California Roll Cucumber Salad Recipe

Ingredients

This recipe was developed at its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly. Original recipe (1X) yields 1 serving.

• 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced
• 5 imitation crab sticks, diced
• 1/2 avocado, diced
• 2 sheets seaweed, torn into small pieces
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped pickled ginger
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds

Directions

In a pint canning jar with a lid, combine all the ingredients. Add the sliced cucumber, crab, avocado, seaweed, rice vinegar, soy sauce, pickled ginger, and sesame seeds into the jar. Once all ingredients are added, close the lid tightly and shake well until everything is evenly combined. Your fresh, tasty salad is now ready to serve!

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (1 serving):

• Calories: 705
• Total Fat: 47g (60% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 7g (35% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 28mg (9% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 1852mg (81% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrates: 62g (23% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 23g (81% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 18g
• Protein: 20g (41% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 38mg (43% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 127mg (10% Daily Value)
• Iron: 4mg (20% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 2039mg (43% Daily Value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

The Story Behind California Roll Cucumber Salad

The California Roll Cucumber Salad draws inspiration from the iconic California roll sushi, which emerged in the 1960s and 1970s in Los Angeles. Created by Japanese chefs adapting traditional sushi for American palates, the California roll replaced raw tuna with avocado and imitation crab, making it more approachable to those unfamiliar with raw fish. The salad version takes the core ingredients of the rollcucumber, crab, avocado, and seaweedand transforms them into a fresh, quick-to-make dish suitable for a light lunch or side.

Regional Characteristics

This salad reflects a fusion of Japanese and American culinary traditions. While traditional Japanese salads often feature simple vinegared vegetables, this recipe incorporates elements like sesame seeds, pickled ginger, and rice vinegar in a manner that aligns with Californian tastes. In California, it is common to find variations with additional ingredients such as edamame, tobiko, or spicy mayo to enhance texture and flavor.

How It Differs From Similar Dishes

Unlike classic sushi rolls or poke bowls, the California Roll Cucumber Salad is served deconstructed, allowing each ingredient to stand out while still offering the familiar flavor combination of a California roll. While a standard sushi roll is eaten with hands or chopsticks in bite-sized portions, this salad is typically shaken in a jar or tossed, making it more casual and convenient for on-the-go meals. It also emphasizes fresh cucumber slices as the base rather than rice, reducing carbohydrates and giving it a crisp, refreshing texture.

Where Its Typically Served

This salad is commonly found in modern Asian fusion restaurants, sushi bars, and cafes that focus on light, health-conscious fare. It is also popular at home due to its simplicity, making it a favorite for meal prep and picnic-style lunches. Often served in mason jars or small bowls, it pairs well with grilled proteins, other sushi dishes, or as a standalone appetizer for gatherings.

Interesting Facts

• The California roll was invented as a way to introduce sushi to Western diners who were hesitant to try raw fish.
• Shaking the salad in a jar, as suggested in modern recipes, is a method popularized on social media platforms like TikTok, contributing to its viral status.
• Using avocado instead of raw fish not only provides creaminess but also adds heart-healthy fats, aligning with contemporary trends in nutritious eating.
• The combination of rice vinegar, soy sauce, and pickled ginger mirrors the flavor profile of sushi while keeping the dish light and refreshing.
• This salad exemplifies the global evolution of traditional dishes, demonstrating how culinary creativity can transform a sushi roll into a quick, easy-to-enjoy salad.

FAQ about California Roll Cucumber Salad Recipe

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