If you love sushi but want something lighter, fresher, and easier to make at home, the California Roll Cucumber Salad is your next go-to dish. Imagine the crisp crunch of cucumber, the creamy richness of avocado, the umami depth of crab meat, and the savory pop of nori, all in one refreshing salad bowl.
This recipe delivers the signature flavors of a California roll without the complicated rolling process. It’s quick to prepare, low-carb, and perfect for summer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The California Roll Cucumber Salad is more than just a pretty dish, it’s:
- Refreshing and crisp thanks to cucumber and avocado
- Protein-packed with crab or other seafood options
- Customizable for keto, gluten-free, or vegetarian diets
- Quick and easy to assemble (less than 15 minutes!)
- Perfect for summer meals or as a sushi-inspired side dish
For more seafood inspiration, try pairing this salad with a flavorful seared ahi tuna recipe for a complete ocean-inspired dinner.
Ingredients Needed For California Roll Cucumber Salad
Cucumber
- Best choice: English cucumber (thin skin, fewer seeds)
- Alternative: Regular cucumber, peeled for a smoother texture
Crab Meat
- Fresh crab for authentic flavor
- Imitation crab for budget-friendly option
- Protein swaps: tuna, salmon, or even tofu
Avocado
- Choose ripe but firm avocados
- Adds creaminess and healthy fats
Mayonnaise
- Kewpie mayo for a tangy, umami-rich dressing
- Regular mayo works too
Soy Sauce
- Use low-sodium to control saltiness
- Brings a deep savory note
Green Onions
- Freshly chopped for a mild bite
Pickled Ginger
- Optional but adds a sushi-bar flavor
- Pairs well with crab and cucumber
Sesame Seeds / Everything Bagel Seasoning
- Adds texture and nutty undertones
Nori (Dried Seaweed)
- Enhances the sushi feel
- Tear into strips or crumble for garnish
Optional Add-ins
- Sriracha for heat
- Cream cheese for richness
- Jalapeño slices for spice lovers
How I Make California Roll Cucumber Salad
Step 1 – Slice the Cucumber
- Use a sharp knife or mandolin for uniform slices
- Thin slices absorb dressing better
Step 2 – Prep the Dressing
- Mix Kewpie mayonnaise, soy sauce, and optional cream cheese
- Blend until smooth
Step 3 – Combine Ingredients
- In a large bowl or jar, add cucumber, crab, avocado, green onions, pickled ginger, and sesame seeds
- Pour dressing over top and toss gently
Step 4 – Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle with nori strips and extra sesame seeds
- Add sriracha or jalapeño if desired
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy it as a main dish for lunch or dinner
- Serve over sushi rice for a more filling version
- Pair with grilled fish, miso soup, or an Asian-style appetizer
Recipe Tips & Variations
- Eat fresh – cucumbers release water over time, so avoid making too far ahead
- Adjust seasoning – add more soy sauce for saltiness or vinegar for tang
- Protein swaps – try shrimp, tuna, or tofu for variety
- Dressing variations – ponzu, sesame dressing, or light vinaigrette
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overdressing – makes the salad soggy quickly
- Skipping cucumber drying – moisture dilutes the dressing
- Using overripe avocado – can make salad mushy
Nutritional Benefits
This salad is healthy, balanced, and full of texture. Here’s what makes it nutritionally appealing:
- Low in calories – great for weight management
- Rich in Vitamin C and potassium – supports skin and heart health
- Contains healthy fats from avocado and mayonnaise
- Protein boost from crab meat, tuna, or shrimp
If you enjoy combining seafood and vegetables, you might also like the vibrant flavors in a dense bean salad recipe, another nutritious meal option.
FAQs About California Roll Cucumber Salad
Q: Can you make California Roll Cucumber Salad ahead of time?
A: Best enjoyed fresh; cucumbers release water and soften after sitting.
Q: What’s the best substitute for crab meat?
A: Tuna, salmon, shrimp, or tofu.
Q: How do you keep cucumbers crunchy?
A: Slice, pat dry, and assemble right before serving.
Q: Can I use canned tuna instead of crab?
A: Absolutely! it’s an easy swap.
Final Thoughts
The California Roll Cucumber Salad is a refreshing, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that captures all the best parts of sushi without the hassle of rolling. With crisp cucumber, creamy avocado, tender crab, and savory sesame, every bite is light yet satisfying. Whether you enjoy it as a quick lunch, a dinner side, or a healthy snack, this California Roll Cucumber Salad is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
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California Roll Cucumber Salad: A Fresh, Flavor-Packed Twist on Sushi
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
A refreshing California Roll Cucumber Salad made with crisp cucumber slices, tender crab meat, creamy mayonnaise dressing, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Inspired by the classic sushi roll, this dish is light, healthy, and perfect for quick lunches or summer dinners.
Ingredients
1 large English cucumber, thinly sliced
1/3 cup crab meat (fresh or imitation)
1 medium avocado, diced
3 tbsp Kewpie mayonnaise (or regular mayonnaise)
2 tbsp cream cheese, softened (optional)
1 tbsp pickled ginger, chopped (optional)
2 tbsp soy sauce, low sodium
3 tbsp green onions, chopped
2 tsp sesame seeds (black, white, or a mix)
1 sheet nori, crumbled (optional)
Sriracha or sliced jalapeño, to taste (optional)
Instructions
Slice cucumber thinly using a sharp knife or mandolin.
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, soy sauce, and optional cream cheese until smooth.
In a large mixing bowl or jar, combine cucumber, crab meat, avocado, green onions, and pickled ginger.
Pour dressing over salad and toss gently until evenly coated.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds and crumbled nori.
Serve immediately with optional sriracha or jalapeño for extra heat.
Notes
Best enjoyed fresh to maintain cucumber crunch.
Can substitute crab with shrimp, tuna, or tofu.
Serve over sushi rice for a heartier meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: California Roll Cucumber Salad, cucumber sushi salad, crab avocado cucumber salad, low carb sushi salad