Description
A refreshing and easy-to-make California Roll Cucumber Salad that combines crisp cucumbers, creamy avocado, tender imitation crab, and flavorful sushi rice, all tossed in a tangy, mildly spicy dressing inspired by classic sushi ingredients. Perfect as a light lunch or a side dish with a burst of fresh and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cucumber (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup imitation crab meat (shredded or chopped)
- 1 ripe avocado (diced)
- 1/2 cup cooked sushi rice (optional, for texture)
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons green onions (sliced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables and Crab: In a large bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumbers, shredded or chopped imitation crab meat, diced avocado, and cooked sushi rice if using. Mix these ingredients gently to avoid mashing the avocado.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sriracha (if using) until the dressing is smooth and well combined, balancing creaminess with tang and a hint of spice.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly without breaking apart the delicate avocado.
- Add Garnishes: Sprinkle the salad with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for added texture and flavor. Season with salt and pepper to your taste preferences.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately for a fresh, crisp flavor or chill it in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to enhance the flavors and allow the dressing to meld with the ingredients.
Notes
- Use English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers for the best texture and minimal seeds to avoid excess moisture.
- For a low-carb version, omit the sushi rice entirely without sacrificing much texture.
- Substitute imitation crab with real crab or cooked shrimp for a more luxurious and authentic seafood flavor.
- Add a sheet of chopped nori to the salad for an extra layer of traditional sushi taste.
