Description
A refreshing and light Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad that combines crisp cucumbers, creamy avocado, and savory imitation crab meat, all tossed in a tangy sesame-soy dressing. Perfect as a quick appetizer or side dish, this salad captures the flavors of a California sushi roll without the rice, making it a healthy and delicious option for any meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup imitation crab meat (or real crab if preferred), shredded
Dressing
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp honey or sugar (optional, for sweetness)
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger (optional)
Garnish
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 tbsp chopped green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Slice the cucumbers thinly using a sharp knife or mandolin. Optionally, lightly salt them and let sit for 5 minutes to draw out excess moisture, then pat dry with paper towels to keep the salad from getting watery.
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, diced avocado, and shredded imitation crab meat. Gently toss to mix without mashing the avocado.
- Make the Dressing: Whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey or sugar, and ground ginger (if using) in a small bowl. Adjust seasoning to taste, balancing sweetness and saltiness as desired.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently to evenly coat all the ingredients.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top. Serve immediately for freshness or chill for 15–30 minutes to enhance flavors.
Notes
- Salting the cucumbers is optional but helps reduce excess water and keep salad crisp.
- Use real crab meat for a more authentic seafood flavor or imitation crab for convenience and cost-effectiveness.
- The dressing can be adjusted to taste by varying the amount of honey and soy sauce.
- Best served fresh but can be refrigerated briefly to meld flavors.
