can adjust seasonings to taste for a delicious vegan version!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you do have leftovers, be sure to give it a gentle stir before serving. Note that the avocado may brown slightly, but it will still taste good!
