California Roll Cucumber Salad

The California roll is widely considered the “gateway sushi” for many people. Its combination of sweet imitation crab, creamy avocado, and crisp cucumber is a legendary trio. By turning these ingredients into a California Roll Cucumber Salad, you are leaning into the textures that make the roll so satisfying. This version is particularly great for those following a low-carb or keto lifestyle, as it removes the sushi rice while keeping the indulgence of Kewpie mayo and whipped cream cheese.

What makes this specific salad stand out is the dressing. Unlike a standard vinaigrette, we use a blend of Japanese mayo and cream cheese to create a velvet-like coating that clings to every slice of cucumber. It is decadent yet fresh, a balance that is hard to find in most salad recipes.

Ingredients

• – 1 large English cucumber (hothouse cucumber)
• – 4 imitation crab sticks (Kani), diced or shredded
• – ½ large avocado, diced into bite-sized chunks
• – 2 tablespoons Kewpie mayo (Japanese mayo is preferred for its richness)
• – 2 tablespoons whipped cream cheese
• – 1 ½ tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• – 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds (black, white, or a mix)
• – Optional: Sriracha for a spicy kick or furikake seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cucumber: Start by washing your English cucumber. You can peel it in strips for a decorative look or leave the skin on for extra fiber and crunch. Slice the cucumber into thin rounds or half-moons. If the cucumber is very watery, you can lightly salt the slices and let them sit for 5 minutes, then pat dry to ensure the dressing stays thick.
2. Prep the Protein and Cream: Dice your imitation crab sticks into small cubes or pull them apart into shreds if you prefer a different texture. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the Kewpie mayo, whipped cream cheese, and soy sauce until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
3. Combine the Base: Place the sliced cucumbers and the imitation crab into a large mixing bowl. Pour the creamy dressing over the top and toss gently until every piece is thoroughly coated.
4. Fold in the Avocado: Add the diced avocado last. We do this at the end to prevent the avocado from mashing too much, keeping those beautiful green chunks intact. Toss one or two more times very gently.
5. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top. For the best experience, serve immediately while the cucumber is at its maximum crunch.

Tips for the Best California Roll Salad

To truly master this Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad, the type of cucumber matters. We highly recommend using an English Cucumber (often found wrapped in plastic at the grocery store). These have thinner skins and fewer seeds, meaning they won’t release as much water and dilute your creamy sauce. If you only have standard field cucumbers, be sure to peel them and scoop out the watery seeds before slicing.

Another “pro tip” is the use of Kewpie Mayo. Unlike American mayo, which is made with whole eggs, Kewpie uses only egg yolks and a splash of rice vinegar. This gives it a deep yellow color and a much richer, custard-like consistency that is essential for that authentic sushi-bar flavor profile.

Variations to Try

While the base recipe is perfection, you can easily customize this salad to suit your cravings:

• Spicy California Roll Salad: Add a teaspoon of Sriracha and a dash of chili oil to the dressing. You can also top it with sliced jalapeños.
• Crunchy Topping: Add crushed tempura flakes or panko breadcrumbs toasted in butter right before serving to mimic the “crunchy roll” texture.
• Extra Veggies: Shredded carrots or edamame beans make great additions that add color and extra nutrients.
• Real Crab Version: If you want to elevate the dish for a dinner party, swap the imitation crab for real lump crab meat.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

This salad is incredibly versatile. It works beautifully as a chilled appetizer for a Japanese-themed dinner night alongside miso soup and gyoza. It is also hearty enough to serve as a stand-alone lunch. If you want to make it a fuller meal, you can serve it over a small bed of quinoa or even cauliflower rice.

Regarding storage: This salad is definitely best eaten fresh. Because of the high water content in cucumbers and the delicate nature of avocado, it can become watery if left in the fridge overnight. If you must prep ahead, keep the chopped ingredients and the dressing in separate containers and mix them just before you are ready to eat.

Nutritional Benefits

Despite feeling like a treat, this California Roll Cucumber Salad is packed with health benefits. Avocado provides healthy monounsaturated fats which are great for heart health and keeping you full. Cucumbers are incredibly hydrating, and by using imitation crab, you get a decent boost of protein with very little fat. It’s a guilt-free way to satisfy those sushi cravings without the heavy carbohydrate load of rice.

Whether you are a busy parent looking for a 10-minute meal or someone trying to eat more greens without sacrificing flavor, this recipe is a total winner. Give it a try and see why it’s a viral sensation!The Magic of the California Roll Reimagined

The California roll is widely considered the “gateway sushi” for many people. Its combination of sweet imitation crab, creamy avocado, and crisp cucumber is a legendary trio. By turning these ingredients into a California Roll Cucumber Salad, you are leaning into the textures that make the roll so satisfying. This version is particularly great for those following a low-carb or keto lifestyle, as it removes the sushi rice while keeping the indulgence of Kewpie mayo and whipped cream cheese.

What makes this specific salad stand out is the dressing. Unlike a standard vinaigrette, we use a blend of Japanese mayo and cream cheese to create a velvet-like coating that clings to every slice of cucumber. It is decadent yet fresh, a balance that is hard to find in most salad recipes.

Ingredients

• – 1 large English cucumber (hothouse cucumber)
• – 4 imitation crab sticks (Kani), diced or shredded
• – ½ large avocado, diced into bite-sized chunks
• – 2 tablespoons Kewpie mayo (Japanese mayo is preferred for its richness)
• – 2 tablespoons whipped cream cheese
• – 1 ½ tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• – 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds (black, white, or a mix)
• – Optional: Sriracha for a spicy kick or furikake seasoning

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cucumber: Start by washing your English cucumber. You can peel it in strips for a decorative look or leave the skin on for extra fiber and crunch. Slice the cucumber into thin rounds or half-moons. If the cucumber is very watery, you can lightly salt the slices and let them sit for 5 minutes, then pat dry to ensure the dressing stays thick.
2. Prep the Protein and Cream: Dice your imitation crab sticks into small cubes or pull them apart into shreds if you prefer a different texture. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the Kewpie mayo, whipped cream cheese, and soy sauce until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
3. Combine the Base: Place the sliced cucumbers and the imitation crab into a large mixing bowl. Pour the creamy dressing over the top and toss gently until every piece is thoroughly coated.
4. Fold in the Avocado: Add the diced avocado last. We do this at the end to prevent the avocado from mashing too much, keeping those beautiful green chunks intact. Toss one or two more times very gently.
5. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl. Sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds over the top. For the best experience, serve immediately while the cucumber is at its maximum crunch.

Tips for the Best California Roll Salad

To truly master this Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad, the type of cucumber matters. We highly recommend using an English Cucumber (often found wrapped in plastic at the grocery store). These have thinner skins and fewer seeds, meaning they won’t release as much water and dilute your creamy sauce. If you only have standard field cucumbers, be sure to peel them and scoop out the watery seeds before slicing.

Another “pro tip” is the use of Kewpie Mayo. Unlike American mayo, which is made with whole eggs, Kewpie uses only egg yolks and a splash of rice vinegar. This gives it a deep yellow color and a much richer, custard-like consistency that is essential for that authentic sushi-bar flavor profile.

Variations to Try

While the base recipe is perfection, you can easily customize this salad to suit your cravings:

• Spicy California Roll Salad: Add a teaspoon of Sriracha and a dash of chili oil to the dressing. You can also top it with sliced jalapeños.
• Crunchy Topping: Add crushed tempura flakes or panko breadcrumbs toasted in butter right before serving to mimic the “crunchy roll” texture.
• Extra Veggies: Shredded carrots or edamame beans make great additions that add color and extra nutrients.
• Real Crab Version: If you want to elevate the dish for a dinner party, swap the imitation crab for real lump crab meat.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

This salad is incredibly versatile. It works beautifully as a chilled appetizer for a Japanese-themed dinner night alongside miso soup and gyoza. It is also hearty enough to serve as a stand-alone lunch. If you want to make it a fuller meal, you can serve it over a small bed of quinoa or even cauliflower rice.

Regarding storage: This salad is definitely best eaten fresh. Because of the high water content in cucumbers and the delicate nature of avocado, it can become watery if left in the fridge overnight. If you must prep ahead, keep the chopped ingredients and the dressing in separate containers and mix them just before you are ready to eat.

Nutritional Benefits

Despite feeling like a treat, this California Roll Cucumber Salad is packed with health benefits. Avocado provides healthy monounsaturated fats which are great for heart health and keeping you full. Cucumbers are incredibly hydrating, and by using imitation crab, you get a decent boost of protein with very little fat. It’s a guilt-free way to satisfy those sushi cravings without the heavy carbohydrate load of rice.

Whether you are a busy parent looking for a 10-minute meal or someone trying to eat more greens without sacrificing flavor, this recipe is a total winner. Give it a try and see why it’s a viral sensation!