Refreshing California Roll Cucumber Salad Recipe for Summer

Freshly chopped cucumbers dance with creamy California roll ingredients in a vibrant salad that brings ocean-inspired flavors to your plate.

This delightful cucumber salad captures the essence of sushi-inspired cuisine without the need for rolling.

Each crisp bite blends the classic California roll elements into a refreshing dish.

Imitation crab, ripe avocado, and cool cucumber create a perfect summer meal.

The light sesame-soy dressing adds a tangy kick that elevates every forkful.

Packed with texture and taste, this salad offers a quick, delicious alternative to traditional sushi rolls.

You’ll love how simple yet impressive this recipe can be for a quick lunch or casual gathering.

Reasons To Love California Roll Cucumber Salad

• Craft a Stunning Dessert: Create an impressive Easter treat that looks professionally made, transforming simple ingredients into a show-stopping centerpiece that will amaze family and friends.
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• Festive Family Fun: Involve kids in decorating the chocolate eggs with sprinkles, mini eggs, and creative toppings, turning dessert preparation into a delightful bonding activity for all ages.

Ingredients For California Roll Cucumber Salad

• Cucumbers: Fresh and crisp vegetable that provides a light and refreshing base for the salad.
• Imitation Crab: Seafood-style protein that mimics the flavor and texture of crab meat.
• Avocado: Creamy ingredient that adds richness and smooth texture to the salad.
• Sushi Rice: Sticky and seasoned rice that adds authentic sushi flavor and substance.

• Rice Vinegar, Soy Sauce, Mayonnaise, Sesame Oil, Sugar, Sriracha: Combination of tangy, sweet, and spicy condiments that create a dynamic and flavorful dressing.

• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions, Nori Strips: Crunchy and aromatic toppings that enhance the visual appeal and add layers of texture and umami flavor to the salad.

Step-By-Step Guide To California Roll Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Slice and Prep Vegetables

Use a sharp knife to thinly slice cucumbers into delicate half-moons. Transfer the cucumber slices into a spacious mixing bowl.

Carefully dice ripe avocado into small, bite-sized cubes. Break imitation crab meat into tender, flaky pieces.

Step 2: Add Rice Base

If desired, fold in warm sushi rice to create a heartier texture. Gently mix the rice with cucumber, avocado, and crab to distribute ingredients evenly.

Step 3: Whip Up Zesty Dressing

• Rice vinegar
• Soy sauce
• Mayonnaise
• Sesame oil
• Granulated sugar
• Sriracha sauce

Whisk ingredients together until smooth and well-blended.

Step 4: Combine and Coat

Pour the vibrant dressing over the salad mixture.

Use a soft spatula to carefully toss ingredients, ensuring every piece gets coated with the flavorful sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Finish

• Toasted sesame seeds
• Finely chopped green onions
• Crispy nori strips

For an extra burst of flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before serving.

Helpful Tips To Perfect California Roll Cucumber Salad

• Use a sharp mandoline or knife to create uniform, thin cucumber slices for the perfect texture and even dressing coverage.
• Day-old or cold rice works best to prevent mushiness and maintain a firm, separate grain structure in the salad.
• Replace imitation crab with cooked shredded crab meat, tofu, or grilled chicken for a personalized protein option.
• Adjust sriracha amount to match your heat tolerance, starting with a small quantity and gradually increasing for balanced flavor.
• Letting the salad rest in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes allows ingredients to marinate and intensifies the taste profile.

Creative Twists To Try On California Roll Cucumber Salad

• Keto-Friendly Version: Replace rice with cauliflower rice, use low-carb mayo, and omit sugar for a low-carb alternative.
• Vegan Cucumber Roll Salad: Substitute imitation crab with marinated tofu, use vegan mayo, and add extra sesame seeds for protein.
• Spicy Tuna Swap: Replace imitation crab with diced raw sushi-grade tuna, increase sriracha for extra heat, and add cucumber for crunch.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Option: Switch rice vinegar for lemon juice, add diced cucumber, replace mayo with Greek yogurt, and sprinkle with za'atar spice blend.

What Food to Pair With California Roll Cucumber Salad

• Sip Sake Smoothly: Crisp, chilled sake perfectly complements the California roll cucumber salad's delicate seafood and creamy textures, enhancing each refreshing bite.
• Pair Green Tea Gently: Light, slightly grassy Japanese green tea balances the salad's rich mayo dressing and cuts through the richness of avocado and imitation crab.
• Crunch with Wasabi Peas: Spicy, crispy wasabi peas add a delightful textural contrast and zesty kick that elevates the cool, smooth salad elements.
• Match Dry Riesling Perfectly: A chilled dry Riesling's bright acidity and subtle sweetness harmonizes with the salad's tangy dressing and delicate seafood notes.

Storage Tricks for This Salad

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the salad cool and crisp by placing a paper towel on top to absorb excess moisture.
• Not recommended due to the delicate texture of cucumbers and avocado. These ingredients become watery and lose their crunch when frozen.
• Enjoy cold straight from the refrigerator. If desired, let the salad sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to take the chill off before serving.
• Drain any excess liquid before storing to maintain the salad's fresh texture and prevent sogginess.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in this California Roll Cucumber Salad?

The main ingredients are thinly sliced cucumbers, imitation crab meat, avocado, sushi rice, rice vinegar, soy sauce, mayonnaise, sesame oil, sugar, sriracha, sesame seeds, green onions, and nori strips.

• Is this salad healthy?

Yes, it’s relatively healthy. Cucumbers are low in calories, avocados provide good fats, and the salad includes protein from imitation crab. The dressing is light and flavorful without being too heavy.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the ingredients and dressing separately in advance, but it’s best to mix them just before serving to keep the cucumbers crisp and prevent the salad from becoming watery.

Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

California roll cucumber salad brings sushi-inspired flavors to a refreshing side dish without traditional rice. Crisp cucumber, creamy avocado, and zesty sesame dressing create a light, delightful companion for grilled meats or as a standalone lunch.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 large cucumbers, sliced thin
• 1/2 cup imitation crab, shredded (or real crab)
• 1 avocado, diced

Rice and Garnish Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked sushi rice (optional, for a heartier salad)
• 1/2 sheet nori (seaweed), cut into thin strips (optional)

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (white or black)
• 1 tablespoon green onions, chopped

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Instructions

1. Thinly slice cucumbers and transfer to a mixing vessel, creating a crisp base for the salad.
2. Incorporate shredded imitation crab meat, diced avocado, and optional sushi rice into the cucumber foundation.
3. Craft a vibrant dressing by vigorously blending rice vinegar, soy sauce, mayonnaise, sesame oil, granulated sugar, and a touch of sriracha in a compact container.
4. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad components, using a gentle folding technique to ensure even coating without bruising delicate ingredients.
5. Elevate the presentation by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds, finely chopped green onions, and delicate nori strips across the surface.
6. For optimal taste experience, serve immediately at room temperature or refrigerate for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld and intensify.

Notes

• Slice cucumbers super thin using a mandoline or sharp knife for the best texture and even marination.
• Rinse cooked rice under cold water to prevent clumping and create a light, fluffy base for the salad.
• Substitute mayo with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo to accommodate dietary preferences and reduce calories.
• Let the salad rest briefly before serving to allow flavors to meld and develop a more complex taste profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 250 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg