🍣🥒 California Roll Cucumber Salad – Sushi Vibes, No Rolling Required! 🍣🥒
Hey there, foodie friends! Chef Alex here, bringing you another delicious, fun, and refreshingly simple recipe that’ll transport your taste buds straight to your favorite sushi bar—without all that sticky rice drama. Yup, we’re talking about an awesome California Roll Cucumber Salad! This salad captures everything we love about sushi, minus the rolling and mess—sounds like a total win, right?
If you’re anything like me, sushi flavors are an absolute vibe. Creamy avocado, savory crab, crunchy cucumber, a hint of soy sauce, and that irresistible blend of mayo and cream cheese—it’s the perfect combo. So today, I’m dishing up a unique spin on the universally loved California roll—only we’ve freed it from the rice and seaweed. Even better? You can whip it up in one single jar and skip heating up your kitchen altogether. A summertime (or anytime!) delicacy ready for you in just minutes!
California Roll Cucumber Salad
🥢 Why You’ll Love This California Roll Cucumber Salad 🥢
This viral cucumber salad has been taking social media by storm lately, and I have to admit—I totally get it! It’s got everything a sushi fanatic can ask for: crunchy freshness, creamy umami flavor, and that ever-addictive combination of crab and avocado–without the rice carbs! And here’s a foodie confession for you: I first stumbled upon this idea one night when I was craving sushi but didn’t have sushi rice. Creativity (and hunger!) got the best of me, so I threw some California roll ingredients in a jar with sliced cucumber, shook it up, and the result was absolute magic.
Want a bite of sushi-inspired culinary creativity without the fuss and the mess? Let’s roll—err—shake!
🥑 Personal Anecdote: When a Craving Led to Culinary Magic 🥑
Let me tell you a quick story. You know those nights when you’re desperate to sate a craving but don’t wanna spend an hour in the kitchen? Yeah, that was totally me a few months ago. It was one of those long days at the restaurant, and as I was heading home after prepping a thousand sushi rolls (okay, maybe not a thousand, but close!), all I wanted was to lounge in front of Netflix with an easy bite.
Then a thought popped into my head: “What if I captured the essence of sushi without the rolling and rice?” Inspired by the California roll—one of our kitchen’s bestsellers—I grabbed the ingredients I had on hand. Cucumbers went in first (because there’s always a cucumber chilling in my fridge), along with diced imitation crab, avocados, whipped cream cheese, mayo, a splash of soy sauce, and a generous sprinkle of sesame seeds. I shook it all up haphazardly like a kitchen-cocktail bartender, spooned out a bite, and—BOOM! Instant masterpiece.
I knew I had stumbled onto something special. From that night on, this crunchy, creamy, sushi-inspired gem became my “lazy chef” summer favorite. My friends and family can’t get enough of it either—I think I’ve created a monster!
Hungry yet? Let’s get shakin’!
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒
This California cucumber sushi salad has lovable ingredients you’ll find easily at your local grocery store:
– 1 large English cucumber, sliced thin
– 4 imitation crab sticks, diced
– ½ ripe avocado, diced
– 2 tbsp Kewpie mayo (trust me, it’s worth seeking out for authentic sushi vibes!)
– 2 tbsp whipped cream cheese
– 1½ tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds
Easy-peasy ingredients for an easy-peasy salad, folks!
👩🍳 Easy Step-by-Step Directions 👩🍳
Kitchen confidence check? Check! This recipe is truly foolproof, my friends. Here’s how simple it is:
Step 1: Slice It Up
Wash your cucumber thoroughly, then slice it into super-thin rounds (⅛ inch thin is ideal). A mandoline makes this super quick and uniform—but a sharp knife works great, too!
Step 2: Add Your Yummy Bits
Grab your favorite large mason jar or any container with a secure lid. Toss in your cucumber slices, diced imitation crab, creamy avocado chunks, Kewpie mayo, whipped cream cheese, soy sauce, and toasted sesame seeds.
Step 3: Shake, Shake, Shake
Securely place your jar’s lid, then give it a good shake! Get that kitchen jam on—it’s your mini sushi dance party. Shake until everything is beautifully coated and creamy.
Step 4: Serve it Up
You can eat this tasty magic right out of the jar (no judgement—I do it all the time) or serve it in a lovely bowl garnished with extra sesame seeds, sliced scallions, or even a drizzle of spicy mayo or sriracha if you’re feeling extra!
🥢 Serving Ideas: Go Beyond the Jar 🥢
Keep this cucumber sushi salad as your go-to easy lunch or snack, but if you wanna shake things up, try these serving ideas:
– Serve atop a bed of leafy greens for a refreshing sushi-inspired salad bowl.
– Spoon onto crispy seaweed chips for a sushi canapé.
– Roll the salad in lettuce wraps for a no-carb sushi taco.
Trust me—your friends will think you’re the cleverest chef in town!
✨ Pro Tips From Chef Alex ✨
– Feel free to swap imitation crab for cooked shrimp, seared salmon cubes, or even tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version!
– For an extra crunch, consider adding julienned carrots, radish, or thinly sliced bell peppers.
– Prep all ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Combine and shake just before eating, so everything stays nice and crisp.
🥗 Nutritional Information 🥗
– Prep Time: 15 mins
– Servings: 1–2
– Calories: Approximately 413 kcal per recipe
– High in protein and healthy fats
This California roll-inspired cucumber salad truly packs flavor without carb-heavy sushi rice. Perfect if you’re avoiding carbs or just looking for a healthy, tasty alternative.
🥢 It’s a Wrap! 🥢
Satisfy your sushi craving quickly with my California Roll Cucumber Salad—serious sushi vibes, no rolling required! Crunchy cucumber, creamy avocado, savory crab…it’s like biting into your favorite California roll, minus the fuss. Perfect for busy weeknights, lazy summer lunches, or anytime snack attacks—I promise this tasty little creation will become your new summer obsession.
Well foodie friends, it’s so much fun sharing this kitchen gem with you today. Let me know how this amazing cucumber salad turned out and any tweaks or personal spins you put on it. Stay delicious, friends!
Until next time, happy shaking & tasty adventures!
Chef Alex 🍣💚
California Roll Cucumber Salad
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1–2 1x
Ingredients
1 large English cucumber, sliced thin
• 4 imitation crab sticks, diced
• ½ avocado, diced
• 2 tbsp Kewpie mayo
• 2 tbsp whipped cream cheese
• 1½ tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
Slice cucumber into thin rounds (about ⅛ inch) using a mandolin or sharp knife.
In a large jar or container, combine cucumber, crab, avocado, mayo, cream cheese, soy sauce, and sesame seeds.
Cover the container and shake until everything is evenly coated.
Enjoy right from the jar or serve in a bowl. Garnish with extra sesame seeds if you’d like!
Notes
• High in protein, healthy fats, and sushi-style flavor without the rice
Nutrition
- Calories: 413 per serving
