Dessert

California Roll Cucumber Salad Recipe

ByIsabella Vance February 21, 2026February 21, 2026

Introduction

This California Roll Cucumber Salad is a fresh and flavorful twist on the classic sushi roll. Packed with crunchy cucumber, creamy avocado, and savory crab meat, it’s quick to prepare and perfect for a light meal or snack.

A white bowl filled with a layered salad featuring thin green cucumber slices as the main base, mixed with small chunks of light green avocado and orange shredded carrots. On top, there are pieces of white and red crab sticks scattered throughout. The salad is drizzled with bright orange and dark reddish-brown sauces. Sprinkled black and white sesame seeds and chopped green onions are spread over the top, adding texture and color. A pair of wooden chopsticks rests across the bowl's edge, all placed on a white marbled surface with a gray checkered cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 English cucumber
1/2 cup chopped imitation crab meat
1/2 avocado, diced
1/2 cup shredded carrot
1/3 cup whipped cream cheese
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon soy sauce
2 teaspoons rice vinegar
2 teaspoons furikake, divided (optional or to taste)
Seaweed squares or nori (optional, to taste)
Sriracha and/or sriracha mayo (to taste)
Sliced green onion (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Using a mandoline or sharp knife, slice the English cucumber into thin slices.
Step 2: Place the cucumber slices into a 32-ounce plastic lidded container or any shakeable container with a lid. The cucumbers should fill about half the container when gently pressed down. Add the chopped crab meat, diced avocado, and shredded carrot on top.
Step 3: Add the whipped cream cheese, mayonnaise, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and half of the furikake. Secure the lid tightly on the container.
Step 4: Shake the container well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. It may look messy, but the flavors come together beautifully.
Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining furikake over the top to taste and enjoy directly from the container. For a prettier presentation, pour the salad into a serving bowl and top with extra cucumber slices, a drizzle of sriracha or sriracha mayo, additional furikake, and sliced green onion.

Tips & Variations

Use a mandoline for evenly thin cucumber slices, which mix better and have a nicer texture.
Try adding chopped fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of freshness.
If you don’t have furikake, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds as a flavorful substitute.
For a spicier kick, increase the amount of sriracha or mix sriracha mayo directly into the salad before shaking.
Swap imitation crab with cooked shrimp or real crab meat if available for a more authentic touch.

Storage

Store the salad in its sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day for best freshness. Avoid making it too far in advance, as the cucumber releases water and the texture may become soggy. When ready to eat, give the container a gentle shake before serving. Reheating is not recommended.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a fresh salad shows a base layer of sliced cucumber rounds, light green and moist. On top, there are small chunks of red and white imitation crab meat mixed with bright green avocado cubes and thin orange carrot strips. Green chopped scallions are scattered over the salad, along with a sprinkle of black and white sesame seeds. Thin lines of orange spicy sauce are drizzled over the top. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with wooden chopsticks and a wooden bowl of green herbs nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

It’s best to prepare this salad the same day you plan to eat it to keep the cucumber crisp and prevent sogginess. If needed, you can assemble it a few hours ahead and keep it chilled, but avoid overnight storage.

Is this salad gluten-free?

It can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce and ensure the imitation crab meat does not contain gluten. Check ingredient labels to be sure.