Go Back
Cali cucumber roll salad: refreshing summer appetizer.
Lady Maria

Cali Cucumber Roll Salad

A refreshing and creative twist on the classic California roll — these cucumber-wrapped rolls are filled with creamy avocado, crab, and a flavorful sesame-ginger dressing. Perfect for summer lunches, potlucks, or light appetizers!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Appetizer, Salad
Cuisine: Fusion, Japanese-Inspired
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large English cucumbers
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 4 oz imitation crab meat, flaked
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 pinch salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar (for dressing)
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil (for dressing)
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
  • 1/2 tsp grated ginger
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds, for garnish
  • 1 tbsp chopped green onions, for garnish
  • 1 tbsp sriracha mayo, for garnish (optional)
  • 1 tbsp nori strips, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Vegetable peeler
  • Mixing bowls
  • whisk
  • Serving platter
  • Small knife or scissors (for trimming ribbons)

Method
 

  1. Wash and dry cucumbers. Using a vegetable peeler, slice long, thin ribbons. Discard the first skin-only slices and rotate to avoid the seedy core.
  2. In a bowl, mix flaked crab meat, cream cheese, avocado, mayonnaise, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and salt and pepper. Stir until smooth but not runny.
  3. Lay cucumber ribbon flat, spread a thin layer of filling, and roll tightly. Trim ribbon if too long.
  4. Repeat until all cucumber ribbons and filling are used.
  5. Whisk together dressing ingredients: rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
  6. Arrange rolls on a platter. Drizzle with dressing just before serving.
  7. Top with sesame seeds, green onions, sriracha mayo, or nori strips as desired.
  8. Chill for 30 minutes for best flavor, or serve immediately.

Notes

Use English cucumbers for best texture. Don’t overfill ribbons — keep them tight and simple. Prep rolls and dressing ahead, then chill and assemble before serving. Optional garnishes like nori or sriracha mayo elevate both flavor and presentation.