Refreshing Sushi Cucumber Salad
This Sushi Cucumber Salad is a vibrant and crunchy dish that combines fresh cucumbers with a creamy dressing. Perfect as a light snack or a side dish, it brings a delightful burst of flavor to your table.
- Author: Layla
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cooking required
- Cuisine: Japanese
- 1 English Cucumber, sliced thinly (about 1/4 inch)
- 1/4 cup Red or White Onion, sliced thinly (about 1/4 inch)
- 2–3 tbsp Whipped Cream Cheese
- 1/4 cup Mayo
- 1/2 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 1/4 cup Imitation Crab, Smoked Salmon, Canned Tuna, or Fully Cooked Shrimp (Chopped)
- 1/2 Avocado (Diced)
- 1/2 tsp Furikake or Everything Bagel Seasoning
- Spicy Mayo
- Sriracha
- Pickled Ginger
- Wasabi
- Green Onions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Thinly slice the English cucumber into about 1/4 inch rounds and place them in a deli container or mixing bowl. The slices should be uniform for even coating in the dressing — aim for about 1 cup of cucumber slices.
- Add the thinly sliced onion (about 1/4 cup) to the cucumbers. This will provide a sharp contrast to the creamy elements in the salad. You want the onion to be fresh and not overpowering, so adjust the amount to taste.
- Next, add the creamy elements: 2-3 tablespoons of whipped cream cheese and 1/4 cup of mayo. Use a spatula to scoop the cream cheese out for easier mixing. The cream cheese should be softened for better incorporation — leave it at room temperature for about 10 minutes before using.
- Pour in 1/2 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil. These ingredients will elevate the flavor profile. Stir gently to combine everything without crushing the cucumber slices.
- Now it’s time for the mix-ins! Add 1/4 cup of your choice of chopped imitation crab, smoked salmon, canned tuna, or fully cooked shrimp. This step adds a protein boost while maintaining that sushi flavor. Stir gently to distribute the mix-ins throughout the salad.
- Top the salad with diced avocado (1/2 avocado) and sprinkle it with 1/2 teaspoon of furikake or everything bagel seasoning. This adds an extra layer of flavor and a touch of visual appeal. Ensure the avocado is ripe but not overly soft to avoid mushiness.
- For a kick, drizzle with spicy mayo and sriracha to taste. These condiments will elevate the flavors further. If you prefer a milder salad, you can adjust the spice levels according to your preference.
- Finally, put a lid on the deli container and shake gently to combine all the ingredients thoroughly. You want the creamy dressing to coat the cucumbers evenly. Avoid vigorous shaking to keep the cucumber slices intact.
- The salad is now ready to enjoy! You can serve it right out of the deli container or with roasted seaweed sheets for a sushi experience. If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 15 mg
Keywords: To prevent sogginess, avoid cutting the cucumber too early; prepare them just before you're ready to mix the salad. Use a sharp knife for slicing to retain the integrity of the cucumber slices.