Recipe

Kani Salad

Creamy, crunchy kani salad with a bright sesame mayo-based dressing and crisp cucumber.

By Matt Campbell

•

4.8

A chilled bowl of kani salad with shredded imitation crab, sliced cucumber, and sesame seeds on a kitchen table

Kani salad is one of those dishes that feels like it should be complicated, but it is basically just smart shredding and a dressing that shows up with flavor. You get sweet, briny crab stick vibes, crisp cucumber crunch, and a creamy sesame mayo-based dressing that hits tangy and toasty at the same time.

This is my relaxed, slightly chaotic way of making it at home with accessible ingredients. No special tools, no fussy knife work, and yes, you are allowed to taste as you go until half the bowl mysteriously disappears.

Ingredients for kani salad including imitation crab sticks, cucumber, Japanese mayonnaise, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sriracha, and sesame seeds arranged on a kitchen counter

Why It Works

Big texture contrast: shredded crab sticks plus crisp cucumber means every bite has snap and softness.
Dressing that balances itself: mayo for richness, rice vinegar for brightness, sesame oil for toastiness, and a little heat if you want it.
Fast but better after a chill: it is great right away, but 10 to 15 minutes in the fridge helps the flavors settle in.
Flexible add-ins: mango, avocado, carrot, and even masago (if you want restaurant vibes) all work without changing the whole plan.

Pairs Well With

Storage Tips

Refrigerate: Store kani salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Keep it refrigerated at or below 40°F (4°C), and discard if it has been left out for more than 2 hours. It is best on day 1 when the cucumber is still super crisp.

Keep it crunchy: If you are making it ahead, store the dressing separately and toss right before serving. Or lightly salt the cucumber, let it sit 10 minutes, then pat dry well to reduce wateriness (no rinse needed if you salt lightly).

Do not freeze: Mayo-based dressing and cucumber do not thaw nicely.

Common Questions

What is kani salad made of?

Kani salad is typically made with shredded crab (kani), cucumber, and a creamy mayo-based dressing. In many North American Japanese-restaurant versions, it is made with imitation crab sticks (surimi), which is what this recipe uses. Many versions also add carrot, masago (fish roe), mango, or avocado, plus sesame seeds and sometimes a little sriracha.

Is kani salad the same as crab salad?

They are cousins. Classic deli-style crab salad often uses chunkier crab (or imitation) with celery and a simple mayo dressing. Kani salad is usually shredded into thin strands and leans Japanese-inspired with rice vinegar and sesame flavors.

Can I use real crab instead of imitation crab?

Yes. Use cooked crab meat (lump or claw) and gently toss so it does not break up too much. The flavor will be more delicate and less sweet than crab sticks, so you may want an extra pinch of salt or a touch more vinegar.

Is it spicy?

Only if you make it spicy. Sriracha is optional and you can keep it kid-friendly by skipping it and serving hot sauce on the side.

How do I keep it from getting watery?

Cucumber is the main culprit. Use English or Persian cucumbers. English cucumbers usually do not need seeding, but if yours is extra juicy you can scoop out the watery seeds. For best results, lightly salt the cucumber, rest 10 minutes, then pat dry before mixing. No need to rinse if you salt lightly, just pat it dry well.

Matt Campbell

I have always had a huge passion for the culinary arts, people, working as a team, and so on. I wanted to pursue my love for cooking initially at Virginia Commonwealth University with a culinary arts degree; however, I instead decided to apply myself and acquire more practical skills. My end goal is to eventually open my own restaurant or similar establishment.

Kitchen Essentials

Cutting board and knife
Medium mixing bowl
Small bowl or measuring cup for dressing
Whisk or fork
Paper towels (for drying cucumber)

The first time I made kani salad at home, I treated it like a serious recipe, which was adorable because it is really just a great dressing and a little shredding patience. Now it is my go-to when I want something cold, crunchy, and kind of addictive without turning my kitchen into a disaster zone. I make it, I chill it, and then I hover around the fridge like a raccoon going back for one more bite.

Kani Salad

(4.8 Reviews)

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 0 minutes

Total Time 15 minutes (plus optional chilling)

Servings 4

Ingredients

For the salad

8 oz imitation crab sticks (surimi), shredded
1 large English cucumber, thinly sliced into half-moons or julienned
1 small carrot, julienned (optional but great for crunch)
1 to 2 green onions, thinly sliced
1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, plus more for serving
1 tsp furikake (optional, for serving)
1/2 cup diced mango or avocado (optional, for a sweet or creamy twist)

For the dressing

1/3 cup Japanese mayonnaise (Kewpie), or regular mayo
1 1/2 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
1 to 2 tsp sriracha (optional)
1 to 2 tsp sugar or honey (optional, to balance vinegar)
1 tsp fresh lemon juice (optional, for extra brightness)
Pinch of kosher salt, as needed

Imitation crab sticks shredded into thin strands in a mixing bowl

Instructions

Shred the crab sticks. Pull the imitation crab sticks into thin strands with your fingers. This is the whole point of kani salad. Add them to a large mixing bowl.
Prep the cucumber. Slice the English cucumber into thin half-moons (easy) or julienne it (restaurant-style). If it seems watery, pat it dry with paper towels. Optional but worth it: lightly salt the cucumber, let it sit 10 minutes, then pat dry well (no need to rinse if you salt lightly). Add cucumber to the bowl with the crab. Add carrot and green onion if using.
Mix the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sriracha (if using). Taste and adjust: add sugar or honey if you want it sweeter, add lemon for extra brightness, and add a pinch of salt as needed.
Toss and chill. Pour dressing over the salad and toss gently until evenly coated. If you like it extra creamy (or if your cucumber is huge), add 1 to 2 tablespoons more mayo. For best flavor and texture, chill 10 to 15 minutes.
Finish and serve. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and furikake if you have it. Serve cold as a side, a light lunch, tucked into lettuce cups, or as a sushi-night side dish.

Kani salad being tossed in a mixing bowl with creamy sesame dressing

A bowl of kani salad topped with sesame seeds right before serving

Nutrition information is estimated.

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Kani Salad

Why It Works

Pairs Well With

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California Roll

Kewpie Mayo: The 5-Minute Umami Sauce

Easy Asian Salad Dressing

Sesame Ginger Asian Dressing

Storage Tips

Common Questions

What is kani salad made of?

Is kani salad the same as crab salad?

Can I use real crab instead of imitation crab?

Is it spicy?

How do I keep it from getting watery?

Kani Salad

Ingredients

For the salad

For the dressing

Instructions