Sushi Cucumber Salad Recipe

If you’re craving something fresh, creamy, and packed with delightful flavors, you have to try this Sushi Cucumber Salad. It’s a playful take on your favorite sushi rolls but in salad form, combining crisp cucumber slices, creamy whipped cream cheese, savory soy sauce, and just the right zing from rice vinegar and sesame oil. Tossed with your choice of seafood or avocado and topped with spice-forward condiments like sriracha and furikake, this salad is an all-star for a quick lunch or an impressive appetizer that feels both light and indulgent. Once you try this Sushi Cucumber Salad, you’ll find it hard to go back to ordinary salad bowls.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because each ingredient is simple yet essential for building layers of texture and flavor. From the crisp coolness of the cucumber to the richness of cream cheese and the umami punch of soy sauce, every component works beautifully together to create a vibrant and refreshing salad.

• English Cucumber: Choose seedless for the best crunch and minimal bitterness.
• Red or White Onion: Thinly sliced to add a subtle sharpness and vibrant color.
• Whipped Cream Cheese: Easier to blend smoothly into the dressing for that creamy texture.
• Mayonnaise: Provides richness and helps bind the salad gently.
• Soy Sauce: Adds savory depth and enhances all other flavors.
• Rice Vinegar: Gives a tangy brightness that cuts through the creaminess.
• Sesame Oil: Just a touch for its toasty, nutty aroma.
• Seafood or Avocado: Choose from imitation crab, smoked salmon, canned tuna, cooked shrimp, or diced avocado for that sushi feel.
• Furikake or Everything Bagel Seasoning: A sprinkle of this adds an irresistible extra layer of flavor and crunch.
• Spicy Mayo, Sriracha, Pickled Ginger, Wasabi, Green Onions: Optional toppings to customize your heat and zing.

How to Make Sushi Cucumber Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Veggies

Start by slicing your English cucumber and onion thinly, about a quarter-inch thick. The thin slices let the flavors marry better and give a satisfying crunch without being overpowering. Place them right into a deli container or your mixing bowl to keep things simple.

Step 2: Add the Creamy Dressing and Flavor Boosters

Top the cucumbers and onions with whipped cream cheese, mayo, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. These ingredients create a luscious, flavorful base coating every bite with a creamy tang that mimics the indulgence of a sushi roll’s filling. Don’t forget to add your choice of seafood mix-ins or diced avocado for that authentic sushi satisfaction.

Step 3: Mix it Up

Seal the deli container and give it a good shake to evenly coat all the ingredients with the dressing. If you’re using a bowl, a fork or spoon works wonders to toss everything gently together. The goal is to have that creamy dressing fully embracing each cucumber slice for maximum flavor.

Step 4: Finish with Toppings

Sprinkle furikake or everything bagel seasoning over the salad along with any spicy mayo, sriracha, pickled ginger, or green onions you love. These final touches add bursts of texture and layers of heat or tang, making the Sushi Cucumber Salad truly pop with flavor.

How to Serve Sushi Cucumber Salad

Garnishes

Simple garnishes elevate your Sushi Cucumber Salad from delicious to dazzling. Try fresh green onions for color and mild oniony brightness, or a few pickled ginger slices to echo sushi tradition. A drizzle of spicy mayo or a dab of wasabi adds zing for those who like a little heat. Don’t be shy with the furikake—it brings in crunch and umami that make each forkful unforgettable.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs perfectly with roasted seaweed sheets for a hands-on sushi experience without the fuss of rolling. It’s also fantastic alongside steamed edamame, miso soup, or even simple steamed rice for a more substantial meal. The lightness of the Sushi Cucumber Salad is a great counterpoint to heartier sides, balancing out textures and flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive presentation, serve the salad in individual glass jars layered with avocado and seafood for a parfait-inspired look. Or use crisp lettuce cups as edible bowls, perfect for casual gatherings or lunchboxes. You could even spread it on toasted baguette slices for a sushi-inspired crostini appetizer. The playful nature of this salad invites you to get creative!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s so good, you might not!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. Because cucumbers are high in water content, the salad is best eaten within 24 hours to keep the crisp texture and creamy dressing intact.

Freezing

This Sushi Cucumber Salad isn’t suitable for freezing due to the fresh cucumbers and creamy dressing, which can separate and become watery upon thawing. For best results, enjoy it fresh or within a day or two of making it.

Reheating

Since this is a fresh, cold salad, reheating isn’t recommended. It’s designed to be enjoyed chilled to fully appreciate the crispness and bold flavors. If you want a warm meal, consider pairing it with hot dishes instead.

FAQs

Can I use other types of cucumbers?

Absolutely! While English cucumbers are preferred for their mild flavor and fewer seeds, Persian cucumbers also work wonderfully. Avoid regular garden cucumbers as their thicker skin and seeds may overwhelm the salad.

What seafood options work best in the Sushi Cucumber Salad?

Imitation crab, smoked salmon, canned tuna, and cooked shrimp are all excellent choices that bring protein and sushi-inspired flavor. You can also use a mix or substitute with diced avocado for a vegetarian-friendly version.

How spicy is the salad by default?

The salad itself is mild until you add spicy mayo, sriracha, or wasabi toppings. You control the heat level, so feel free to add as much or as little spice as you like!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make it gluten-free, ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for gluten-conscious eaters.

Can I make this salad vegan?

Yes! Swap out the mayonnaise for vegan mayo, skip the seafood, and use avocado or marinated tofu instead. Also, use a plant-based cream cheese alternative to keep that creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so joyful about the Sushi Cucumber Salad—it’s fresh, creamy, and packed with flavors that transport you straight to sushi heaven without the rice. Whether you’re in need of a quick lunch or a unique side dish for your next dinner party, this salad is sure to brighten your day and impress your palate. I hope you love making and eating it as much as I do!

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