Description
A refreshing and light California Roll Cucumber Salad that combines the crispness of cucumbers with the savory flavors of imitation crab, creamy avocado, and a tangy sesame dressing. Perfect as a no-cook lunch or easy summer side dish, this Japanese-inspired salad is quick to prepare and packed with vibrant textures and tastes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad:
- 2 cups cucumber, thinly sliced (English or Persian)
- 1/2 cup imitation crab, shredded
- 1/2 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup cooked and cooled sushi rice (optional)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions, for garnish
- Nori strips, for garnish
Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional, for creamy version)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare Cucumbers: In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumbers with a pinch of salt and let them sit for 5–10 minutes to release excess moisture. Afterward, pat the cucumbers dry using paper towels to remove any liquid.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, grated fresh ginger, and mayonnaise if using. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, add the drained cucumbers, shredded imitation crab, diced avocado, and cooked sushi rice if using. Pour the prepared dressing over these ingredients.
- Toss Salad: Gently toss all the ingredients together to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing without mashing the avocado.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the salad with sesame seeds and garnish with sliced green onions and nori strips. Serve immediately or chill for up to 30 minutes before serving for a cooler, more refreshing taste.
Notes
- For a spicier twist, add a squeeze of sriracha or wasabi to the dressing.
- You can swap imitation crab for real lump crab or cooked shrimp if preferred.
- Using English or Persian cucumbers helps keep the salad crisp and less watery.
- Mayonnaise is optional; omit for a lighter, non-creamy dressing.
- Chilling the salad for up to 30 minutes enhances the flavors but avoid longer to keep cucumbers crisp.
