California Roll Cucumber Salad uses easy ingredients and takes little time to make. It keeps well and tastes best cold. The flavors are bright from rice vinegar and soy sauce, and sesame oil gives a nutty note. You do not need special skills to make it.
Table of Contents
Why make this recipe
This salad is quick, fresh, and low in calories. It mixes crisp cucumber with the mild taste of imitation crab. You get a bite that reminds you of a California roll without the rice. It works as a light meal, side dish, or a picnic pick. If you like simple salads or dishes like Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad, you will enjoy this too.
How to make California Roll Cucumber Salad
Follow these steps to make the salad. Read all ingredients and steps before you start.
Ingredients :
- 2 large cucumbers
- 1/2 cup imitation crab meat, shredded
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 green onion, sliced
- Salt to taste
Directions :
- Start by cutting the cucumbers in half lengthwise and then slice them into thin half-moons.
- In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers with the shredded imitation crab meat.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar until the sugar is dissolved.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumber and crab mixture, tossing to coat.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onion on top, and season with salt to taste.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.
California Roll Cucumber Salad
A quick, fresh salad that combines cucumber and imitation crab for a taste reminiscent of a California roll, perfect as a light meal or side dish.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 large cucumbers
- 1/2 cup imitation crab meat, shredded
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 green onion, sliced
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cut the cucumbers in half lengthwise and slice them into thin half-moons.
- In a large bowl, combine the cucumbers with the shredded imitation crab meat.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar until dissolved.
- Pour the dressing over the cucumber and crab mixture, tossing to coat.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and sliced green onion on top, and season with salt to taste.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
For best texture, slice cucumbers thin. Use chilled ingredients for a refreshing salad. Store dressing separately if keeping for later.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
How to serve California Roll Cucumber Salad
Serve this salad cold. Put it in a shallow bowl so the dressing covers the cucumber well. It pairs well with grilled fish, sushi, or rice bowls. You can also serve it with a simple green like Apple Arugula Salad with Maple Pecans for a fuller meal. Garnish with extra sesame seeds or a slice of lime.
How to store California Roll Cucumber Salad
Place the salad in an airtight container and chill. It keeps for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. The cucumbers will get softer over time, so eat it the same day or the next day for the best crunch. If you plan to store it, keep the dressing separate and toss before serving.
Tips to make California Roll Cucumber Salad
- Slice cucumbers thin for better texture.
- Use chilled cucumbers and crab for a refreshing salad.
- Taste the dressing and add a little more soy sauce or sugar to balance it.
- Toast the sesame seeds for a deeper flavor.
- For a sweet finish after the meal, try a simple treat like an Apple Cinnamon Roll.
Variations
- Add avocado slices for creaminess.
- Use real crab meat for a richer taste.
- Mix in thin carrot strips or pickled ginger for extra color and flavor.
- Make it spicy by adding a small dash of sriracha to the dressing.
FAQs
Q: Can I use other types of vinegar?
A: Yes. White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar will work, but the flavor will change slightly.
Q: Is imitation crab okay for this salad?
A: Yes. Imitation crab is fine and easy to use. You can swap it for real crab if you prefer.
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the dressing and shred the crab ahead. Mix with cucumber just before serving for the best texture.
Q: Is this salad gluten-free?
A: It can be if you use a gluten-free soy sauce. Check the labels to be sure.
Conclusion
This California Roll Cucumber Salad is simple, fresh, and fast. It brings the flavors of a California roll into an easy salad you can make any day. Follow the steps, chill if you like, and enjoy a light, tasty dish.
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