California Roll Cucumber Salad Recipe 🥒
Looking for a fresh, crunchy, and refreshing side dish that’s easy to make and pairs perfectly with your favorite sushi or any meal? Look no further than this California Roll Cucumber Salad. It’s packed with vibrant flavors and the perfect balance of crispy cucumber, creamy avocado, and tangy dressing, all inspired by the famous California Roll sushi. Whether you’re planning a sushi night or just craving something light, this salad is a fantastic choice!
This recipe is super easy to follow, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked! Let’s dive right into it!
Ingredients 🛒
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cucumber | 1 large, sliced thin |
| Avocado | 1 ripe, diced |
| Imitation crab meat | 1 cup, shredded |
| Rice vinegar | 2 tbsp |
| Soy sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Sesame oil | 1 tbsp |
| Sugar | 1 tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Fresh cilantro (optional) | 1 tbsp, chopped |
| Toasted sesame seeds | 1 tbsp |
| Lemon juice | 1 tsp |
| Red chili flakes (optional) | ½ tsp |
Instructions 📋
- Prepare the Cucumber: Start by slicing the cucumber thinly. You can either peel it for a smoother texture or leave the skin on for a bit more crunch. Place the cucumber slices into a large bowl.
- Dice the Avocado: Carefully remove the seed and peel the avocado. Dice it into small cubes and add it to the bowl with the cucumber.
- Shred the Imitation Crab Meat: If you’re using imitation crab, shred it into small pieces and add to the cucumber and avocado mix.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, salt, and lemon juice. You can also add a pinch of red chili flakes for some heat, but it’s optional!
- Combine the Ingredients: Pour the dressing over the cucumber, avocado, and crab mixture. Toss everything gently to combine.
- Garnish and Serve: Finally, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro on top for an extra burst of flavor.
Tip: If you like a bit of extra crunch, you can top the salad with some crispy fried onions or extra sesame seeds.
Recipe Notes 📝
- Make it Vegan: To make this recipe fully vegan, simply swap the imitation crab for some extra avocado or another plant-based protein like tofu.
- Customize: Feel free to add more veggies like shredded carrots or bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
- Dressing Variations: If you prefer a tangier dressing, increase the rice vinegar or add a little bit of mustard for an added kick.
Time and Servings ⏱️
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 10 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
Storage 🏠
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The cucumber may release some water as it sits, so give it a quick toss before serving again.
Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving) 🥗
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 2g |
| Fat | 9g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 3g |
| Sodium | 290mg |
[cal_calc]
Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect 🌟
- Crispier Cucumbers: To get an even crispier cucumber texture, salt your cucumber slices and let them sit for 5-10 minutes. This will draw out some of the moisture, making them even crunchier when mixed with the other ingredients.
- Add Fresh Herbs: Fresh cilantro works wonders in this salad, but if you prefer a different herb, fresh mint or basil can also make for a refreshing twist.
How to Serve this Salad 🥒🍽️
This California Roll Cucumber Salad makes for an excellent side dish for sushi, grilled chicken, or even a light dinner. Serve it in individual bowls or as a large sharing dish in the center of the table for everyone to enjoy!
Kitchen Tools Needed 🍴
- Sharp knife: For slicing cucumber and dicing avocado.
- Large mixing bowl: To toss everything together.
- Small bowl: For whisking the dressing.
- Tongs or salad servers: To mix and serve the salad easily.
Health Benefits 🌱
This California Roll Cucumber Salad is not only tasty, but it’s also packed with nutrients! Cucumbers are hydrating and low in calories, making them great for skin health and weight management. Avocado adds healthy fats that promote heart health, while the sesame seeds provide a good source of antioxidants and calcium. Plus, the cilantro in the salad offers a boost of vitamins A and C.
FAQs ❓
1. Can I use real crab in this salad?
Yes! You can absolutely use real crab if you prefer it over imitation crab. Just make sure it’s shredded or chopped into small pieces for easier mixing.
2. How do I make this salad spicy?
If you like heat, add some red chili flakes to the dressing or even drizzle a bit of sriracha on top before serving.
3. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time and toss them together when you’re ready to serve. Just keep the dressing separate until serving.
4. Can I substitute the sesame oil with something else?
Yes! If you don’t have sesame oil, you can use olive oil or another neutral oil, but sesame oil really gives it that distinct flavor you’re looking for.
5. How long does this salad last?
It’s best eaten within 2 days. After that, the cucumber may become a little soggy, and the flavors might not be as fresh.
Final Thoughts 💭
This California Roll Cucumber Salad is everything you want in a side dish: crunchy, fresh, flavorful, and easy to make. Whether you’re serving it alongside your sushi, enjoying it as a light snack, or bringing it to a party, it’s sure to impress. With just a handful of ingredients and simple instructions, you can whip up a salad that’s both healthy and satisfying.
Enjoy making this recipe, and don’t forget to share your creation with friends and family – they’ll be asking for the recipe in no time!
