Description
A refreshing California Roll-inspired cucumber salad combining crisp English cucumbers, creamy avocado, and savory crab meat, tossed in a smooth Japanese mayonnaise and soy sauce dressing with a hint of sesame.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 2 English cucumbers, sliced into 1/8-inch thick rounds
- 1 cup crab meat or imitation crab, diced
- 1 avocado, cubed
- 1/4 cup chopped scallions (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped radishes (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise, preferably Japanese mayonnaise
- 2 oz cream cheese, softened (optional)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Cucumbers: Slice the cucumbers into 1/8-inch thick rounds using a mandolin slicer or a sharp knife. Lightly salt the slices and place them in a colander to drain excess moisture for 15-20 minutes. After draining, pat the cucumber slices thoroughly dry with paper towels to remove any remaining water.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained cucumber slices with the diced crab meat and cubed avocado. Add chopped scallions and radishes if you choose to use them. Gently toss the mixture so that all ingredients are evenly distributed without mashing the avocado.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, softened cream cheese (if using), soy sauce, and half of the sesame seeds until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Adjust the quantities of mayonnaise and cream cheese based on your desired consistency and flavor strength.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the cucumber and crab mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece is coated evenly, taking care not to crush the avocado cubes.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the dressed salad to a serving dish. Sprinkle the remaining sesame seeds over the top for garnish. Serve immediately for the freshest taste or refrigerate briefly to enjoy a chilled salad. For added flavor, optionally garnish with wasabi or nori flakes.
Notes
- Lightly salting and draining cucumbers prevents the salad from becoming watery.
- Use Japanese mayonnaise like Kewpie for authentic flavor and creaminess.
- Softening the cream cheese makes it easier to whisk into the dressing smoothly.
- You can substitute imitation crab with real crab meat for a more luxurious version.
- Optional garnishes like wasabi or nori flakes add an additional layer of flavor and authenticity.
- Serve immediately or keep refrigerated for up to 1 hour for best freshness.
