As I prepped a light lunch one sunny afternoon, the idea hit me—what if I could twist my favorite sushi flavors into a vibrant salad? Enter this delightful Sushi Cucumber Salad! With crisp English cucumbers and a creamy dressing that combines the essence of sushi without the hassle of rolling, this recipe is not only a refreshing choice but also wonderfully customizable. Whether you’re craving a quick and satisfying lunch or a colorful side dish to impress guests, this salad ticks all the boxes. You’ll love that it’s keto-friendly and perfect for vegetarians and vegans too! Ready to discover how easily you can bring a sushi-inspired crunch to your table? Let’s dive in! Why is this salad a must-try? Versatility: This Sushi Cucumber Salad shines with its adaptability; you can tailor it to meet any dietary preference, whether it’s keto, gluten-free, or vegan! Refreshing Crunch: Crisp cucumbers paired with zesty toppings deliver a delightful texture and taste, echoing the freshness of traditional sushi. Quick to Prepare: With minimal prep time, you can whip this salad up in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy days or spontaneous gatherings. Creamy Indulgence: The whipped cream cheese dressing offers a luscious creaminess that beautifully balances the crunchy veggies, leaving your taste buds craving more. Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for gatherings or simple family lunches, this salad is sure to impress. Pair it with grilled fish or a hearty poke bowl, and watch everyone dig in with delight! Sushi Cucumber Salad Ingredients For the Salad • Cucumber – The star of the dish, providing a refreshing crunch that embodies the feel of sushi. • Onion – Sharp and flavorful, choose sweet onions for a milder bite. For the Dressing • Whipped Cream Cheese – Delivers creamy richness; substitute with coconut cream cheese for a vegan version. • Mayonnaise – Adds that indulgent creaminess; can be swapped for Greek yogurt for a lighter twist. • Soy Sauce – Essential for umami flavor; use tamari for a gluten-free option. • Rice Vinegar – Introduces a tangy kick; a splash of lime juice can also work well. • Sesame Oil – Provides a nutty essence; feel free to use another type of oil if necessary. Mix-ins (optional) • Imitation Crab – Adds seafood flair and protein, blending deliciously with the salad. • Smoked Salmon – For a rich flavor that’s reminiscent of sushi, ideal for a luxe touch. • Shrimp or Diced Tuna – Enhances the salad with tender protein, making it more filling. • Avocado – A creamy addition that pairs perfectly with cucumber flavors. Get ready to create a delightful Sushi Cucumber Salad that brings your taste buds on a refreshing sushi-inspired journey! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Sushi Cucumber Salad Step 1: Prepare Cucumbers Begin by slicing the cucumbers and onions thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline. Place the cucumbers in a colander, sprinkle them with salt, and let them sit for about 10 minutes. This process allows them to sweat out excess moisture, which helps prevent a watery salad. After 10 minutes, rinse the cucumbers and pat them dry with paper towels. Step 2: Make Dressing While the cucumbers drain, prepare the creamy dressing for your Sushi Cucumber Salad. In a medium bowl, soften the cream cheese for about 15 seconds in the microwave, then whisk it together with mayonnaise, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Continue whisking until the mixture is completely smooth and well-combined, ensuring a luscious and creamy consistency. Step 3: Mix Salad In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained cucumbers and sliced onions. Pour in half of the creamy dressing and toss gently to coat all the vegetables evenly. Let this mixture sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before adding the remaining dressing and any desired mix-ins like imitation crab or avocado for added flavor and texture. Step 4: Serve Immediately For the best experience, serve your vibrant Sushi Cucumber Salad immediately. Garnish with extra toppings such as sesame seeds or green onions just before serving to enhance the visual appeal. This refreshing salad is perfect for sharing at gatherings or enjoying as a satisfying meal on its own. How to Store and Freeze Sushi Cucumber Salad Fridge: Store leftover sushi cucumber salad in an airtight container for up to 24 hours. Keep delicate mix-ins separate until serving to maintain their texture. Freezer: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, leftover dressing can be frozen in ice cube trays for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before using. Reheating: This salad is typically served cold, so no reheating is necessary. Just toss the ingredients together before enjoying to refresh flavors. Room Temperature: If serving at a gathering, keep the salad out for no longer than 2 hours to ensure food safety; return to the fridge after serving. Make Ahead Options These Sushi Cucumber Salad components are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy fresh flavors even on your busiest days! You can prepare the cucumbers (sliced and salted) and onions up to 24 hours in advance; just ensure to pat them dry before mixing to prevent excess moisture. The creamy dressing can also be whisked together and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine the prepped ingredients with the dressing and any mix-ins, if desired. This way, you’ll maintain that crunchy freshness while saving time, making it just as delicious as when freshly made! Expert Tips for Sushi Cucumber Salad Salting the Cucumbers: Make sure to salt and let the cucumbers sweat to avoid a soggy salad; this step is key for flavor and texture. Softening Cream Cheese: Always soften the cream cheese thoroughly before mixing; a smooth dressing ensures every bite is deliciously creamy in your sushi cucumber salad. Timing for Mix-ins: Add delicate ingredients like avocado or seafood just before serving to keep them fresh and avoid brown spots. Dressing Consistency: If your dressing is too thick, add a little bit of water or extra rice vinegar to loosen it without losing flavor. Experiment with Mix-ins: Don’t hesitate to venture beyond the suggested add-ins; fresh herbs or crunchy vegetables can create your unique twist on this sushi cucumber salad! Sushi Cucumber Salad Customizations Feel free to get creative with this delicious sushi cucumber salad, making it your own with delightful variations! Keto-Friendly: Replace mayonnaise with full-fat Greek yogurt to keep it low-carb while enhancing creaminess. Vegan Version: Swap whipped cream cheese for coconut cream cheese and use plant-based yogurt for a creamy, dairy-free salad. Flavorful Boost: Add a dash of sriracha or chili oil for a spicy kick that elevates the traditional flavors of this dish. Herbaceous Twist: Stir in fresh herbs like cilantro or mint to give your salad a refreshing, aromatic quality that brightens each bite. Crunchy Veggies: Incorporate colorful bell peppers, shredded carrots, or radishes for added texture and a pop of color. Seafood Variations: For a twist on the protein, try adding grilled shrimp or diced smoked salmon, bringing that sushi essence straight to your bowl. Zesty Upgrade: Squeeze in fresh lime juice and sprinkle zest right before serving for an extra citrusy brightness. Layer It Up: Serve this salad as a vibrant topping over poke bowls or alongside a refreshing Chef Salad Bright for a fuller meal experience. Mix and match these variations to suit your mood and dietary preferences; this salad is all about celebrating freshness and creativity! What to Serve with Sushi Cucumber Salad Let your culinary creativity shine by pairing this refreshing salad with delightful sides that elevate your meal experience. Grilled Fish: The smoky flavor of grilled salmon or tuna complements the creamy dressing, creating a harmonious fusion of tastes. Avocado Toast: A crunchy slice of toasted bread topped with creamy avocado adds richness, mirroring the textures in the salad. Sushi Rolls: Enhance your meal by serving classic sushi rolls filled with fresh veggies or seafood. The combination echoes the sushi flavors in the salad. Sesame Noodles: Serve a side of chilled sesame noodles, whose nutty flavor and chewy texture provide a tasty contrast to the crunch of the salad. Edamame: These lightly salted soybeans offer a great protein boost while echoing the Japanese theme, making them a fun finger food to enjoy. Chilled Sake: For a refreshing drink option, pair with chilled sake, its smoothness balancing the richness of the salad beautifully. Crispy Tempura Vegetables: The light and crispy crunch of tempura perfectly contrast with the creamy salad, making every bite a delightful experience. Fruit Salad: A light, fruity salad with strawberries and melon adds a sweet, fresh note, brightening up the entire meal. Miso Soup: This warm, umami-rich broth complements the flavors of the salad and provides a comforting touch, especially on cooler days. Green Tea: A soothing cup of green tea rounds off the meal perfectly, enhancing the overall refreshing experience of your sushi-inspired spread. Sushi Cucumber Salad Recipe FAQs How do I choose the best cucumbers for this salad? Absolutely! Look for firm, unblemished cucumbers with a vibrant green color. Avoid those with dark spots or a wrinkled appearance, as these are signs of overripeness. I recommend using English cucumbers for their thin skin and crisp texture, which provides a delightful crunch in the salad. How should I store leftover Sushi Cucumber Salad? Very! Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 24 hours to enjoy the freshest taste and texture. Keep delicate mix-ins, such as avocado or seafood, separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent them from becoming soggy or discolored. Can I freeze the creamy dressing for my Sushi Cucumber Salad? Absolutely! While the salad itself is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the homemade dressing. Pour it into ice cube trays and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw the desired number of cubes in the fridge overnight. This way, you can whip up a fresh salad anytime! What should I do if my salad feels too watery? If you find that your salad is watery, don’t worry! The key is in salting the cucumbers and letting them sit to release their moisture. If it’s already mixed and still watery, you can drain off excess liquid and add a bit more dressing to enhance flavors without adding more moisture. Is this dish safe for people with food allergies? Very! This Sushi Cucumber Salad can easily be customized to accommodate various dietary needs. If someone has soy allergies, swap the soy sauce for coconut aminos or simply omit it. Always check ingredient labels for allergies, especially for mixed-ins like imitation crab or seafood. Can I make this salad ahead of time? Certainly! You can prepare the chopped cucumbers and onions ahead of time and store them in the fridge separately. Just combine them with the dressing and mix-ins about 30 minutes before serving for the freshest results. This allows the flavors to develop while keeping the textures crisp! Sushi Cucumber Salad: A Creamy Twist on a Fresh Classic Sushi Cucumber Salad is a vibrant, customizable dish that brings sushi flavors into a refreshing salad, perfect for lunches or gatherings. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 25 minutes minsTotal Time 25 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: SaladsCuisine: JapaneseCalories: 200 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Salad2 cups Cucumber sliced1 cup Onion slicedFor the Dressing4 oz Whipped Cream Cheese or coconut cream cheese for vegan1/2 cup Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt2 tbsp Soy Sauce or tamari for gluten-free1 tbsp Rice Vinegar or lime juice1 tbsp Sesame Oil or other oilMix-ins (optional)1/2 cup Imitation Crab1/2 cup Smoked Salmon1/2 cup Shrimp or Diced Tuna Equipment knifeMandolineColanderMixing Bowl Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Sushi Cucumber SaladBegin by slicing the cucumbers and onions thinly using a sharp knife or mandoline. Place the cucumbers in a colander, sprinkle them with salt, and let them sit for about 10 minutes. After 10 minutes, rinse the cucumbers and pat them dry with paper towels.In a medium bowl, soften the cream cheese for about 15 seconds in the microwave, then whisk it together with mayonnaise, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth.In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained cucumbers and sliced onions. Pour in half of the creamy dressing and toss gently. Let sit for about 5 minutes, then add the remaining dressing and desired mix-ins.Serve your vibrant Sushi Cucumber Salad immediately, garnished with extra toppings such as sesame seeds or green onions. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 5gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 300mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 1mg NotesFor best taste, prepare and serve the salad fresh. Salt cucumbers to avoid a watery texture and ensure a creamy dressing by softening the cream cheese well. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
