This Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad is fresh and crunchy! It mixes sliced cucumbers, creamy avocado, and sweet crab meat for a taste of sunny California.
This salad is perfect as a side dish or a light snack. I love how quick it is to whip up — just chop, mix, and enjoy. It’s like having sushi in a bowl! 🍣😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: For the best crunch, use English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers. They have thinner skins and fewer seeds. If you’re in a pinch, regular cucumbers work too, just peel them for a better texture.
Imitation Crab Meat: This gives you that seafood flavor while keeping it convenient. If you prefer real crab, go for cooked lump crab meat. For a vegetarian option, try using shredded carrots or cooked chickpeas for texture.
Avocado: Choose a ripe avocado for creaminess. If you’re planning to serve later and worried about browning, you can use diced mango or leave the avocado out until serving.
Mayonnaise: Japanese mayo like Kewpie is silky and richer. If you’re looking for a lighter option, regular mayo works perfectly. Vegan mayonnaise is a great substitute if you’re avoiding eggs.
How Can I Make Sure My Dressing is Just Right?
Getting the dressing balanced is key to a delicious salad! Here’s how to make sure it sings:
- Start with the mayo and add rice vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and sugar. This combination gives a nice balance of creaminess, tang, umami, and a touch of sweetness.
- Whisk everything together until smooth. Taste as you go! You can add a bit more rice vinegar for tang or sugar for sweetness, depending on your preference.
- Make sure to coat your salad gently. This keeps the avocado intact, ensuring that every bite is creamy.
Chilling the salad is crucial too. It allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, giving you a refreshing and bright dish!
Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 cup imitation crab meat, shredded or chopped
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (preferably Japanese mayo like Kewpie)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Optional: nori strips for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare and another 15-20 minutes to chill in the fridge. So, you can have a tasty dish ready in around 30-35 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
Start by slicing the cucumbers into thin rounds and place them in a large mixing bowl. Next, add the shredded imitation crab meat and the diced avocado. This mix will provide a lovely crunch and creaminess!
2. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, rice vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and sugar until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. This dressing will bring everything together with great flavor!
3. Combine and Toss:
Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and gently toss everything until the cucumbers and crab are evenly coated, taking care not to mash the avocado. You want those delicious flavors to blend without ruining the texture!
4. Get It Ready for Serving:
Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions over the top of the salad. If you want to give your salad an authentic touch, add some thin strips of nori at this stage.
5. Chill Before Serving:
It’s time to let it chill! Cover the salad with plastic wrap or transfer it to a covered container and place it in the refrigerator for at least 15-20 minutes. This helps the flavors meld and keeps the salad refreshing and crisp.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once chilled, give the salad a quick toss and serve it cold. Enjoy this fresh and vibrant salad inspired by the flavors of a California roll — it’s perfect as a side dish or a light meal!
FAQ for Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad
Can I Use Fresh Crab Instead of Imitation Crab?
Absolutely! Fresh or lump crab meat can be used for a more authentic flavor. Just make sure it’s cooked and shredded before adding it to the salad.
How Do I Keep Avocado from Browning?
To keep avocado fresh, you can add it last just before serving. A little squeeze of lemon juice can also help slow down browning if you need to prepare it in advance.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the salad (without the avocado) and the dressing a few hours in advance. Just combine them right before serving to ensure the cucumbers stay crisp and the avocado remains fresh.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, note that the texture may change slightly, especially the avocado, so it’s best enjoyed fresh!
