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Easy California roll cucumber salad features fresh cucumbers, imitation crab, avocado, and sesame seeds, offering a light and refreshing take on sushi.

So Fresh Cucumber California Roll Salad

This refreshing salad captures the essence of a classic California roll without the fuss of rolling. Packed with fresh cucumbers, creamy avocado, and protein-rich imitation crab, it's a quick, healthy, and customizable dish perfect for light lunches, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Lunch, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large English cucumbers, diced
  • 1 pound imitation crab meat, flaked
  • 2 ripe avocados, diced
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise Japanese mayo recommended
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon sriracha or more to taste
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds, toasted
  • 2-3 sheets nori seaweed, cut into thin strips optional
  • Lime juice optional, for avocado
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Small bowl
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board
  • Knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Dry skillet (for toasting sesame seeds)

Method
 

  1. Dice the cucumbers into small, bite-sized pieces.
  2. Flake the imitation crab meat into small pieces.
  3. Dice the avocado into similar-sized pieces as the cucumbers. Toss with a little lime juice to prevent browning if desired.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, rice vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, and sriracha. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  5. In a large bowl, gently combine the diced cucumbers, flaked crab meat, and diced avocado.
  6. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine, being careful not to overmix.
  7. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and nori seaweed strips (if using) over the salad.
  8. Serve immediately or chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

For best results, use the freshest ingredients possible. Toasting the sesame seeds enhances their flavor. To prevent the avocado from browning, toss it with a little lime juice. Chilling the salad before serving allows the flavors to meld together and makes it even more refreshing. If you don't have nori seaweed, the salad will still be delicious without it. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Dressing the salad right before serving is recommended to avoid soggy cucumbers.