Have you ever found yourself staring into the fridge at noon wondering what to eat? We have all been there. You want something fresh but you also want something that actually tastes good. You do not want another boring pile of wilted greens. That is where this Asian Salad comes into the picture. It is bright and crunchy and creamy all at the same time. It feels like a treat but it is actually a very healthy salad recipe that you can put together in just a few minutes.
This recipe is basically a deconstructed version of your favorite sushi roll. If you love a California roll you are going to be obsessed with this sushi salad. It uses simple ingredients that you can find at any local grocery store without spending a fortune. It is the perfect easy lunch idea for busy parents or students who need a quick meal that feels special. Let us dive into why this dish is about to become your new favorite obsession.
Jump To:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with this Asian Salad. First of all the texture is incredible. You get the snap of the English cucumber and the silkiness of the avocado. Then you add in the crab salad element which gives it a savory bite. It is a symphony of textures that keeps your taste buds interested from the first forkful to the last. Honestly it is hard to stop eating once you start.
Another reason this is a winner is the cost. Ordering sushi for lunch every day is not realistic for most of us. It gets expensive fast. By making this sushi salad at home you get those same flavors for a fraction of the price. You can buy a big pack of imitation crab and a few cucumbers and feed yourself for several days. It is a budget friendly way to enjoy high end flavors in your own kitchen.
The prep time is also a huge selling point. You do not need any professional equipment or fancy knives. You just need a cutting board and a bowl. There is no cooking involved which makes it a great choice for hot summer days when you do not want to turn on the stove. It is a healthy salad recipe that respects your time and your energy levels. You can have a bowl ready faster than you could drive to a takeout spot.
Finally this cucumber salad is incredibly versatile. While the base recipe is perfect as it is you can always add your own twist. Maybe you want a little heat so you add some red pepper flakes. Or maybe you want extra crunch so you toss in some sliced radishes. It is a forgiving recipe that encourages you to play with your food. That is the best kind of cooking in my opinion.
Ingredients
To make this delicious Asian Salad you will need a few key items from the produce and refrigerated sections. These ingredients are chosen for their balance of flavor and ease of use. Gathering everything beforehand makes the process smooth and enjoyable.
- 2 English cucumbers sliced
- 8 ounces imitation crab meat chopped
- 1 ripe avocado diced
- 2 tablespoons green onions sliced
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
English cucumbers are preferred for this cucumber salad because they have thinner skins and fewer seeds. This means you do not have to peel them if you do not want to. The imitation crab provides that classic crab salad taste that we all know and love. It is usually made from white fish and is very affordable. The avocado adds a healthy fat that makes the Asian Salad feel more filling and satisfying.
Step By Step Instructions
Making this dish is straightforward and quick. Follow these simple steps to create a fresh and vibrant meal. Even if you are a beginner in the kitchen you will find this process very easy to handle.
Step 1: Prepare The Cucumbers
Start by washing your English cucumbers thoroughly. Since we are leaving the skin on for extra color and nutrients you want them clean. Slice them into bite sized pieces. You can do rounds or half moons depending on what you prefer. The goal is to have pieces that are easy to pick up with a fork or chopsticks.
Step 2: Drain Excess Moisture
This is a secret tip for a better cucumber salad. If you have a few extra minutes lightly salt the cucumber slices and let them sit in a colander for about ten minutes. This draws out the extra water so your Asian Salad does not get soggy. After ten minutes just pat them dry with a paper towel. It makes a big difference in the final texture.
Step 3: Combine Main Ingredients
Take a large mixing bowl and add your prepared cucumbers and the chopped imitation crab meat. If you are using flake style crab just break it apart with your fingers. This crab salad base is the heart of the dish. It provides a great contrast to the crisp vegetables.
Step 4: Add Avocado And Onions
Gently fold in your diced avocado and the sliced green onions. You want to be careful here so you do not mash the avocado into a paste. You want those distinct cubes of creamy goodness scattered throughout your sushi salad. The green onions add a nice mild bite and a pop of bright green color.
Step 5: Whisk The Dressing
In a small separate bowl whisk together the mayonnaise rice vinegar soy sauce sugar and sesame oil. This dressing is what ties the whole Asian Salad together. It is tangy and slightly sweet with that toasted nuttiness from the sesame oil. Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved before you move on to the next step.
Step 6: Toss And Coat
Pour the dressing over the ingredients in the large bowl. Use a large spoon or spatula to toss everything gently. You want every piece of cucumber and crab to be lightly coated in that delicious sauce. Do not over mix or the avocado will start to break down and make the Asian Salad look messy.
Step 7: Garnish And Serve
The final touch is a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top. This adds a little extra crunch and makes the dish look beautiful. Serve your sushi salad immediately while it is chilled. It is refreshing and light making it the absolute best easy lunch idea for a busy workday.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However there are a couple of things to keep in mind. Because of the avocado and the salt in the dressing the Asian Salad will release some liquid over time. It is best eaten within twenty four hours for the best texture.
The avocado might turn a little brown due to oxidation. This is totally normal and does not mean it is bad. To help prevent this you can squeeze a little bit of lime or lemon juice over the top before storing. It adds a nice citrus note and keeps things looking fresh. If the cucumber salad looks a little watery the next day just give it a quick stir before eating.
If you are planning to meal prep this healthy salad recipe ahead of time I recommend keeping the dressing separate. You can chop the cucumbers and crab and keep them in one container and store the dressing in a small jar. Add the avocado right before you are ready to eat. This keeps everything as crisp as possible for your easy lunch idea later in the week.
Tips
One great tip for this Asian Salad is to choose the right crab. Imitation crab comes in sticks or flakes. For this recipe the flakes or the chunks usually work better because they mix in more easily. If you only have sticks just slice them into rounds. It still tastes amazing and gives that classic crab salad feel.
If you want to make this even more like a meal you can serve it over a bed of white rice or brown rice. This turns your sushi salad into a poke bowl style dish. It is a great way to use up leftover rice from the night before. It makes the meal more filling without adding much extra work at all.
For those who like a bit of spice a drizzle of sriracha on top is a game changer. You can also mix a little bit of wasabi into the dressing if you want that true sushi experience. Just be careful because wasabi can be very strong. A little goes a long way in this Asian Salad.
Make sure your cucumbers are cold when you start. A chilled cucumber salad is much more refreshing than one at room temperature. If you have time put the finished salad in the fridge for thirty minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes the whole experience much better.
Conclusion
In the end this Asian Salad is all about bringing big flavors into your kitchen with very little effort. It is proof that you do not need to be a professional chef to enjoy a meal that is both healthy and delicious. Whether you are looking for a new easy lunch idea or a side dish for dinner this recipe fits the bill perfectly.
The combination of the crunchy cucumber salad and the savory crab salad is a match made in heaven. It satisfies those sushi cravings without the high price tag. Plus it is a healthy salad recipe that you can feel good about eating. Give it a try this week and see how easy it is to upgrade your lunch routine with a homemade sushi salad.
FAQ
Can I Use Real Crab Meat?
Yes you absolutely can use real crab meat if you prefer. Fresh or canned lump crab meat works beautifully in this Asian Salad. Just be sure to pick through it to remove any bits of shell. It will make the dish feel a bit more fancy and provide a slightly different flavor profile than the imitation version.
Is This Recipe Gluten Free?
To make this a gluten free healthy salad recipe you need to check two things. First use tamari or a gluten free soy sauce. Second check the label on your imitation crab. Many brands of imitation crab contain wheat starch as a binder. Look for a brand that is specifically labeled gluten free to keep this sushi salad safe for your needs.
What If I Do Not Like Mayonnaise?
If you are not a fan of mayo you can swap it out for plain Greek yogurt or even mashed avocado for the dressing base. It will change the flavor slightly but it still provides that creamy element that makes the crab salad so good. You could also skip the creamy part and just use a vinaigrette made of rice vinegar soy sauce and sesame oil.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely. This Asian Salad is a great base for all sorts of veggies. Shredded carrots edamame or even thinly sliced bell peppers would be wonderful additions. It is a fantastic way to use up whatever you have in your crisper drawer. Adding more vegetables just makes it an even more healthy salad recipe for your rotation.
Quick Asian Cucumber Salad
A bright, crunchy, and creamy Asian Cucumber Salad that’s a deconstructed version of your favorite sushi roll. This no-fuss, healthy recipe is the perfect easy lunch idea for busy weeknights.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- Wash and slice English cucumbers. For best results, lightly salt the slices and let them sit in a colander for 10 minutes to drain excess water, then pat dry.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared cucumbers and chopped imitation crab meat.
- Gently fold in the diced avocado and sliced green onions, being careful not to mash the avocado.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil until the sugar is dissolved.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and serve immediately for the best texture.
Notes
For an even more filling meal, serve this salad over a bed of white or brown rice.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The texture is best when fresh.
If meal prepping, keep the dressing separate and add the avocado just before serving to prevent browning and sogginess.
Nutrition
Calories
Sugar
Fat
Carbs
