Dinner

Sushi Cucumber Salad: Nutritious, Quick, and Full of Flavor Recipe

ByMariam Harutyunyan March 10, 2026March 10, 2026

Introduction

This Sushi Cucumber Salad is a nutritious and flavorful dish that comes together quickly. Crisp cucumbers and a creamy, umami-rich dressing make it a refreshing side or light meal. It’s perfect for sushi lovers looking for something easy and satisfying.

A clear plastic cup filled with a creamy salad featuring thin cucumber slices with dark green edges mixed into a white creamy base that has small pink, green, and black bits, giving it texture and color. The salad is topped with small sesame seeds in white and black colors, some black seaweed flakes are visible on top. A pair of wooden chopsticks is holding up a portion of the creamy salad above the cup. The background is a white marbled surface with a blurred cutting board and other kitchen items. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 medium English cucumbers (choose seedless varieties for the best crunch)
1 small red or white onion (sweet onions can be used for a milder flavor)

4 oz whipped cream cheese (or regular cream cheese blended for a smooth texture)
2 tbsp mayonnaise

2 tbsp soy sauce (tamari for gluten-free option)
1 tbsp rice vinegar (apple cider vinegar can substitute)

1 tbsp sesame oil (toasted sesame oil adds extra flavor)
1 cup imitation crab, smoked salmon, canned tuna, or shrimp
1 tbsp furikake or everything bagel seasoning

1 tbsp spicy mayo or sriracha (optional for added heat)

Instructions

Step 1: Thinly slice the cucumbers and onion. Aim for crisp, even slices to keep the salad refreshing.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine the whipped cream cheese, mayonnaise, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir until the dressing is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Add your choice of protein, such as imitation crab or smoked salmon, to the dressing and mix gently.
Step 4: Fold the cucumber and onion slices into the dressing carefully until everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Transfer the salad to a serving bowl and sprinkle with furikake or everything bagel seasoning. Drizzle spicy mayo or sriracha on top if desired.

Step 6: Serve immediately for the freshest taste, or refrigerate and enjoy within 24 hours.

Tips & Variations

Use toasted sesame oil to enhance the nuttiness of the dressing.
Try swapping the protein with cooked shrimp or canned tuna for different flavors.

For a vegan version, replace cream cheese and mayonnaise with plant-based alternatives and use tamari instead of soy sauce.
Adding a little grated ginger can give the salad a bright, zesty kick.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Because of the fresh cucumbers, it’s best enjoyed the day it’s made. When reheating is not recommended, simply stir gently before serving chilled again.

How to Serve

A clear white container filled with a creamy salad showing fresh cucumber slices and bits of pink crab or seafood mixed in a white creamy dressing. Black sesame seeds are sprinkled on top, adding contrast. A pair of light wooden chopsticks holds a bite of the salad above the container, showing the texture of creamy dressing, green cucumber, and black seeds. The background has a soft white marbled texture and blurred condiment jars with black lids. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cream cheese instead of whipped?

Yes, you can use regular cream cheese; just soften it and blend well with the other dressing ingredients to achieve a smooth consistency.

What can I substitute for furikake seasoning?

If you don’t have furikake, everything bagel seasoning or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and seaweed flakes work well as alternatives.

Mariam Harutyunyan