Delicious California Roll Salad Recipe

Craving the delightful flavors of a California Roll but want to skip the rolling process? Look no further than this California Roll Inspired Salad! A delightful blend of crisp cucumber, creamy avocado, and sweet imitation crab sticks, all tossed in a luscious dressing featuring the secret weapon—Kewpie mayonnaise. This salad offers a quick and refreshing twist on traditional sushi flavors that will leave your taste buds singing with joy.

Crafted during a scorching summer, this California Roll Inspired Salad has become a staple in my home—a light yet satisfying dinner option that never fails to impress. The magic of this recipe lies in the Kewpie mayo, elevating it from a simple salad to a dish that evokes the freshness of sushi. Best enjoyed freshly made, this salad is a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will transport you to your favorite sushi spot in minutes. So, go ahead, whip up this salad for a taste of sushi without the fuss, and enjoy a flavorful dining experience right at home!

Quick Benefits

• Quick and easy to make, satisfying sushi cravings without the hassle of rolling
• Versatile and customizable to suit individual preferences and dietary needs
• Light and refreshing dish perfect for a light dinner, lunch, or elegant starter
• Utilizes the secret ingredient of Kewpie mayonnaise for an authentic sushi flavor

Why You’ll Love This Delicious California Roll Salad Recipe Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy days when you’re craving the flavors of sushi without the time-consuming rolling process.
• Refreshing and Light: The combination of crisp cucumber, creamy avocado, and sweet crab creates a refreshing salad that’s perfect for a light meal.
• Versatile and Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your preferences by adding ingredients like sriracha, real crab meat, shrimp, or edamame.
• Secret Ingredient: The use of Kewpie mayonnaise adds a unique umami flavor that elevates the salad from simple to restaurant-quality.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: While best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the ingredients in advance and assemble just before serving to maintain optimal texture.
• Perfect for Entertaining: Portion into individual servings for an elegant starter or pair with other Asian dishes for a complete meal. It’s a great addition to a summer dinner party menu.
• Pairs Well with Drinks: Enjoy this salad with a chilled sake or a crisp white wine for a sophisticated dining experience at home.
• Sushi Flavors in Minutes: Get all the flavors you love in sushi without the fuss in minutes with this irresistible salad.

Ingredients for Delicious California Roll Salad Recipe

• 4 imitation crab sticks, chopped
• 2 teaspoons sesame seeds, toasted
• 2 tablespoons kewpie mayonnaise
• 1/2 avocado, cubed
• 1 large English cucumber
• 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons whipped cream cheese

Pro Tips for Delicious California Roll Salad Recipe

Pro Tip 1: For an authentic and richer flavor, consider using fresh crab meat instead of imitation crab sticks. Ensure the crab is properly cooked and shredded to easily mix into the salad.

Pro Tip 2: If you run out of Kewpie mayonnaise, you can substitute it with regular mayonnaise mixed with a small splash of rice vinegar and a pinch of sugar to mimic the unique flavor profile. Adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences.

Pro Tip 3: To maintain the salad’s freshness and texture, prepare the ingredients in advance but toss the salad right before serving. Optimal texture is retained by storing the dressing separately and mixing it in just before enjoying. Additionally, consider adding sliced green onions, nori strips, or a drizzle of sriracha for added flavor and flair.

How to Make Delicious California Roll Salad Recipe

Step 1: Slice the Cucumber

Slice the cucumber thinly using a mandolin or a sharp knife to create 1/8-inch thick slices for even mixing with other ingredients.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Place sliced cucumber in a large deli container or glass jar. Add diced crab, avocado, mayonnaise, cream cheese, soy sauce, and sesame seeds, adjusting quantities to taste.

Step 3: Mix the Salad

Securely cover the container or jar with a lid, then shake vigorously to thoroughly combine and evenly distribute all ingredients. Coat the cucumber and other ingredients evenly with the creamy mixture and soy sauce through shaking.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Enjoy the mixed salad immediately for optimal freshness. Serve it in a bowl for a formal presentation or eat directly from the jar for convenience. Optionally, sprinkle extra sesame seeds on top as a garnish.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared the California Roll Inspired Salad, it is best enjoyed fresh to preserve its textures and flavors. However, if you need to store it, you can keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours. Keep in mind that the cucumber will release water over time, making the salad more watery. To maintain the optimal texture, consider storing the dressing separately and tossing it with the salad just before serving. If you plan to make this dish ahead, adding a bit of lemon juice to the avocado can help prevent browning.

For longer storage, it is recommended to prepare the ingredients in advance but mix the salad right before serving to keep the cucumber crisp. If you want to customize the salad, feel free to add ingredients like sliced green onions, nori strips, or a drizzle of sriracha for extra spice and flavor. Remember, the salad is versatile and can be adapted to suit your preferences or what you have available. Whether as a light lunch, part of an Asian spread, or an elegant starter, this refreshing salad brings all the sushi flavors you love in a quick and irresistible dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a richer and more authentic flavor, fresh crab can be used as a substitute for imitation crab. Make sure the fresh crab is properly cooked and shredded for easier mixing into the salad. This substitution will elevate the dish with a more luxurious seafood taste.

If you’re looking to make this salad vegetarian or want to avoid imitation crab, you can simply omit it and add more avocado, cucumber, or another protein substitute like tofu or edamame beans. This adjustment allows for flexibility based on dietary preferences or ingredient availability while still maintaining a delicious and satisfying salad.

In the absence of Kewpie mayonnaise, you can use regular mayonnaise as a substitute. To mimic the slightly sweeter and more umami flavor of Kewpie mayo, add a small splash of rice vinegar and a pinch of sugar to the regular mayonnaise. This simple adjustment helps recreate the unique taste profile of the original recipe. Remember to adjust the seasoning to taste as needed.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, try presenting this California Roll Inspired Salad in small sushi bowls lined with a strip of nori seaweed for an authentic touch. Another option is to serve it in hollowed out cucumber cups for a visually appealing and refreshing presentation. These unique serving styles will elevate the dining experience and impress your guests with a sushi restaurant-inspired presentation.

To add an extra layer of texture and flavor, consider topping the salad with a sprinkle of furikake seasoning just before serving. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also provide a burst of umami and savory notes to complement the creamy avocado and sweet crab. These small touches can make a big difference in transforming a simple salad into a gourmet experience that mirrors the flavors of a classic California roll.

FAQs for Delicious California Roll Salad Recipe

Can I use fresh crab instead of imitation crab sticks?

Yes, fresh crab can be used for a richer and more authentic flavor. Just ensure it is properly cooked and shredded for easier mixing.

What can I substitute for imitation crab sticks?

Simply omit the imitation crab and add more avocado, cucumber, or another protein substitute like tofu or edamame beans.

Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of Kewpie mayo?

If you don’t have Kewpie mayo, you can use regular mayonnaise with a small splash of rice vinegar and a pinch of sugar to mimic the flavor.

Can I prepare the salad in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance, but it is best to mix the salad right before serving to maintain the cucumber’s crisp texture.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this California Roll Inspired Salad is a delightful and simple dish that captures the essence of a California roll in a refreshing salad form. Perfect for a light lunch, as a side dish, or even as an elegant starter at a gathering, this salad offers a burst of sushi flavors without the need for rolling or cooking. Embrace the versatility of this recipe by adding your own twist or keeping it classic with the original ingredients.

Whether you opt for the imitation crab or decide to upgrade to fresh crab, this salad is sure to satisfy your sushi cravings in a quick and satisfying manner. Remember, a little creativity goes a long way with this recipe, so feel free to experiment and make it your own. Give this California Roll Inspired Salad a try, and enjoy the fresh and irresistible flavors in every bite!

Delicious California Roll Salad Recipe

“Transform sushi into a refreshing California Roll Inspired Salad with cucumber, crab, avocado, and a secret Kewpie mayo twist for a quick, irresistible dish.”

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time10 Minutes

Cook Time~ undefined

Total Time10 Minutes

CuisineJapanese

Skill LevelEasy

Servings2 Servings

Ingredients

• 4 imitation crab sticks, chopped
• 2 teaspoons sesame seeds, toasted
• 2 tablespoons kewpie mayonnaise
• 1/2 avocado, cubed
• 1 large English cucumber
• 1 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons whipped cream cheese

Instructions

1. Slice the Cucumber: Slice the cucumber thinly using a mandolin or a sharp knife to create 1/8-inch thick slices for even mixing with other ingredients.
2. Combine Ingredients: Place sliced cucumber in a large deli container or glass jar. Add diced crab, avocado, mayonnaise, cream cheese, soy sauce, and sesame seeds, adjusting quantities to taste.
3. Mix the Salad: Securely cover the container or jar with a lid, then shake vigorously to thoroughly combine and evenly distribute all ingredients. Coat the cucumber and other ingredients evenly with the creamy mixture and soy sauce through shaking.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy the mixed salad immediately for optimal freshness. Serve it in a bowl for a formal presentation or eat directly from the jar for convenience. Optionally, sprinkle extra sesame seeds on top as a garnish.