Refreshing Crab Stick and Cucumber Cold Salad
Beat the Summer Heat with This Delicious and Easy Crab Stick and Cucumber Cold Salad Recipe (Includes a Zesty Mustard Dressing)
As the days get warmer, all we crave are cool, refreshing, and tangy dishes! Seeing cucumbers at the market inspired this delightful summer salad. Cucumbers are at their peak flavor in summer, making them perfect for any dish. This light and vibrant salad, featuring the tender texture of crab sticks and the crispness of fresh vegetables, is sure to awaken your appetite.
Main Ingredients- 1 cucumber
- 4 imitation crab sticks (surimi)
- 1/4 bell pepper (any color, or a mix)
- 1/2 onion
- 4 cherry tomatoes
Zesty Mustard Dressing- 1 Tbsp prepared mustard (like Japanese mustard paste)
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 0.5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 0.5 Tbsp salt
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup or honey
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (optional, for extra sweetness and depth)
- 1 Tbsp prepared mustard (like Japanese mustard paste)
- 2 Tbsp vinegar
- 1 Tbsp sugar
- 0.5 Tbsp soy sauce
- 0.5 Tbsp salt
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup or honey
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (optional, for extra sweetness and depth)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, thoroughly wash all the vegetables you plan to use for the salad. Feel free to incorporate any other crisp vegetables you have on hand – this recipe is very flexible! Preparing them into bite-sized pieces will make the assembly process much smoother.
Step 2
Gently shred the imitation crab sticks lengthwise with your hands. Avoid shredding them too finely; aim for slightly thicker strands to maintain a pleasant texture.
Step 3
To mellow out its pungent flavor, thinly slice the half onion into fine strips. Soak these strips in cold water for about 10 minutes. This step will remove the sharp bite while keeping the onion delightfully crisp.
Step 4
For a vibrant splash of color, use about 1/4 of a bell pepper. Remove the seeds and membrane, then slice it into thin strips that match the other vegetables.
Step 5
If you have a carrot, julienne it as thinly as possible. This adds another layer of color and a satisfying crunch to the salad.
Step 6
Trim off the ends of the cucumber, as they can sometimes be bitter. Then, cut the cucumber into four equal lengths.
Step 7
To prevent the salad from becoming watery, it’s best to remove the seedy core of the cucumber. You can do this by scoring the inside with a fork and scooping it out, or by simply slicing the cucumber in half lengthwise and then scooping out the seeds.
Step 8
Once the core is removed, julienne the cucumber into thin strips, approximately 0.5 cm thick.
Step 9
All of your salad vegetables are now prepped and ready to go! It looks like a beautiful, colorful medley.
Step 10
Now, let’s prepare the star of the dish: the zesty mustard dressing! In a small bowl, combine the prepared mustard, vinegar, sugar, soy sauce, salt, corn syrup (or honey), and plum extract (if using). Whisk everything together until the sugar and salt are completely dissolved.
Step 11
And there you have it – all the ingredients and the dressing are prepared. It’s time to bring everything together into a delicious dish!
Step 12
In a large mixing bowl, combine the prepared cucumber, crab sticks, onion, bell pepper, carrot, and any other vegetables you’re using. Pour the mustard dressing over the ingredients. Gently toss everything together to coat evenly. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the vegetables mushy.
Step 13
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the mustard flavor is too strong, add a touch more sugar or plum extract. If you prefer it sweeter, add a bit more sugar. Finally, sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty aroma and added flavor.
Step 14
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the bowl. They add a lovely pop of color and a burst of sweetness to complement the other flavors.
Step 15
Congratulations! Your vibrant and crunchy Crab Stick and Cucumber Cold Salad is ready. Perfect for those days when your appetite needs a little coaxing, this salad offers a delightfully tangy and refreshing flavor. Enjoy it chilled for the ultimate summer treat! 🙂
