Love sushi but don’t want the hassle of rolling it? Try this California Roll Cucumber Salad! It has all the flavors of a classic California roll—crunchy cucumber, creamy avocado, and tasty imitation crab—without the extra work. The dressing is light and refreshing, bringing a perfect balance of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. This salad is quick to make, healthy, and perfect for any time of the day. Whether as a snack, side dish, or light meal, it’s a fresh and satisfying option!
Benefits of This Recipe
- No cooking needed – Just chop, mix, and enjoy!
- Super quick – Ready in 15 minutes or less.
- Healthy and fresh – Packed with vitamins, fiber, and protein.
- Low in calories – A light meal that won’t leave you feeling heavy.
- Perfect for summer – Refreshing and cool, great for warm days.
- Sushi-inspired flavors – Enjoy sushi taste without rolling or raw fish.
- Easy to customize – Add extra protein, spice, or crunch as you like.
- Budget-friendly – Uses simple, affordable ingredients.
- Great for meal prep – Make ahead and store in the fridge for later.
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Cautions to Keep in Mind
- Imitation crab may contain additives – Check the ingredients for non-halal or unwanted preservatives.
- Avocado browns quickly – Eat fresh or toss with lemon juice to prevent discoloration.
- Soy sauce contains sodium – Use a low-sodium option if watching salt intake.
- Dressing can get watery – Serve immediately to avoid excess moisture from cucumbers.
- Allergy alert – Contains seafood and sesame, which may not be suitable for everyone.
- Not ideal for long storage – Best eaten within a few hours for the freshest taste.
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Fun Tidbits of California Roll Cucumber Salad
- Sushi Without the Roll! – If sushi rolling feels like an art class gone wrong, this salad saves the day! All the flavors, none of the hassle.
- Crunch + Creamy = Perfection – The combo of crisp cucumbers and creamy avocado makes every bite exciting.
- Great for Chopstick Practice – Want to impress friends at a sushi restaurant? Try eating this salad with chopsticks!
- No Sticky Rice, No Mess – Traditional California rolls need sticky rice, but this salad keeps things light and fuss-free.
- DIY Sushi Bowl – Craving a heartier meal? Serve it over sushi rice for a quick deconstructed sushi bowl.
- Customizable Like a Pro – Make it spicy with sriracha, add extra crunch with sesame seeds, or toss in mango for a tropical twist!
California Roll Cucumber Salad | Easy & Sushi-Inspired Recipe
Description
The California Roll Cucumber Salad is a quick and easy recipe that delivers all the delicious flavors of a sushi roll without the hassle of rolling. Made with crunchy cucumbers, rich avocado, and tender imitation crab, this salad is dressed in a light soy and rice vinegar dressing, giving it an authentic sushi-inspired taste. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a side dish, or even a healthy snack.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
Dressing & Seasoning:
Garnishes (Optional):
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cucumber
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Wash and dry the cucumber thoroughly.
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Slice it into thin rounds using a sharp knife or mandoline for uniformity.
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If preferred, soak the slices in ice water for 5 minutes to make them extra crisp.
2. Dice the Avocado
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Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and peel the skin.
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Dice the flesh into small cubes.
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To prevent browning, lightly toss the avocado cubes in a few drops of lime or lemon juice.
3. Prepare the Imitation Crab Meat
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If using stick-style imitation crab, shred it with your hands or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
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If using flake-style, ensure it’s evenly distributed in the salad.
4. Make the Dressing
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In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, and finely chopped pickled ginger.
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Mix well until the honey is fully dissolved and ingredients are combined.
5. Assemble the Salad
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In a large mixing bowl, add the sliced cucumber, diced avocado, and shredded imitation crab.
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Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients.
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Gently toss everything together to ensure even coating.
6. Garnish and Serve
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Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the salad for extra crunch.
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Add optional garnishes like thin nori strips, green onions, or a drizzle of sriracha for extra flavor.
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Let the salad sit for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Nutrition Facts
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 220kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 10g16%
- Saturated Fat 1.5g8%
- Cholesterol 15mg5%
- Total Carbohydrate 18g6%
- Dietary Fiber 4g16%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 12g24%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
What Makes This California Roll Cucumber Salad Special?
This salad is a refreshing, no-cook dish inspired by the classic California Roll sushi, bringing together the flavors of cucumber, avocado, and imitation crab in a simple, easy-to-make bowl. The light soy and rice vinegar dressing adds the perfect balance of tang and umami, while sesame oil enhances its nutty depth.
Key Ingredients and Their Importance
Cucumber – The Crunch Factor
Cucumber serves as the base of this salad, providing a light, refreshing crunch. Using English cucumbers is ideal because they have thinner skin and fewer seeds, making them more enjoyable in raw salads.
Avocado – The Creamy Element
A ripe avocado brings a rich, buttery texture to the salad, balancing the crispness of the cucumbers. It also adds healthy fats that make the dish more satisfying.
Imitation Crab – The Sushi-Inspired Protein
Imitation crab, also called surimi, is the key ingredient that gives this salad its California Roll essence. While it's made from white fish like pollock, it closely mimics the taste of crab and blends well with the other ingredients.
Rice Vinegar & Soy Sauce – The Classic Sushi Flavors
A mix of rice vinegar and soy sauce gives this salad an authentic sushi taste. The vinegar provides mild acidity, while the soy sauce adds savory umami depth.
Sesame Oil & Seeds – The Nutty Aroma
A small amount of sesame oil enhances the salad with a light roasted flavor, while sesame seeds add a pleasant crunch that complements the cucumbers.
Why This Salad is a Great Choice
Quick and No-Cook
This salad requires only 15 minutes to prepare, making it a perfect option for busy days or quick meals.
Light but Satisfying
It’s low in calories but still filling due to the fiber-rich cucumber and avocado. The imitation crab provides a good source of protein, keeping you full for longer.
Customizable and Versatile
You can adjust this recipe to suit your taste:
- Want more spice? Add sriracha or red pepper flakes.
- Prefer a different protein? Use real crab, shrimp, or tofu.
- Need extra crunch? Toss in crispy wonton strips or shredded carrots.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
Use Chilled Ingredients
For an extra refreshing bite, refrigerate the cucumber, avocado, and imitation crab before making the salad.
Slice Cucumbers Evenly
Using a mandoline slicer ensures thin, uniform slices, giving the salad a more balanced texture.
Prevent Avocado from Browning
To keep avocado fresh, toss it in a few drops of lemon or lime juice before mixing it with the other ingredients.
Let the Flavors Marinate
Allow the salad to sit for 5-10 minutes after tossing so the ingredients can absorb the dressing, enhancing the overall taste.
Serving Suggestions
As a Side Dish
This salad pairs well with grilled fish, sushi, or Asian-style noodles for a complete meal.
As a Light Meal
Enjoy it as a healthy, low-carb lunch by adding more protein like shrimp or tofu.
As an Appetizer
Serve it in small bowls or lettuce cups for an elegant starter dish at gatherings.
