Description
A refreshing and healthy Fresh Cucumber California Roll Salad that combines diced cucumbers, imitation crab meat, and creamy avocado tossed in a flavorful Japanese mayo-based dressing with sesame and soy. This easy no-cook salad captures the taste of California rolls in a light, chilled bowl perfect for a quick lunch or a vibrant side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups Cucumbers (diced and seeds removed)
- 8 oz Imitation Crab Meat (can substitute with shrimp, tuna, or chicken)
- 1 medium Avocado (tossed with lime juice to prevent browning)
- n/a Nori Seaweed (can omit for simpler presentation)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (Japanese mayo recommended)
- 2 tbsp Rice Vinegar (can substitute with white vinegar)
- 1 tbsp Sesame Oil (can swap with vegetable or canola oil)
- 2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp Lime Juice (use for added citrus flavor)
- 2 tbsp Sesame Seeds (toasted for added crunch)
Instructions
- Prepare the cucumbers: Dice the cucumbers into small, bite-sized pieces and carefully remove the seeds to ensure a crisp texture without excess moisture.
- Flake the crab meat: Gently flake the imitation crab meat into small pieces to distribute flavors evenly throughout the salad.
- Prepare the avocado: Dice the avocado and toss it immediately with lime juice to prevent browning and add a fresh citrus note.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, sriracha, and lime juice until smooth and well combined for a creamy, tangy dressing.
- Combine the salad: In a large bowl, gently combine the diced cucumbers, flaked crab meat, and diced avocado to keep the ingredients intact and fresh.
- Add the dressing: Pour the freshly prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly without mashing the avocado.
- Finish with toppings: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and, if using, thinly sliced nori strips over the salad to add crunch and an authentic flavor touch.
- Chill and serve: Enjoy the salad immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
Notes
- Substitute imitation crab with shrimp, tuna, or chicken for protein variety.
- Use Japanese mayonnaise for authentic flavor, but regular mayo works as well.
- To prevent avocado browning, toss immediately with lime juice.
- Adjust Sriracha to taste depending on desired spice level.
- Omitting nori seaweed will make the salad simpler but still flavorful.
- Chilling the salad enhances flavor melding but can be served immediately for crunchier texture.
