This refreshing salad combines the flavors of a traditional sushi roll with crisp vegetables. It’s a light and healthy dish that highlights the freshness of cucumbers, avocado, and imitation crab. So, check out my complete California roll cucumber salad recipe.
The recipe is simple and perfect for a quick side dish or a light lunch. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
Fresh Ingredients for a Crisp Salad
The California roll cucumber salad is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients that come together to create a refreshing dish, similar to a vegetarian poke bowl.
At the heart of this salad are the cucumbers, which are thinly sliced to maintain their crunchiness.
Avocado adds a creamy texture, while the shredded imitation crab introduces a subtle seafood flavor, reminiscent of traditional sushi rolls.
These components not only provide a variety of textures but also contribute to a vibrant presentation that is visually appealing.
Preparing the Dressing
The dressing is a key element that ties all the flavors together.
Combining rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a hint of sugar creates a light and tangy dressing that enhances the freshness of the vegetables.
Whisking these ingredients together ensures that the flavors meld perfectly, allowing for a balanced taste that complements the salad without overpowering it.
Assembly of the Salad
Once the ingredients are prepared, assembling the salad is a breeze.
In a large bowl, the sliced cucumbers, diced avocado, and shredded imitation crab are combined. Drizzling the dressing over the top and gently tossing the mixture ensures that every bite is infused with flavor.
This step is crucial for achieving a harmonious blend of tastes in each serving.
Garnishing for Presentation
Garnishing elevates the salad from simple to stunning.
Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty crunch, while chopped green onions provide a pop of color and a hint of sharpness.
These finishing touches not only enhance the visual appeal but also contribute additional layers of flavor, making the dish even more enjoyable.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is versatile and can be served in various ways.
Enjoy it immediately for a fresh experience, or refrigerate it for up to 30 minutes for a chilled option that’s perfect on a warm day.
It can serve as a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or even a refreshing appetizer at gatherings. Its simplicity and vibrant flavors make it a crowd-pleaser.
Nutritional Benefits
Not only is this salad delicious, but it also offers nutritional benefits.
With approximately 150 calories per serving, it is a light option that fits well into various dietary preferences.
The healthy fats from the avocado, combined with the protein from the imitation crab, make it a satisfying choice that doesn’t compromise on flavor.
Incorporating this salad into your meals can contribute to a balanced diet while keeping things exciting.
Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad Recipe
This salad features thinly sliced cucumbers, creamy avocado, and shredded imitation crab, all tossed in a light sesame dressing. The recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and serves 4 people.
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1 cup imitation crab meat, shredded
- 2–4 ounces of softened cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
- Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)
- Drizzle of siracha mayo (optional)
- Drizzle of teriyaki sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Thinly slice the cucumbers and dice the avocado. Shred the imitation crab meat if not pre-shredded.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar until well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the sliced cucumbers, diced avocado, and shredded imitation crab. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine.
- Garnish: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top for added flavor and presentation.
- Serve: Enjoy the salad immediately or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes before serving for a chilled option.
If your dressing is too thick after adding the cream cheese, thin it out with a little more rice vinegar or a splash of water.
You could also cut the cream cheese into small cubes and gently fold them into the salad, along with your cucumbers, imitation crab, avocado, etc. — this gives little creamy bites in the salad, similar to sushi rolls.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 150kcal
- Fat: 10g
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
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