Bright, colorful, and bursting with umami flavors, this Kani Salad (Imitation Crab Salad) is an irresistible Japanese-inspired dish thatโs perfect as a side or light appetizer. Made with tender shredded imitation crab sticks, crunchy julienned cucumber and carrot, and a creamy, tangy dressing of Japanese mayonnaise, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between refreshing and indulgent. Toasty sesame seeds add a delightful crunch, while optional garnishes like shredded seaweed or microgreens elevate its presentation. Ready in just 15 minutes with no cooking required, this simple yet flavorful salad is ideal for quick meals, sushi nights, or as a crowd-pleasing addition to your party spread. Whether served immediately or chilled, itโs a vibrant dish youโll turn to again and again!
Begin by preparing the vegetables. Use a julienne peeler or knife to cut the cucumber and carrot into thin strips. Set them aside in a large mixing bowl.
Shred the imitation crab sticks by hand or by using a fork to untangle the strands, then add them to the bowl with the vegetables.
In a small bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the Japanese mayonnaise, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, black pepper, and sesame seeds until smooth and well combined.
Pour the prepared dressing over the shredded vegetables and imitation crab. Gently toss everything together until evenly coated.
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt, pepper, or sesame oil if necessary.
Transfer the kani salad to a serving dish, and if desired, garnish with shredded seaweed (nori) or a small handful of microgreens for a decorative touch.
Serve immediately as a side dish or chilled for 10โ15 minutes for a more refreshing flavor. Enjoy!
Calories |
833 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 59.0 g | 76% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.9 g | 44% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 8.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 77 mg | 26% | |
| Sodium | 2550 mg | 111% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 52.0 g | 19% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.4 g | 19% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.8 g | ||
| Protein | 20.0 g | 40% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 140 mg | 11% | |
| Iron | 3.3 mg | 18% | |
| Potassium | 1029 mg | 22% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.