I’ll show you how to make this California Roll Cucumber Salad (vegan) in just a few minutes! This recipe went super viral on TikTok and for a good reason – it tastes just like a traditional California roll, but in cucumber salad form! I decided to make a plant-based version of this dish and believe me, you do not have to compromise the taste at all.

This California Roll Cucumber Salad is a fun twist on the classic California roll sushi, which is typically made with crab meat, avocado, cucumber, and seasoned sushi rice, rolled up in seaweed. To make this recipe vegan, you can simply swap the imitation crab for shredded tofu, and swap the regular cream cheese and mayonnaise with plant-based versions.

Instead of using rice, we are using an entire cucumber to make this a deconstructed rice-free salad that still has all the flavours of a California roll. This makes the recipe super quick because there’s no need to cook and season any rice, and no need to roll the sushi. So when you have a sudden craving for a California Roll but you are feeling lazy, try this instead!

The best part is that this is 100% plant-based and high in protein, thanks to the shredded tofu.

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Recipe for California Roll Cucumber Salad

This salad is inspired by the classic California roll, but we’re turning it into a super-easy cucumber salad that is plant-based and packed with similar flavours! You don’t need sushi rice or any fancy tools. Just a few simple ingredients and a couple of minutes, and you’ve got yourself a refreshing, vegan high-protein meal or snack!

This is one of the easiest salad recipes you could make! The cucumbers give it that fresh crunch, while the creamy tofu mixture brings all the rich, savoury California roll vibes. It’s light, satisfying, and absolutely delicious. It truly tastes like a deconstructed California roll, without the rice.

I also recommend enjoying it with some roasted seaweed for that sushi taste. You can simply have the roasted seaweed sheets on the side and enjoy each bite with a seaweed sheet, or you can crumble up the roasted seaweed into the salad itself. And thanks to the tofu, this dish has a great amount of plant-based protein to keep you full and energized.

Related Recipe: Vegan Nigiri

Why You’ll Love This California Roll Cucumber Salad

Tastes like sushi, without the rolling! – Get the delicious California roll flavours, minus all the effort.
Quick & easy – Comes together in just five minutes!
100% plant-based – No seafood, dairy, or eggs, but doesn’t compromise on the taste.
High in protein – Thanks to the shredded tofu, this salad is light but filling. Feel free to add in some edamame beans for additional protein, if desired!
Fresh, creamy, crunchy – Every bite will be a perfect combination of flavours and textures.
Customizable – Add avocado for some healthy fats, serve with roasted seaweed for that real sushi flavour, edamame beans for additional protein, or add some sriracha for a hint of spice!

vegan california roll cucumber salad — Viral California Roll-inspired vegan Cucumber Salad

Ingredients

English cucumber, sliced super thin
Extra firm tofu
Vegan cream cheese (optional)
Vegan mayo
Soy sauce
Sesame seeds
Avocado (optional)
Roasted seaweed (optional, for serving)

This recipe is plant-based, nut-free, and can be made gluten-free.

To make this recipe gluten-free, use a gluten-free version of soy sauce such as tamari.

If you don’t have vegan cream cheese, feel free to use more vegan mayonnaise as needed.

Avocado is recommended, but optional.

How to Make California Roll Cucumber Salad

Thinly slice your cucumber using a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer, create paper-thin rounds of the cucumber.

Shred extra-firm tofu using a cheese grater. Shredding tofu will give it a nice texture and make it similar to imitation crab meat.

Add everything into a bowl: thinly sliced cucumbers, shredded tofu, some vegan cream cheese (optional), a generous amount of vegan mayo, a splash of soy sauce, some sesame seeds, and diced avocado if you’re using it.

Mix it all up until everything’s well coated and creamy. That’s it!

You can enjoy this on its own or serve it with roasted seaweed sheets to really get that sushi taste. It’s creamy, savoury, crunchy, and super satisfying.