Name: California Roll Cucumber Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
Ingredients: 1 English cucumber; 1/2 cup chopped imitation crab meat; 1/2 avocado, diced; 1/2 cup shredded carrot; 1/3 cup whipped cream cheese; 2 tablespoons mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 2 teaspoons rice vinegar; 2 teaspoons furikake, divided (optional or to taste); Seaweed squares or Nori (optional, to taste); Sriracha and/or sriracha mayo (to taste); Sliced green onion (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·4 from 6 reviews

If you love the fresh, vibrant flavors of sushi but want a quick, fuss-free option, this California Roll Cucumber Salad Recipe is about to become your new best friend. It captures all the creamy, tangy, and savory notes of a California roll, but with a refreshing crunch from cucumbers that make every bite feel light and satisfying. Perfect for a speedy lunch, a colorful side dish, or a fun twist to your usual salad lineup, it’s simple, playful, and packed with flavor that will have you coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A light wooden cutting board rests on a white marbled texture surface, featuring a fresh, dark green cucumber that is partly sliced into thin, round pieces. The slices show a pale green inside with a watery texture and seeds clearly visible. Next to the cucumber slices, there is a shiny sharp knife with a black handle lying diagonally on the board. The scene is simple and clean with natural light illuminating the fresh cucumber and the smooth texture of the cutting board. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients may seem straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in building the flavors, textures, and colors that make this salad so irresistible. From the crisp crunch of cucumber to the creamy avocado and tangy rice vinegar, every bite celebrates freshness with a fun sushi-inspired twist.

English cucumber: Provides the crisp, hydrating base that keeps the salad light and refreshing.
Chopped imitation crab meat: Adds that classic California Roll seafood flavor without any fuss.
Diced avocado: Brings creamy richness and a buttery texture for balance.
Shredded carrot: Offers subtle sweetness and a pop of bright orange color.
Whipped cream cheese: Mimics the creamy texture found in sushi rolls, creating a luscious mouthfeel.
Mayonnaise: Helps bind the salad together with a smooth, tangy undertone.
Soy sauce: Adds umami depth and seasoning to brighten the dish.
Rice vinegar: Provides a mild acidity that elevates and balances flavors.
Furikake (optional): A Japanese seasoning blend that adds nutty, salty, and seaweed notes for authenticity.
Seaweed squares or nori (optional): Perfect for sprinkling or serving on the side for extra umami bursts.
Sriracha and/or sriracha mayo (optional): For those who love a spicy kick to complement the cool flavors.
Sliced green onion: Adds a fresh, mild oniony crunch as a final garnish.

How to Make California Roll Cucumber Salad Recipe

Step 1: Slice the Cucumber Thinly

Grab a mandoline or a very sharp knife and slice your English cucumber into thin, delicate rounds. The thinner the slices, the better they’ll soak up all the delicious flavors while keeping that satisfying crispness. This step sets the refreshing tone for the entire salad.

Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients

Pop the cucumber slices into a large lidded container—something around 32 ounces works perfectly. Gently press them down so they fill about half the container, then add in your chopped imitation crab meat, diced avocado, and shredded carrots. This forms the hearty, colorful core of your salad.

Step 3: Add the Creamy Dressing

Top everything off with whipped cream cheese, mayonnaise, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and half of your furikake seasoning if you’re using it. Secure the lid tightly and prepare for the fun part.

Step 4: Shake it Up!

Give the container a good shake until all the ingredients are well combined. It may look a little messy at this point, but trust me, the flavor is where this salad truly shines. The shaking helps everything meld together beautifully for each bite to be bursting with that California roll essence.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle the remaining furikake over your salad or to taste. For a prettier presentation, pour the contents into a serving bowl and add any extra cucumber slices you might have. Top with a drizzle of sriracha or sriracha mayo and finish with fresh sliced green onion. You’ll love how these final touches elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise.

How to Serve California Roll Cucumber Salad Recipe

In a white bowl placed on a white marbled surface, there is a layered salad starting with a base of thin green cucumber slices mixed with orange carrot strips. On top, there are chopped light green avocado chunks and red and white crab stick pieces scattered evenly. The salad is sprinkled with black sesame seeds and small bits of dark green seaweed. Bright orange drizzle of sauce crisscrosses the top, with a few drops of a darker red sauce adding contrast. Fresh green chopped spring onions are spread on the very top. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of furikake seasoning is a must-have for authenticity and added crunch, but don’t stop there! A light drizzle of spicy sriracha mayo brings a creamy heat that pairs wonderfully with the cool cucumber. Freshly sliced green onions lend that crisp, mild bite that brightens the entire dish.

Side Dishes

This salad stands out wonderfully alongside a bowl of miso soup for a simple Japanese-inspired meal. It also pairs beautifully with grilled teriyaki chicken or crispy tempura for a more robust dinner. For a vegetarian option, serve with edamame or a side of steamed jasmine rice.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress at your next gathering? Serve this salad in individual clear cups for a chic, portable appetizer. Another idea is to spoon it onto large nori squares for a deconstructed sushi bite. Either way, the fresh colors and textures will brighten up any table setting effortlessly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumbers will maintain their crunch best if stored separately from the dressing, but since the salad is meant to be tossed, it’s perfectly fine to store everything mixed together for convenience.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well. Ingredients like cucumber and avocado become watery or mushy after thawing, so it’s best to prepare only what you plan to eat within the next couple days.

Reheating

Because it’s a cold, fresh salad, reheating is not recommended. This dish is all about crisp textures and bright, cool flavors that warm temperatures would diminish. Enjoy chilled for the best experience.

FAQs

Can I use real crab instead of imitation crab meat?

Absolutely! Real crab adds a luxurious touch and fresh seafood flavor that’s delicious. Just make sure it’s cooked and flaked before adding it to the salad.

Is there a vegan version of this salad?

Yes! Swap out the imitation crab for heart of palm or marinated tofu, substitute vegan mayo and cream cheese alternatives, and skip the fish-based furikake or use a vegan version if available.

How spicy can I make this salad?

You control the heat with sriracha or sriracha mayo. Start with a little drizzle and add more if you love a spicier kick. The salad balances well with both mild and bold spice levels.

Can I prepare this salad in advance for a party?

Yes, you can make it a few hours ahead and keep it chilled. Just give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute flavors and freshen it up.

What is furikake, and is it necessary?

Furikake is a Japanese seasoning blend typically made from toasted sesame seeds, seaweed, and salt. While optional, it adds that signature umami and crunch that really elevates the California Roll Cucumber Salad Recipe.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about taking the beloved flavors of a California roll and turning them into a vibrant, crunchy salad that’s ready in minutes. This California Roll Cucumber Salad Recipe is a perfect combination of ease, freshness, and umami goodness, making it a must-try for sushi lovers and salad fans alike. Give it a whirl—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy all those amazing California roll flavors without the tricky rolling!