California Roll Cucumber Salad (Print Version)

A refreshing salad with crisp cucumbers, creamy mayo, tender crab, and sesame finished with nori strips.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
02 - 2 scallions, finely chopped (optional)

→ Protein

03 - 1 cup imitation crab sticks, shredded (or extra-firm tofu, cubed for vegetarian option)

→ Dressing

04 - 1/3 cup mayonnaise (preferably Japanese Kewpie mayo)
05 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
06 - 1 teaspoon soy sauce
07 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

→ Toppings

08 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
09 - 2 sheets roasted seaweed (nori), cut into thin strips
10 - 1 tablespoon pickled ginger, chopped (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - In a large bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers and shredded imitation crab (or tofu).
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and toasted sesame oil until smooth.
03 - Pour the dressing over the cucumber and crab mixture. Toss gently to coat evenly.
04 - Add the scallions and half the sesame seeds; mix lightly.
05 - Transfer to a serving platter or individual bowls.
06 - Top with nori strips, remaining sesame seeds, and pickled ginger if desired.
07 - Serve immediately for best texture.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • It comes together in 15 minutes flat, which means you can serve something restaurant-quality whenever hunger strikes.
  • The creamy, umami-rich dressing makes simple cucumbers taste like you've done something sophisticated.
  • It works for any diet preference—swap the crab for tofu and the mayo for vegan mayo without losing an ounce of deliciousness.
02 -
  • If you dress this salad more than an hour ahead, the cucumbers will start releasing water and the whole thing becomes limp—I learned this the hard way by prepping for a party too early and ending up with sad lettuce energy in a sushi-inspired package.
  • The quality of your mayo honestly changes everything; Kewpie mayo brings a subtle sweetness that makes this taste like it came from somewhere special, while regular mayo pushes it toward homemade deli-salad territory.
03 -
  • If you can't find Kewpie mayo, substitute regular mayo but reduce it to 1/4 cup and add 1/2 teaspoon of sugar to match that subtle sweetness that makes this taste authentically good.
  • Toast your own sesame seeds in a dry pan for about two minutes if you have the time—it unlocks a deeper, nuttier flavor that makes people ask what your secret ingredient is.
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