If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok lately, chances are you’ve spotted the ultra-popular California roll cucumber salad making waves.
This viral salad has all the flavors of your favorite California rolls—think creamy avocado, tender crab meat, crisp sliced cucumber, and a punchy spicy mayo—but in salad form. It’s the perfect no-rice twist for sushi lovers and a fun, fresh dish that’s as tasty as it is beautiful.
This recipe is simple, satisfying, and totally addictive. You’ll love how the creamy dressing coats every bite of cool cucumber and savory imitation crab, with the added richness of whipped cream cheese and the umami hit of soy sauce.
Whether you’re making it as a quick meal, a side dish, or prepping ahead for a gathering, this salad is a keeper.
I’m sharing everything you need to make your own bowl at home—step-by-step instructions, handy tips, and a few easy serving ideas to make it your own. If you’ve been eyeing this viral TikTok favorite, now’s your chance to try it yourself.
Seafood salad fan? You’ve got to check out my Snow Crab Salad for another fresh, flavorful dish that’s simple to make.
Jump to:
What Is California Roll Cucumber Salad?
The California roll cucumber salad takes all the beloved elements of a classic California roll—imitation crab, avocado, soy sauce, and a hit of spicy mayo—and tosses them together with thinly sliced cucumber instead of rice. The result is a light, crunchy, and totally satisfying salad that’s perfect when you’re craving sushi but want something easier (and faster) to make.
This viral California roll cucumber salad is creamy, fresh, and packed with umami flavor, and it’s incredibly simple to customize. It’s also a great way to sneak more veggies into your meals while keeping things fun and tasty.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this fresh, flavor-packed salad:
- 2 cucumbers (Persian cucumbers or English cucumbers work best)
- 8 ounces imitation crab sticks (surimi-style)
- 2 tablespoons spicy mayonnaise (or make your own with 1 tablespoon sriracha + 1 tablespoon regular mayo)
- 2 tablespoons whipped cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 avocado
- green onions, optional (for garnish)
- sesame seeds, optional (for extra crunch and flavor)
Every ingredient brings something special to the bowl: crisp cucumbers for texture, creamy avocado for richness, and that unmistakable sushi flavor from the crab and soy.
How to Make California Roll Cucumber Salad (Step-by-Step Recipe)
This salad is super easy to make and comes together in no time:
- Prep the Cucumbers:
Using a mandolin (or a sharp knife), thinly slice the cucumbers. Place them in a bowl or on a paper towel–lined plate to rest while you prep the other ingredients—this helps draw out some of the water.
- Prep the Crab:
Shred (using a hand mixer) or chop the imitation crab sticks and set aside. - Make the Dressing:
In a large bowl, mix the spicy mayo, whipped cream cheese, and soy sauce. Stir until smooth and creamy. Taste and tweak as needed—add more soy sauce for saltiness or extra mayo for creaminess. - Add the Avocado:
Dice or slice your avocado and set aside. - Drain the Cucumbers:
Lightly press the sliced cucumbers to remove excess moisture, then pour off the water. - Mix Everything:
Add the cucumbers to the dressing, working in batches (about a quarter at a time) to make sure every slice is coated well. Gently fold in the crab meat and avocado. - Garnish and Chill:
Top with green onions and sesame seeds, if using. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours—or overnight—for the best flavor and texture.
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What Kind of Cucumbers Work Best?
For the best cucumber salads, you’ll want to use cucumbers with fewer seeds and a crisp texture. Persian cucumbers or English cucumbers are ideal because they’re tender, crisp, and don’t require peeling. If you’re using standard cucumbers, be sure to remove the seeds for the best results.
How Spicy Is This Salad?
This California roll cucumber salad has a gentle heat thanks to the spicy mayo, but you can easily adjust it.
Want more kick? Add a drizzle of wasabi sauce to the bowl or mix in extra sriracha.
If you prefer it milder, cut back on the spicy elements or stick with regular mayonnaise.
Serving Ideas: How to Enjoy This Viral Salad
Here are a few tasty ways to serve your salad:
- As a refreshing side dish for grilled meats or seafood.
- Topped with crushed seaweed snacks for extra crunch and sushi vibes.
- With a bowl of steamed rice for a complete meal.
- Paired with pickled ginger and wasabi on the side for a full Japanese-inspired experience.
Tips for Storage and Freshness
This salad is best when chilled for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Because of the avocado, it’s best enjoyed fresh, but a quick stir can help revive the salad if it sits overnight.
Fun Variations to Try
- Swap the imitation crab for real crab or shrimp for extra protein.
- Add thinly sliced radishes or carrots for color and crunch.
- Stir in furikake seasoning or a sprinkle of MSG for extra umami flavor.
- Mix in diced tofu for a vegetarian-friendly boost.
- Top with seaweed strips and a drizzle of wasabi sauce for extra sushi vibes.
Looking for another fresh and easy salad? Check out this Avocado Cucumber Tomato Salad for a light, colorful option that’s perfect for any meal.
📋 Recipe
California Roll Cucumber Salad
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Ingredients
- 2 cucumbers Persian or English recommended
- 8 ounces imitation crab sticks surimi-style
- 2 tablespoons spicy mayonnaise or 1 tablespoon sriracha + 1 tablespoon mayo
- 2 tablespoons whipped cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 avocado diced or sliced
- green onions optional, for garnish
- sesame seeds optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Use a mandolin to thinly slice the cucumbers. Place in a bowl or paper towel–lined plate to rest.2 cucumbers
- Shred or chop the imitation crab sticks; set aside.8 ounces imitation crab sticks
- In a large bowl, stir together the spicy mayonnaise, whipped cream cheese, and soy sauce until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning.2 tablespoons spicy mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons whipped cream cheese, 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- Dice or slice the avocado; set aside.1 avocado
- Lightly press the cucumbers to release excess moisture, then pour off the liquid.
- Add the cucumbers to the dressing, a quarter at a time, ensuring even coating.
- Add the crab meat and avocado; stir gently to combine.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, if using. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.green onions, sesame seeds
