The refreshing crunch of a California roll cucumber salad dances on your taste buds like a summer breeze. With every bite, you experience the crispness of fresh cucumbers mingling with the delightful tang of rice vinegar, making it a treat for the senses.

This California roll cucumber salad recipe is perfect for those sunny days when you crave something light yet fulfilling. Picture this: you’re hosting a backyard BBQ or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, and this vibrant dish steals the show, leaving everyone wanting more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This California roll cucumber salad is quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The bright flavors and colorful presentation bring joy to any meal
- It showcases the freshness of seasonal vegetables while offering versatile pairing options with various proteins
- Enjoy it as a side dish or as a refreshing main course salad
I remember the first time I made this salad for friends; their eyes lit up with delight as they took their first bites, and I knew I was onto something special.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Cucumbers: Opt for English cucumbers; they have fewer seeds and a sweeter taste that enhances the salad’s freshness.
Rice Vinegar: Use unseasoned rice vinegar for a mild flavor that keeps things light and zesty.
Avocado: Selecting ripe avocados adds creaminess and richness, perfectly balancing the crisp cucumbers.
Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds bring nutty warmth and crunch; they are essential for that authentic touch.
Green Onions: Chop fresh green onions for a pop of color and an additional layer of flavor in every bite.
Carrots: Shredded carrots add sweetness and vibrant orange color, making the salad visually appealing.
Seaweed Salad (optional): For an extra layer of umami flavor, add some seaweed salad—it elevates the whole dish!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Veggies: Start by washing your cucumbers thoroughly under cold water. Slice them into thin rounds or half-moons to create uniform pieces that absorb all flavors beautifully.
Create the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt until well combined. Taste it—it should be tangy with an underlying sweetness!
Toss in Flavors: In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, diced avocado, and chopped green onions. Pour your dressing over this colorful medley.
Add Crunchy Toppings: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the salad generously. If you’re feeling adventurous, toss in some seaweed salad here—it’s like adding little flavor explosions!
Mix Gently but Thoroughly: Toss everything together gently to avoid smashing the avocado while ensuring every piece gets coated in that delicious dressing.
Chill Before Serving!: Let your California roll cucumber salad chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes before serving; this allows flavors to meld beautifully—trust me on this one!
Enjoying this California roll cucumber salad is like taking a mini-vacation without leaving your kitchen; it’s light yet satisfying enough to keep you coming back for seconds!
You Must Know
- This delightful California roll cucumber salad recipe combines fresh ingredients with a tangy dressing, making it a perfect side dish or appetizer
- The vibrant colors and crisp textures elevate any meal, and it’s super simple to whip up for unexpected guests
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing all your ingredients before mixing them together. Slice cucumbers thinly, chop scallions, and combine the dressing while enjoying the fresh aromas wafting through your kitchen.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this salad by adding avocado for creaminess or sesame seeds for crunch. Swap in other veggies like bell peppers or radishes based on your preferences.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Enjoy within two days for the best freshness, but be ready to eat them cold; this salad doesn’t do well reheated.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve the best flavor and texture in this California roll cucumber salad recipe, always choose fresh ingredients
- It makes a noticeable difference!
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors; maybe try some lime zest for extra zing
- Lastly, let it sit for a bit after mixing to allow flavors to meld together beautifully
Sharing this California roll cucumber salad at my friend’s barbecue was a game changer. Everyone loved its refreshing crunch, and I felt like a culinary genius when they asked for seconds!
FAQ
How can I make this salad vegan?
Replace any fish-based ingredients with avocado or tofu for a delicious vegan twist.
Can I use different types of cucumbers?
Absolutely! English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers work great too due to their crispness.
What dressing works best with this salad?
A simple mix of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil enhances flavors wonderfully!

California Roll Cucumber Salad
California Roll Cucumber Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish that perfectly balances crisp cucumbers, creamy avocado, and zesty rice vinegar. Ideal for summer gatherings or weeknight dinners, this salad bursts with flavor and color, making it an unforgettable addition to any meal.
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 2 cups English cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 3 green onions, chopped
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 3 tbsp unseasoned rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Pinch of salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Wash and slice the cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons.
- In a small bowl, whisk together rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, diced avocado, and chopped green onions. Pour dressing over the salad.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top and gently toss to combine without smashing the avocado.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg