This Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad is a refreshing take on sushi ingredients, featuring crunchy cucumbers, creamy avocado, and sweet crab. Perfect for a light snack or side dish!
I love how quickly this salad comes together. Just chop, mix, and enjoy! It’s a great way to bring a taste of California to your kitchen without the fuss of rolling sushi! 🥒
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cucumbers: Use English cucumbers for their thin skin and fewer seeds, which makes them lovely in salads. If they’re not available, regular cucumbers work too. Just peel them to avoid any bitterness.
Imitation Crab Meat: You can substitute with canned crab if you prefer, or even use cooked shrimp for a different twist. For a vegetarian option, try using marinated tofu or chickpeas!
Avocado: Make sure your avocado is ripe — it should yield slightly when pressed. If you want a lower-fat alternative, you can skip it, but it does add creaminess!
Mayonnaise: I love using Japanese mayo for its rich flavor. If you’re avoiding eggs, look for vegan mayo, which has a similar creaminess.
Rice Vinegar: If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar can work as a substitute. Just be aware it has a stronger flavor, so use a bit less.
What’s the Best Way to Prepare the Cucumbers?
To get the cucumbers crunchy and fresh, it’s key to remove excess water. Here’s how:
- Start by slicing your cucumbers thinly. I recommend using a mandoline for even slices.
- Place the sliced cucumbers in a colander and sprinkle with a little salt. Let them sit for 10 minutes. This step makes them firmer and less watery.
- After 10 minutes, gently squeeze out any extra moisture before adding to your salad. This helps the salad stay crisp.
This technique really elevates your salad, keeping it fresh and delicious!
Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 cup imitation crab meat, shredded or chopped
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (preferably Japanese mayo like Kewpie)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
For Garnish:
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Optional: a few strips of nori (seaweed), cut into thin strips for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. If you choose to chill it in the fridge, plan for an additional 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld. Overall, you can have this on your table in half an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cucumbers:
Start by placing the thinly sliced cucumbers in a colander. Sprinkle them with a little salt and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This process helps to draw out any excess water, keeping your salad nice and crunchy. Afterward, gently squeeze the cucumbers to remove any extra moisture.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. This dressing adds a rich flavor to the salad!
3. Combine All Ingredients:
Now, add the drained cucumbers, shredded imitation crab meat, diced avocado, and sliced green onions to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated with that lovely dressing.
4. Add the Finishing Touches:
Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the salad and give it another light toss to mix them in. If you like, you can also garnish with a few strips of nori for that extra sushi flair.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Transfer the salad to a serving bowl. You can serve it right away, or for a refreshing twist, chill it in the refrigerator for an additional 15-20 minutes. This salad is great as a light snack or a side dish for any meal—enjoy!
FAQ for Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad
Can I Use Fresh Crab Instead of Imitation Crab?
Absolutely! Fresh crab meat can add a lovely flavor and texture to the salad. Just make sure it’s cooked and flaked before mixing it in. Adjust the amount to your preference!
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, the salad is best eaten fresh as the cucumbers and avocado can become mushy over time.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes, you can! Substitute the imitation crab with marinated tofu or chickpeas, and use vegan mayo to keep it plant-based. It’ll still be delicious!
What Can I Serve This Salad With?
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, seared fish, or as a refreshing side for any Asian-inspired meal. You can also enjoy it on its own for a light lunch!
