Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad Recipe
If you love sushi but crave something a little lighter and fresher, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad. This playful salad combines everything you adore in a classic California roll — the cool cucumber, savory crab, creamy avocado, and a luscious tang from the signature sauces — all tossed together in one bowl (or even a jar!). In just a few minutes, you can have a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as fun to eat as it is beautiful, and it’s sure to become your go-to when you want sushi flavors with zero fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad is in its simplicity: every ingredient packs a punch, bringing freshness, creaminess, or a savory pop. Don’t skip a single one for the most balanced taste and texture!
- English cucumber: Crisp and seedless, perfect for thin slices that stay crunchy in the salad.
- Imitation crab sticks: These bring that classic California roll flavor; just chop them up for easy mixing.
- Avocado: Adds creamy richness and a gorgeous green hue—just be sure to cube it last to avoid browning.
- Kewpie mayonnaise: Japanese mayo’s extra umami and velvety texture make the dressing pop.
- Whipped cream cheese: Blends effortlessly, giving a subtle tang that’s irresistible.
- Soy sauce: Just a little gives the salad depth and that salty, savory kick.
- Toasted sesame seeds: A sprinkle on top brings nutty flavor and a delicate crunch that ties it all together.
How to Make Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad
Step 1: Slice the Cucumber
Start with your English cucumber. Using a mandolin for paper-thin slices works beautifully, but a steady hand and a sharp knife are just as effective. Aim for 1/8-inch thick slices so the cucumber stays crisp but is flexible enough to meld with the other salad ingredients. Uniform slices really ensure every bite gets that satisfying crunch and soak up the dressing just right.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Transfer your freshly sliced cucumber into a large deli container or glass jar. Next, add the chopped imitation crab and cubed avocado. Then spoon in the Kewpie mayonnaise, whipped cream cheese, soy sauce, and toasted sesame seeds. Having everything prepped and measured ahead of time makes assembly a breeze and lets you tweak the proportions to suit your own personal taste.
Step 3: Mix the Salad
Pop a tight-fitting lid on your jar or container. Now, here’s the fun part: shake it up! Give it a good, vigorous shake until you see all the ingredients have mingled, the dressing is even, and every cucumber and crab bit is coated in creamy, umami goodness. This quick “shake and mix” method makes sure there’s no mess, and it gets everything incorporated just right.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
This salad is at its crisp, refreshing best right after mixing. Enjoy it straight from the jar for a sushi-on-the-go experience or transfer it into a pretty bowl if you want to show off its beautiful colors for guests. For extra flair, sprinkle a little more toasted sesame seed on top as garnish. Each bite is creamy, cool, and savory—exactly what you’re dreaming of when those California roll cravings hit!
How to Serve Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad
Garnishes
The finishing touch can make all the difference with your Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad. I love an extra sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added crunch, and a few thinly sliced green onions are also a fresh, peppery accent. You can even dot the top with a drizzle of spicy mayo or a few pinches of nori flakes to really play up those sushi vibes.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs perfectly with other light Japanese-inspired fare—think a miso soup starter, some edamame sprinkled with sea salt, or even crispy wonton chips for scooping up extra bites. It’s also fantastic alongside grilled seafood or teriyaki chicken, making for a playful and light sushi-night spread at home.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party-worthy presentation, serve your Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad in individual glass cups or small bowls, letting guests savor the color and layers. If you love cute appetizers, try filling mini cucumber cups with the salad for a bite-sized treat. Or use it as a vibrant topper over mixed greens or even sushi rice for a deconstructed roll bowl that everyone will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad left, store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The salad will stay fresh and tasty for up to 24 hours, though the avocado may darken slightly. For best results, give it a gentle toss before serving again to redistribute the dressing.
Freezing
Unfortunately, this salad doesn’t freeze well. The cucumber and avocado lose their lovely texture when thawed, becoming watery and mushy. It’s truly a dish best enjoyed fresh, straight from the fridge.
Reheating
No reheating needed (or wanted!) here—the beauty of Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad is in its chilled, refreshing crunch. Just enjoy it cold. If you want it extra cold, pop it in the fridge for 10 minutes before serving again.
FAQs
Can I use real crab instead of imitation?
Absolutely! Real crab meat is delicious here if you have it on hand. Just make sure to gently flake the crab rather than chop, as it’s more delicate than imitation and blends beautifully with the creamy elements.
How do I keep the avocado from browning?
Toss your avocado cubes lightly in a squeeze of lemon or lime juice before mixing them in. The acidity will help slow browning, especially if you’re making the salad a little in advance.
Is there a substitute for Kewpie mayonnaise?
If you can’t find Kewpie, regular mayonnaise will do, but you might want to add a tiny splash of rice vinegar and pinch of sugar to get closer to that signature sweet-tangy Japanese flavor.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
You can swap in plant-based cream cheese and vegan mayo for a dairy-free version, and try hearts of palm or marinated tofu instead of crab for a vegan twist on the Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad.
What’s the best way to slice cucumber without a mandolin?
If you don’t have a mandolin, just use your sharpest kitchen knife and slice slowly. Try to keep the slices thin and even for the best salad texture—practice makes perfect!
Final Thoughts
There’s a special kind of joy in whipping up this Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad. You get all the crave-worthy flavors of your favorite sushi roll, but with a breezy, healthy twist that’s just right for busy days or sunny gatherings. I hope you give it a try next time you want something cool and satisfying—it just might become your new kitchen obsession!
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Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that brings together the delicious flavors of a California roll in the form of a simple salad.
Ingredients
Cucumber:
- 1 large English cucumber, thinly sliced
Other Ingredients:
- 4 imitation crab sticks, chopped
- 1/2 avocado, cubed
- 2 tablespoons kewpie mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons whipped cream cheese
- 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Slice the Cucumber: Using a mandolin or a sharp knife, carefully slice the cucumber into 1/8-inch thick slices. This ensures a consistent texture and size, perfect for mixing evenly with the other ingredients.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the sliced cucumber into a large deli container or glass jar. Add in the diced crab, diced avocado, mayo, cream cheese, soy sauce, and sesame seeds. Make sure all ingredients are properly prepared and measured to suit your taste preferences.
- Mix the Salad: Cover the container or jar with a lid securely. Shake vigorously until all the ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed. The motion should coat the cucumber and other ingredients harmoniously with the creamy mixtures and soy sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy: Eat the mixed salad immediately for the freshest taste. You can either eat it directly from the jar for convenience or serve it in a bowl for a more formal presentation. For an extra touch, sprinkle additional sesame seeds on top to garnish. Enjoy your refreshing and flavorful salad!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 190 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: California Roll Cucumber Salad, Easy Salad Recipe, Asian Salad
