Crisp Cucumber and Savory Crab Stick Cold Salad
Refreshing Cucumber and Crab Stick Salad with a Sweet and Tangy Mustard Dressing
A perfect side dish to awaken your appetite on hot summer days! This cucumber and crab stick salad features the delightful crunch of fresh cucumbers paired with a zesty, sweet, and tangy mustard dressing. It’s a refreshing dish that’s both simple to make and incredibly delicious.
Main Ingredients- 2 fresh cucumbers
- 4 imitation crab sticks (surimi)
Sweet & Tangy Mustard Dressing- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 0.5 Tbsp prepared mustard (adjust to taste)
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 3 Tbsp white balsamic vinegar or regular vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 0.5 Tbsp minced garlic
- 0.5 Tbsp prepared mustard (adjust to taste)
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 3 Tbsp white balsamic vinegar or regular vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
- 0.5 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the cucumbers thoroughly. Trim off the ends. If there are any coarse spines, gently scrape them off with the back of a knife. Then, cut the cucumbers into bite-sized segments (about 2-3 inches long). For a smoother texture, use a spoon or a vegetable peeler to carefully remove the seeds from the center of each segment.
Step 2
Once the seeds are removed, thinly julienne the cucumber segments into matchsticks, approximately 0.1 inch thick. Aim for uniform thickness so they cook evenly and maintain a pleasant texture.
Step 3
Prepare the imitation crab sticks by gently shredding them lengthwise along their natural grain. This will give them a more appealing texture and appearance. Avoid chopping them too finely, as this can diminish the satisfying chew.
Step 4
Now, let’s make the delightful dressing that brings this salad to life! In a clean bowl, combine 0.5 Tbsp of minced garlic, 2 Tbsp of sugar, 3 Tbsp of white balsamic vinegar (or regular white vinegar), and 0.5 Tbsp of prepared mustard. Add 1 tsp of salt to balance the flavors. Whisk everything together until well combined and the sugar has dissolved, creating a smooth, flavorful dressing.
Step 5
In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the julienned cucumbers and the shredded imitation crab sticks. Toss them lightly to ensure they are evenly distributed, being careful not to mash the cucumber.
Step 6
Pour all of the prepared sweet and tangy mustard dressing over the cucumber and crab stick mixture. Gently toss the salad using a spatula or your hands, lifting from the bottom to coat all the ingredients evenly. Avoid vigorous mixing, which can break down the delicate ingredients.
Step 7
Transfer the beautifully tossed salad to a serving dish. Finish by sprinkling 0.5 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds over the top for an extra layer of nutty flavor and visual appeal. Your refreshing, crisp, and tangy cucumber and crab stick salad is now ready to be enjoyed!
