Crisp Cucumber and Soft Imitation Crab Salad with Zesty Mustard Dressing
Crisp Cucumber and Soft Imitation Crab Salad with Zesty Mustard Dressing
A Refreshing Summer Delight: Easy Cucumber and Imitation Crab Salad Recipe
Beat the summer heat with this invigorating ‘Cucumber and Imitation Crab Salad’! This delightful dish features the perfect harmony of crisp cucumbers and tender imitation crab, all tossed in a sweet, tangy, and zesty mustard dressing. It’s not just a refreshing side dish; it’s a versatile salad that’s perfect for lighter meals. Cucumbers are packed with hydration and low in calories, making this an ideal choice for those watching their diet during the hot summer months. The punchy mustard dressing is guaranteed to awaken your senses and bring back your appetite. Just looking at it will make your mouth water, and the gentle sting of the mustard will clear your head! One bite delivers the satisfying crunch of cucumber, the delicate texture of imitation crab, and a wonderfully clean finish from the dressing. When the summer sun gets intense, rehydrate with cooling cucumbers and invigorate your senses with the delightful kick of mustard. Enjoy a delicious and wholesome meal, no matter how hot it gets. Thank you!
Main Ingredients (Measurements: Tablespoons)- 1 cucumber
- 4 sticks of imitation crab meat (e.g., surimi)
- 0.5 Tbsp coarse salt (for preparing cucumber)
Zesty Mustard Dressing Ingredients- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp mustard (prepared or ground)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- A pinch of salt
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp mustard (prepared or ground)
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- A pinch of salt
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by thoroughly washing the cucumber. Rub it with 0.5 tablespoon of coarse salt; this helps to remove any impurities and reduce any potential bitterness. Rinse well under running water. You can then use a vegetable peeler to lightly remove the raised skin texture for a cleaner look.
Step 2
Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise, then cut each half into four pieces. If the cucumber has too many seeds, the texture can become mushy, and the dressing might not adhere well, leading to a watery salad. Scoop out the seeds using a spoon or carefully cut them away with a knife. Removing the seeds ensures a crisp texture and better flavor absorption.
Step 3
After removing the seeds, you can gently scrape out any remaining pulp with a small spoon (I used a small spoon here) or simply proceed to cut. Slice the cucumber into thin strips (julienne). Avoid slicing them too thinly, as this can diminish the satisfying crunch.
Step 4
Prepare the imitation crab sticks by shredding them lengthwise with your hands. Shredding by hand yields a more tender texture compared to cutting with a knife and allows the dressing to penetrate better. Tear them into bite-sized pieces.
Step 5
Combine the julienned cucumber and shredded imitation crab in a large mixing bowl. It’s now time to prepare the delicious mustard dressing.
Step 6
For the dressing, add 2 tablespoons of vinegar to the bowl. During hot weather, we often crave refreshing, tangy flavors, and vinegar provides just that, stimulating the appetite. Adjust the amount of vinegar to your preference; you can add up to an extra tablespoon or reduce it slightly if you prefer a milder tang.
Step 7
Next, add 1 tablespoon of sugar and 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds. Then, incorporate 0.5 tablespoon of minced garlic and a pinch of salt. Gently toss everything together until well combined. Continue to mix until the zesty, sweet, and tangy flavors of the mustard dressing are evenly distributed throughout the cucumber and imitation crab. Your crisp and delicious salad is ready! Isn’t it wonderfully simple?
