If you’re craving sushi flavors but don’t want to roll up your sleeves (or seaweed), this Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad will be your new obsession. Imagine the iconic taste of a California roll—creamy avocado, crisp cucumber, sweet crab, and that subtle hit of tangy, savory dressing—all layered into a fresh, no-fuss salad. It’s cool, crunchy, and loaded with vibrant color! Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, a standout side, or a fun party appetizer, this is the salad that delivers big sushi shop energy with absolutely zero fuss.

Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad lies in its simple ingredients, each one absolutely essential for the bold, refreshing flavor and satisfying texture. Here’s what goes into making every bite irresistible.

Seedless cucumber (2 cups, thinly sliced): Super crisp and juicy, cucumber brings coolness and mimics the classic sushi roll shape.
Imitation crab meat (1 cup, shredded): This gives that authentic California roll flavor without any hassle—feel free to swap for real crab or cooked shrimp.
Avocado (1/2, diced): Creamy and buttery, avocado turns this salad into a sushi-lover’s dream.
Sesame seeds (1 tablespoon): These tiny seeds add nutty crunch and dressy sushi shop vibes.
Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): The base of our rich, tangy-sweet dressing that ties everything together.
Rice vinegar (1 teaspoon): Brightens the dressing with a gentle zip that balances the richness.
Soy sauce (1 teaspoon): Delivers a savory punch and signature umami undertone.
Sriracha (1 teaspoon, optional): Adds a welcome kick for those who like a little heat.
Salt (to taste): Just a pinch enhances every flavor in the bowl.
Chopped green onions (for garnish): The final touch—fresh, sharp, and loaded with color.

How to Make Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Whisk Up the Dressing

Let’s start with the heart of this salad: the dressing. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sriracha (if you’re bringing the heat). Whisk well until it’s smooth and silky—this cozy flavor base will hug all the veggies and crab in creamy deliciousness.

Step 2: Add the Main Ingredients

Next, toss in those thinly sliced cucumbers, the shredded imitation crab (or real crab, if you’re feeling fancy), and diced avocado. You’ll see the colors pop and everything start to look like the ultimate sushi roll gone salad-style.

Step 3: Toss Gently

Using a large spoon or spatula, gently fold the ingredients together, making sure every bite gets coated in that dreamy dressing. Be tender with the avocado so it stays chunky and luscious, not mashed.

Step 4: Season and Sprinkle

Give your salad a taste, then add a pinch of salt if needed. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top for crunch and eye appeal—this final touch makes it visually pop and adds wonderful texture.

Step 5: Garnish and Chill

Finish off your Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad with a generous sprinkle of chopped green onions. For maximum flavor, you can chill the salad for 15–20 minutes before serving, or dive in right away if impatience gets the best of you!

How to Serve Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad

Garnishes

A little extra something goes a long way here. Beyond green onions and sesame seeds, try a handful of crushed seaweed snacks for a nod to nori, or scatter some crispy wonton strips on top just before serving for that irresistible crunch. Toasted black sesame seeds also look stunning and offer a deeper nutty flavor.

Side Dishes

Balance out your table by pairing this Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad with steamed edamame, miso soup, or even tempura veggies. If you want a heartier meal, serve alongside teriyaki chicken or a steaming bowl of Japanese rice—you’ll feel like you’re at your favorite sushi spot from the comfort of home.

Creative Ways to Present

Get creative! Serve in individual clear cups for fun party portions, spoon onto butter lettuce leaves for handheld “sushi boats,” or layer it into small mason jars for a picnic-friendly twist. Scatter over sushi rice and roll up in nori sheets for a deconstructed sushi hand roll!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad left (which is never guaranteed!), store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 2 days, though the cucumber stays crunchiest if enjoyed the same day.

Freezing

This salad isn’t freezer friendly because cucumbers and avocado don’t hold up well to ice-cold temps—they’ll get mushy and lose their fresh texture. For best results, make just enough to enjoy within a couple days.

Reheating

No reheating needed! This is a no-cook, chilled salad and is best served cold, straight from the fridge or at room temperature. If the dressing separates a bit after sitting, just give everything a gentle toss before serving again.

FAQs

Can I use real crab instead of imitation crab?

Absolutely! Real crab is a fantastic upgrade if you feel like treating yourself. Just make sure to flake it gently and add it as you would the imitation crab—the flavors and textures work beautifully in this Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad.

Is there a dairy-free version of this salad?

Definitely! Simply swap the regular mayonnaise for a high-quality vegan (dairy-free) mayo, and the rest of the ingredients are good to go. The taste stays luscious, and you’ll never miss the dairy.

What can I use instead of sriracha for spice?

If sriracha isn’t your jam, try a dash of wasabi paste for that classic sushi kick, or use a pinch of red pepper flakes. Of course, you can always skip the heat entirely and let the other flavors shine in your Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad.

Can I make it ahead for meal prep?

Yes! You can prep the veggies and dressing in advance, storing them separately in airtight containers. Combine and toss just before serving to maintain the crispiest texture and freshest flavors.

How do I keep the avocado from browning?

A splash of extra rice vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice mixed into the dressing helps slow down browning. And if you’re prepping ahead, add the avocado right before tossing everything together to keep it perky in your Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad.

Final Thoughts

Give this Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad a try and watch it become your go-to for all things fresh, zesty, and fun! With its sushi-inspired charm and effortless prep, I promise your taste buds (and your friends) will thank you. Let me know how you enjoy it—you may never look at sushi the same way again!

Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Easy California Roll Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and light dish that captures the flavors of a California roll in salad form. With crunchy cucumbers, creamy avocado, and savory imitation crab meat, all coated in a zesty dressing, this salad is perfect for a quick and easy meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Cucumber Salad:

2 cups seedless cucumber (thinly sliced)
1 cup imitation crab meat (shredded)
1/2 avocado (diced)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Dressing:

2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1 teaspoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
Salt to taste
Chopped green onions for garnish

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Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, prepare the dressing: Whisk together mayonnaise, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sriracha until smooth.
Add ingredients: Add cucumber, crab meat, and avocado to the bowl. Toss gently to coat everything in the dressing.
Season and garnish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds, season with salt, and garnish with green onions.
Serve: Serve immediately or chill for 15–20 minutes for enhanced flavor.