California Roll Cucumber Salad

All the flavors of your favorite sushi roll in a delicious cucumber salad! This California Roll Cucumber Salad combines crunchy cucumbers with imitation crab, creamy avocado, edamame, and spicy mayo in an addictive salad you’re going to LOVE!

Anyone who knows me knows how much I LOVE sushi. So much, in fact, that there was a time in my life when I took myself on a weekly sushi date… and devoured it every time.

And it will probably come as no surprise to you that one of the first rolls I ever tried was a California Roll. It’s a classic! A simple combination of imitation crab, cucumber, and avocado, it’s one of those rolls you can’t help but love.

So naturally… I had to turn it into a salad! And not just any salad, but a crunchy cucumber salad, made with imitation crab, avocado, spicy mayo, and a sprinkle of edamame… just for fun!

Now, I’ll be the first to admit I took some liberties with this salad. It’s definitely not an exact replica of a California Roll. First, I didn’t include any rice (although rice would be a delicious addition!) Second, I didn’t include any seaweed, but if you check out my “variations” section below you’ll see it as a suggestion. Third, I’m well aware that California Rolls don’t come with spicy mayo OR edamame… but I included both.

Which is part of the fun of recipes. You can add and subtract ingredients according to your own personal tastes. And in the case of this California Roll Cucumber Salad… it will still turn out completely delicious!

what you’ll need for this recipe

Cucumbers – Fresh cucumbers, thinly sliced. I used mini (Persian) cucumbers because they’re seedless, super crispy, and always have delicious flavor. English cucumbers are also seedless and would work well in this recipe.

Imitation crab – 8 ounces imitation crab meat, shredded using two forks. Imitation crab can be found in the meat & seafood department at your local grocery store.

Avocado – 1 large avocado, chopped. Add more to taste!

Edamame – 1 cup shelled edamame, aka mukimame. This can be found in the frozen vegetable aisle at your local grocery store. Even though edamame is not an ingredient found in California Rolls, it adds delicious flavor, texture, and extra protein to this salad.

Green onion – 2 sliced green onions add flavor and crunch. Feel free to omit if you’d like.

Spicy mayo – 1/2 cup spicy mayo gives this salad delicious flavor and a creamy texture.

Sesame seeds – A combination of white and black sesame seeds add a nutty flavor and perfect finishing touch.

how to make california roll cucumber salad

Prep the ingredients. Thinly slice the cucumbers and green onions, shred the imitation crab, chop the avocado and make the spicy mayo.

Combine the salad. In a large bowl, combine all the ingredients except the sesame seeds. Toss until evenly coated with mayo. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

storage tips

This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, but will taste freshest and crispiest when eaten within 2 days.