Kani Salad is a light, refreshing Japanese dish that combines imitation crab (kani) with fresh vegetables, creating a delicious balance of textures and flavors. It’s the perfect side dish for a sushi meal, but can also be enjoyed on its own as a light, healthy lunch. Lina Vexley, a fan of Japanese cuisine, recalls, “I first had Kani Salad at a local sushi restaurant, and it immediately became one of my favorites. The combination of sweet crab, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy dressing is just unbeatable.” Whether you’re serving it at a gathering or enjoying it as a quick meal, Kani Salad is always a crowd-pleaser.

Recipe: Kani Salad

Kani Salad

A Japanese-inspired salad made with imitation crab, fresh vegetables, and a tangy, creamy dressing.

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Prep Time 15

Total Time 15

Course Salad

Cuisine Japanese

Servings servings

Calories 180 kcal

Equipment

Mixing Bowl
Knife

Ingredients

1 cup Imitation Crab Meat shredded
1 medium Cucumber julienned
1 medium Carrot julienned
1 Avocado sliced
1/4 small Red Onion thinly sliced
1/4 cup Mayonnaise
1 tbsp Rice Vinegar
1 tsp Sugar
1/2 tsp Sesame Oil
1 tsp Sriracha Sauce optional
1 tbsp Sesame Seeds for garnish
to taste Cilantro for garnish

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded imitation crab meat, julienned cucumber, julienned carrot, and thinly sliced red onion.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and sriracha sauce (if using) until smooth and creamy.
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to combine.
Top with sliced avocado, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro for garnish.
Serve immediately or refrigerate for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

This salad is best served fresh, but can be refrigerated for a short period before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 6gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 1.5gCholesterol: 10mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 350mgFiber: 4gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2.5mg

Keyword Fresh, healthy, Imitation Crab

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How to Make Kani Salad

Making Kani Salad is a quick and simple process. Begin by preparing your ingredients: shred the imitation crab meat, julienne the cucumber and carrot, and thinly slice the red onion. Place these ingredients in a large mixing bowl. You can also slice the avocado at this point and set it aside for garnish.

For the dressing, whisk together mayonnaise, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and sriracha sauce (if you prefer a spicy kick). This mixture creates a creamy, tangy base with a touch of heat from the sriracha.

Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat everything evenly. Be careful not to mash the avocado slices if you decide to add them at this stage.

Finally, garnish with sesame seeds and fresh cilantro for a burst of color and flavor. For an extra touch, you can refrigerate the salad for a few minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.

This Kani Salad is a light, satisfying dish, perfect as a side to sushi, grilled fish, or even as a standalone meal for a healthy lunch. The combination of crunchy vegetables, creamy dressing, and the delicate sweetness of the crab is sure to leave you craving more.

Conclusion

Kani Salad is a refreshing, healthy, and versatile dish that is simple to prepare and bursting with flavor. The combination of creamy mayonnaise, tangy rice vinegar, and the crunch of fresh vegetables makes this salad a perfect side for any meal. Whether you’re enjoying sushi or looking for a light and satisfying lunch, Kani Salad will not disappoint. Enjoy the balance of textures and flavors in every bite!