California Roll Cucumber Salad (Printable)

Crisp cucumbers, creamy avocado, and crab tossed in a flavorful sushi-style dressing for a fresh appetizer.

# What You Need:

→ Salad

01 - 2 English cucumbers, sliced into 1/8-inch thick rounds
02 - 1 cup crab meat or imitation crab, diced
03 - 1 avocado, cubed

→ Dressing

04 - 1/4 cup mayonnaise
05 - 2 oz cream cheese, optional
06 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
07 - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds for garnish

→ Optional Add-Ons

08 - 1/4 cup chopped scallions
09 - 1/4 cup chopped radishes

# How-To:

01 - Slice the English cucumbers into 1/8-inch thick rounds using a mandoline or sharp knife. Sprinkle lightly with salt and let drain in a colander for 15 to 20 minutes. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained cucumber slices, diced crab, and cubed avocado. Add scallions and radishes if desired.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, cream cheese if using, soy sauce, and half the sesame seeds. Adjust quantities to achieve desired creaminess and flavor balance.
04 - Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss gently to evenly coat all components.
05 - Serve immediately garnished with remaining sesame seeds. For a colder salad, chill briefly before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick and Easy: Ready in just 10 minutes of active prep time.
  • Refreshing Textures: A perfect balance of crisp English cucumbers and buttery avocado.
  • Sushi Flavors: Captures the essence of a California roll without the need for rolling or sushi rice.
  • Versatile: Can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or a light standalone meal.
02 -
  • Freshness is Key: This salad is best when consumed within 24 hours of preparation to maintain the crunch of the vegetables.
  • No Freezing: Avoid freezing this dish, as the texture of the cucumber and avocado will become compromised.
  • Mayo Choice: Using Japanese mayonnaise like Kewpie will provide a richer, more traditional sushi-inspired flavor profile.
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