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Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad

Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad

This dish brilliantly captures the beloved flavors of a California roll in a light, healthy, and satisfying salad format, perfect for a quick lunch or a light side.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large cucumbers thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
  • 1/2 cup imitation crab meat finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds for garnish
  • Pinch red pepper flakes for a touch of heat (optional)

Equipment

  • Mandoline (optional)
  • Sharp Knife
  • Colander (optional)
  • Paper towels (optional)
  • Medium Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Serving bowl

Method
 

  1. Wash and thinly slice your cucumbers. You can use a mandoline for perfectly uniform slices, or a sharp knife. If you prefer a less watery salad, you can lightly salt the cucumber slices, let them sit for 15-20 minutes in a colander, then gently pat them dry with paper towels before proceeding. This step is optional but highly recommended for a firmer salad.
    2 large cucumbers
  2. Finely chop the imitation crab meat into small, bite-sized pieces. This ensures that the crab is evenly distributed throughout the salad and allows its delicate flavor to meld with the other ingredients.
    1/2 cup imitation crab meat
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar until well combined and smooth. Taste the dressing and adjust seasonings as needed – you might prefer a little more soy sauce for saltiness or vinegar for tang.
    1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil, 1/4 teaspoon sugar
  4. Add the sliced cucumbers and chopped imitation crab meat to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss to coat everything evenly.
    2 large cucumbers, 1/2 cup imitation crab meat
  5. Stir in most of the sliced green onions, reserving some for garnish. This adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and a lovely pop of green color.
  6. Transfer the salad to a serving bowl. Sprinkle the reserved green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top. For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately or chill for about 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
    2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds, Pinch red pepper flakes

Notes

Best enjoyed fresh. Leftovers can be stored for 1-2 days in the refrigerator, though cucumbers may soften. Not recommended for freezing.