California Roll Cucumber Salad: Fresh & Easy (Print Version)
Enjoy a fresh and easy California Roll Cucumber Salad. This light, deconstructed sushi-inspired dish is perfect for a quick meal or healthy side.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: Japanese
Dietary: Dairy-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Refreshing Salad Core
01 -
2 large English cucumbers (about 1 1/2 lbs), thinly sliced or julienned
→ California Roll Essentials
02 -
8 oz imitation crab meat, flaked or chopped
03 -
1 large ripe avocado, diced
04 -
1/2 sheet nori, thinly sliced or crumbled
→ Creamy Umami Dressing
05 -
1/2 cup Japanese mayonnaise (Kewpie preferred)
06 -
2 tbsp rice vinegar
07 -
1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
08 -
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
09 -
1 tsp granulated sugar
10 -
1/2 tsp sriracha (optional, for a touch of heat)
11 -
1/4 tsp garlic powder
12 -
Salt and black pepper to taste
→ Finishing Touches
13 -
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
14 -
2 tbsp sliced green onions, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Thinly slice or julienne the 2 large English cucumbers. Flake or chop the 8 oz imitation crab meat. Dice the 1 large ripe avocado. Thinly slice or crumble the 1/2 sheet nori, setting it aside for later.
02 -
In a medium bowl, whisk together the 1/2 cup Japanese mayonnaise, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce, 1 tsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tsp granulated sugar, 1/2 tsp sriracha (if using), and 1/4 tsp garlic powder. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
03 -
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the prepared 2 large English cucumbers, 8 oz imitation crab meat, and 1 large ripe avocado. This forms the delicious core of your California Roll Cucumber Salad: Fresh & Easy Recipe.
04 -
Pour the creamy umami dressing over the cucumber, crab, and avocado mixture. Gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated. Ensure every bite of this California Roll Cucumber Salad: Fresh & Easy Recipe is bursting with flavor.
05 -
Fold in the reserved 1/2 sheet nori (sliced or crumbled) into the salad. Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and garnish the top with 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds and 2 tbsp sliced green onions.
06 -
For optimal flavor, cover and chill the California Roll Cucumber Salad: Fresh & Easy Recipe in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the refreshing taste.
# Notes:
01 -
Using Kewpie mayonnaise is highly recommended for its richer, tangier flavor, which is key to an authentic California roll taste.
02 -
For extra crispness, you can lightly salt the cucumber slices for 10 minutes, then pat dry before mixing, though it's not essential for this quick recipe.
03 -
This salad is best enjoyed fresh. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day, though avocado may brown slightly.
04 -
Serve this refreshing salad as a light lunch, a vibrant side dish to grilled fish or chicken, or as an elegant appetizer.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large mixing bowl
02 -
Small whisk
03 -
Sharp knife
04 -
Cutting board
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 390 kcal
Total Fat: 31 g
Total Carbohydrate: 22 g
Protein: 8 g