Description
A refreshing and healthy Fresh Cucumber California Roll Salad that combines crisp cucumbers, creamy avocado, and savory imitation crab meat with a tangy, spicy dressing inspired by classic California roll flavors. Perfect as a light lunch or appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups Cucumbers, diced and seeds removed
- 8 oz Imitation Crab Meat, flaked (can substitute with shrimp, tuna, or chicken)
- 1 medium Avocado, diced and tossed with lime juice to prevent browning
Dressing
- 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 (for added citrus flavor)
Toppings
- 2 tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- Nori Seaweed strips (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Cucumbers: Dice the cucumbers into small bite-sized pieces and carefully remove the seeds to keep the salad crisp and fresh.
- Flake Crab Meat: Gently flake the imitation crab meat into small delicate pieces to evenly distribute throughout the salad.
- Prepare Avocado: Dice the avocado and immediately toss with lime juice to prevent browning, maintaining its bright green color.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, Sriracha, and lime juice until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the diced cucumbers, flaked crab meat, and diced avocado ensuring all ingredients remain intact and fresh.
- Add Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat evenly without bruising the avocado or cucumber.
- Garnish: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and, if using, nori seaweed strips on top of the salad for added texture and flavor.
- Serve: Enjoy the salad immediately for the freshest taste, or chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- To prevent avocado from browning, toss it immediately with lime juice after dicing.
- You can substitute imitation crab meat with shrimp, tuna, or cooked chicken as preferred.
- For less spice, reduce or omit the Sriracha in the dressing.
- To toast sesame seeds, dry roast them in a skillet over medium heat until golden and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Omitting nori strips still yields a delicious salad, perfect for simpler presentation.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.
