Go Back Email Link
Cucumber salad with imitation crab, avocado, and sesame seeds served in a bowl.

Cucumber Salad - California Roll

This Cucumber Salad that Tastes Like a California Roll has all the fresh sushi flavors without the rolling. Crisp cucumbers, creamy avocado, imitation crab, and a touch of Kewpie mayo come together with ponzu or soy sauce for a quick, refreshing meal. Easy to shake, mix, and serve — it’s light, flavorful, and perfect any time of day.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 1
Course: Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American, Japanese
Calories: 220
Ingredients Equipment Method Video Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 English cucumber
  • ½ avocado
  • Small amount of red onion
  • Ponzu sauce or soy sauce
  • Imitation crab or real crab if you have it
  • Sesame seeds
  • Kewpie mayo
  • Carrot sticks

Equipment

  • Henckels Kitchen Knives
  • Mandoline
  • Mason Jar

Method
 

  1. Cut the cucumber using a mandolin for even, thin slices.
  2. Add them to a large mason jar or a container with a lid.
  3. Mandolin-slice a bit of red onion and add it in.
  4. Add a few store-bought carrot sticks for crunch.
  5. Cut two imitation crab sticks into bite-size pieces and add to the jar.
  6. Cut the avocado in half, scoop out one half, and mash it into the jar — this helps coat everything evenly.
  7. Add ponzu sauce or soy sauce, whichever you prefer.
  8. Sprinkle in sesame seeds and a bit of Kewpie mayo.
  9. Close the lid tightly, then shake it like crazy to mix everything together. It takes a little effort, but it’s worth it.

Video

Notes

Alternatively, you can mix everything in a bowl — but shaking it in a jar makes it more fun (and saves dishes!). Serve immediately and enjoy.
Optional: Mix a quick spicy mayo using regular mayo, a drizzle of sesame oil, and a small squirt of sriracha. Drizzle over the top before serving.