The crisp, refreshing bite of California Roll Cucumber Salad is like a mini-vacation for your taste buds. Imagine crunching into fresh cucumbers, their coolness perfectly balanced with the umami of soy sauce and a hint of sesame oil. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re lounging by the ocean, even if you’re just at home in your sweatpants. For more inspiration, check out this lunch recipes recipe.
As I whip up this salad, I’m reminded of summer barbecues where friends gather around, laughing and sharing stories over delicious food. This salad has become a favorite—its vibrant colors and tantalizing flavors always steal the show. Whether for a sunny picnic or a cozy family dinner, it promises an explosion of flavor that leaves everyone wanting more. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This California Roll Cucumber Salad is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for both novice cooks and kitchen pros alike
- Bursting with fresh flavors, it’s visually stunning and colorful, making every plate pop
- The salad is versatile enough to serve as a refreshing side dish or a light meal on its own
- Plus, it’s packed with healthy ingredients that will make your body thank you!
I remember the first time I served this salad at a summer barbecue; my friends’ reactions were priceless as they devoured every last bite.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Cucumbers: Choose firm, fresh cucumbers for maximum crunch; English cucumbers are my favorite for their thin skin.
Avocado: Use ripe avocados for creaminess; they should give slightly when pressed gently.
Rice Vinegar: Opt for unseasoned rice vinegar to control the sweetness; it brightens up the flavors beautifully.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is ideal; it allows you to enjoy the salty goodness without overwhelming other flavors.
Sesame Oil: A splash adds depth; I love using toasted sesame oil for an extra nutty kick.
Green Onions: Fresh green onions add a subtle sharpness; chop them finely for even distribution.
Sesame Seeds: These tiny seeds can elevate your salad’s flavor and crunch factor; toast them lightly for added aroma.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make California Roll Cucumber Salad
Prepare Your Cucumbers: Start by washing the cucumbers thoroughly under cold water. Slice them thinly into rounds or half-moons; this enhances their crunchiness in each bite.
Make the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a hint of sugar until fully combined. The smell should be savory yet sweet—so good!
Add in Fresh Ingredients: Toss in the sliced cucumbers along with diced avocado and chopped green onions. Mix gently to avoid mashing the avocado while ensuring everything is coated well.
Toss with Sesame Seeds: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the salad before giving it one last gentle toss. Your kitchen should now be filled with nutty aromas that’ll make anyone curious about what’s cooking!
Chill and Serve: Allow the salad to sit in the fridge for about 15 minutes before serving; this helps meld all those wonderful flavors together while keeping things refreshingly cool.
This California Roll Cucumber Salad is not just food; it’s an experience that evokes joyfulness and warmth with every crunchy bite! Enjoy!
You Must Know
- This California Roll Cucumber Salad is refreshing, crunchy, and bursting with flavor
- The combination of fresh ingredients makes it a perfect side dish or snack, sure to impress your guests
- Enjoy it chilled for the ultimate experience that brightens any meal
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve the best results, start by preparing all ingredients before mixing. Chop the cucumbers first, then blend in the other elements for a consistent texture.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize by adding shredded carrots for sweetness or avocado for creaminess. A sprinkle of sesame seeds can also elevate the dish’s presentation!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. This salad is best enjoyed cold and doesn’t require reheating.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- This California Roll Cucumber Salad shines when you use fresh ingredients; they make a world of difference in flavor
- Try adding a splash of rice vinegar to brighten up the taste
- Serve it alongside sushi for a delightful dining experience
The first time I made this salad, my friends devoured it before I could even sit down! Their compliments were priceless and made me realize how simple ingredients can create magic.
FAQ
What ingredients are essential for California Roll Cucumber Salad?
Essential ingredients include cucumbers, crab meat, avocado, and rice vinegar for flavor.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes! Substitute crab meat with tofu or chickpeas to keep it plant-based.
How long does this salad last in the fridge?
The salad stays fresh for about three days when stored properly in an airtight container.
California Roll Cucumber Salad
California Roll Cucumber Salad is a refreshing and crunchy dish that combines the coolness of fresh cucumbers with creamy avocado, all tossed in a savory dressing of soy sauce and sesame oil. Perfect for summer gatherings or as a light meal, this salad bursts with flavor and vibrant colors. It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience that brightens any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: California
Ingredients
- 2 cups sliced cucumbers (approximately 1 large English cucumber)
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 2 tablespoons unseasoned rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Wash cucumbers under cold water and slice them thinly into rounds or half-moons.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and a hint of sugar until fully combined.
- Toss sliced cucumbers, diced avocado, and green onions in the dressing gently to coat.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the salad and mix lightly.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Add shredded carrots for extra sweetness. Customize with additional veggies like bell peppers or radishes for more crunch.
