This Kani Salad is light and refreshing using imitation crab together with cucumber, and mango in a creamy spicy mayonnaise dressing.
A Kani Salad is a Japanese style salad made with crab and julienned thinly sliced ingredients with a creamy spicy mayonnaise dressing. It's very popular in American Japanese restaurants.
Here I’ve made my take on a Kani Salad which is so easy to make and is so refreshing! You only need 3 ingredients, being cucumber, imitation crab, and mango plus the dressing.
It can all be made within 15 minutes in prep time, which makes this a great last minute meal too!
To describe the taste, it reminds me of a California sushi roll with similar flavours and ingredients, minus the rice. This makes it a low carb meal also.
Some Japanese inspired recipes you must try are my spicy tuna crispy rice, shrimp tempura roll and rice paper dumplings.
Table of Contents
Ingredients to make this Kani Salad Recipe
- Imitiation Crab Meat is the main ingredient in a Kani Salad. Also known as crab sticks or seafood sticks. Its made from Surimi which is a type of seafood.
- Cucumbers I always use Persian or Lebanese cucumbers as they have a lot more flavour and are far less watery with tiny seeds.
- Mango brings a beautful sweet freshness. Fresh mango is always best however when they aren't in season, frozen mango also works great.
- Kewpie Japanese Mayonnaise is the tradtional mayonnaise used. Its made from egg yolk instead of whole egg.
- Soy Sauce is added for its saltiness and flavour. I always prefer to use salt reduced soy sauce. You can also use Tamari for a gluten free option
- Rice Wine Vinegar is added for a little acidity. White wine vinegar can also be used
- Sriracha sauce is added to make the Japanese Kani Salad spicy. you can add more or less than my recipe depending on how spicy you like it
- Avocado is added on top for its creaminess
- Sesame Seeds I like to add toasted mix colour sesame seeds for garinsh
- Panko crumbs are added on top for a little crunch to the dish and provides texture
How to make a Kani Salad
Make this easy delicious Kani Salad in no time at all. Follow my simple steps below.
Prepare Ingredients
- Cut cucumber, crab sticks, and mango into thin julienne strips. I prefer to pull thin strings of the crab sticks lengthways with my fingers (you can slice them into strips using a knife)
- Add all cut ingredients to a bowl
Make the dressing
- In a separate bowl add kewpie Japanese mayonnaise, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and sriracha sauce ) and mix together
Mix and serve
- Pour the dressing ingredients into the salad bowl and mix until nicely coated. It should be nice and creamy
- Garnish with thin slices of avocado and top with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and panko bread crumbs for some crunch!
Tips to make this easy Spicy Kani Salad
- When slicing the ingredients for the salad, you want to try and slice them all in similar lengths and sizes. This is not only for the visual look but also for the perfect texture when eating.
This way, you’ll have a bit of all flavours at the same time with every bite! - Always use Persian or Lebanese cucumbers as they have a lot more flavour and are far less watery with tiny seeds.
- If you can’t find these cucumbers and only have large cucumbers, it’s best to scoop the seeds out and not add them to the salad. The seeds can made the salad watery, especially if the seeds are large
- You can slice the crab sticks with a knife but I find they are easier to handle and turn out better when they are made by pulling strings off the sticks with your fingers
- I’ve used frozen mango as fresh mangoes aren’t available during winter here in Australia. If you’re using frozen mango, I find it easier to slice the mango while they’re frozen. If they’re fully defrosted, they will be softer and hard to slice thin
- Always dress the salad right before serving so that it stays nice and crunchy. The longer it sits in the dressing, it will slowly become softer and can go soggy
- Add the sesame seeds and Panko crumbs right before serving. You want to make sure they keep that crunch
FAQs
Kani salad is low in carbohydrates with no starchy carbs used, except for the panko bread crumbs that are added for garnish
Imitation crab is made from surimi which is fish flesh that has been deboned, washed to remove fat and unwanted bits, then minced into a paste. While imitation crab is made from seafood, it generally contains no crab, other than a tiny amount of crab extract that is sometimes added for flavoring. Source
Yes, however, it can be made healthier by reducing the amount of mayonnaise used or using lower fat mayonnaise.
More Salad Recipes
- Edamame Salad
- Asian Chopped Salad
- Healthy Caesar Salad
- Chopped Greek Salad
- Shirazi Salad
- Jennifer Aniston Salad
More Japanese Recipes
I love seeing your creations and remakes, so be sure to rate the recipe, comment and share your Kani Salad photo on Instagram so I can share the love!
Recipe
Kani Salad (Easy & Delicious)
Video
Ingredients
- 200 g imitation crab meat sticks
- 2 Persian or Lebanese cucumbers
- 1 cup fresh or frozen Mango
Kani Salad Dressing
- 3-4 tablespoon Kewpie Japanese mayonnaise
- 2 ½ teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar or rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce (less or more depending how spicy you like it)
Garnish
- ½ avocado
- 2 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
- 2 teaspoon panko bread crumbs
Instructions
- Slice cucumber in half lengthways and then into julienne thin strips
- With your fingers, pull thin strings of the crabs sticks lengthways. It’s very similar to pulling string cheese (you can also slice into strips using a knife buy I find it turns out better using your fingers)
- Slice mango into thin slices and add to the same bowl. You’ll want all 3 ingredients cut into thin slices.
- Mix the dressing ingredients in a bowl and pour over the salad bowl (start by using only 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise. Only add the 4th tablespoons if its required after mixing it all in)Mix well together so all of the salad is nicely coated with the dressing. It should be nice and creamy
- Divide into 2 bowls, top each with thin slices of avocado and garnish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and panko bread crumbs for some crunch!
Rhona says
Such a quick and easy recipe, perfect for a hot summers day. It was delicious and super filling. I really enjoyed making this recipe.
Ayeh says
Thank you so much, glad you loved it as much as I did!
Anandi says
I made the Kani salad today for my family and everyone loved it… It was so easy but brilliant. It took me less than 15 mins to make and I could eat this everyday. It is the perfect salad when you are in a rush and is so good!❤️
Martina says
Can I use something other than crab sticks ? I loathe them !
Ayeh Manfre says
Yes of course! Shrimp would be great too, or for a vegan version try thin tofu strips
Denise Tinsley says
Beautiful quick easy to prepare so tasty my new favourite salad love it
Ayeh says
Its been one of my new favs too! So glad you loved it Denise xxx
Christine lim says
Absolutely beautiful recipe as always! This is so light and healthy. Its beauty also with dried seaweed crumbled on top, makes a great sushi filling also. This is going to make a great bbq side in summer also. Thanks again Ayeh for another gorgeous meal.
Ayeh says
Oh yum love that!!!
Ben says
Super tasty recipe! I made this earlier today and I have to say it definitely delivered on exactly what I was hoping for and more! Very fun to make and super tasty! Great recipe, thanks again, love it!
Ayeh says
So happy you loved it so much Ben, so fun right 🙂
Danielle says
Made this the other night and it was so simple and tasted soooo amazing!! It satisfied my craving for sushi at a crazy affordable price! I can’t wait for more simple recipes like this one. 10/10
Ayeh says
So glad you loved it, Danielle! Yes so affordable and like a deconstructed sushi roll 🙂
Samara says
Yummmm, absolutely amazing
Ayeh says
So glad you loved it too Samara 🙂 xx
Jessica says
This is soooo delicious! I made it over the weekend (demolished it) and already bought the Ingredients to make it again. It’s honestly the perfect summer salad and very easy to make your own 🙂 i added a bunch of other stuff to it and it was a killer!
Ayeh says
Hehe yay love this! Its one of my favs on a hot day too 🙂
Reem says
I really want to try this, but I don't like mango's. What can i use as a substitute?
Ayeh Manfre says
Try thinly sliced apples instead 🙂
Julieann says
Karni salad is amazing Thankyou Ayer ur so inspiring and amazing at what you do can’t wait for more cooking tik toks and recipes
Ayeh says
So glad you loved it sweety, so many more to come! You all inspire me everyday xxx
Fromagebyfarah says
I kept looking at this recipe on TikTok and I went out and finally bought the ingredients. Let me tell you it did not disappoint! In under 15 minutes I had thee most delicious salad I’ve eaten. Thank you for the recipe Ayeh.
Ayeh says
Aww the best news! so happy you loved it dear x
Victoria says
Great recipe!! Very easy to make and is so refreshing. I added a little extra soy sauce on top to fit my taste
Ayeh says
So refreshing 🙂 So happy you liked it Victoria and were able to amend the dressing to how you like it xxx
Nurcan says
Tried the crab version of the Kani salad, was blown away by the flavour. So fresh and creamy and crunchy and that kick of spice, everthing just worked so well together when combined. This will be a Summer staple for us, thank you for sharing Ayeh! Xx
Ayeh says
Yay so happy you loved it so much Nurcan, you are most welcome x
Mony says
It was delicious!! Easy and quick to do, I used sesame oil instead of soy sauce and the flavor was so tasty. I'll keep doing more recipes!
Ayeh says
Oh yummy yes a splash of sesame would have been great. So happy youve been loving my recipes xxx
Corey says
Love this salad! So fresh and easy for summer. Thanks so much for all your ideas
Ayeh says
So great for Summer right! Aw you're most welcome, so many more to come xx
Spebels says
Amazing, tried this recipe and loved it! Will be making it again
Ayeh says
Yay so happy you will be making it again lovely x
Jashira Ramirez says
Amazing, refreshing and sooooo delicious obsessed
Ayeh says
Aww love that Jashira, its so fresh isnt it 🙂
Natalie D says
This is a sensational salad, sweet crunchy texturally amazing! Bursting full of flavor, making it again for lunch today. I adore the mango addition. Thanks for all your amazing recipes and time and effort put into them.
Ayeh says
Aww love that you loved it as much as I do! xx
Elena says
One of my favourite salad now
Ayeh says
Hehe me too Elena! xx
Dana (luvmylatte) says
Absolutely love this recipe. It has become a regular of mine.
Ayeh says
Me too! So glad you love it Dana xx
Renee Dobson says
Another hit with the family. They were skeptical at first because apparently fruit doesn't go in a salad, they all loved it.
Ayeh says
So true! I was too but the mango is now my favourite part 🙂
S says
This dish is so refreshing and quick to make. I substituted cucumber with celery and it was absolutely yummy! Thank you 🙂
Ayeh says
Oh yummy I must try that too!!
Eme Textile says
An easy and delicious recipe! I would definitely share it and repeat it!
Ayeh says
The best compliment to hear lovely!
Violette says
This recipe is absolutely amazing! I used English cucumbers because they were all I could find in my market. This has become one of my favorite recipes. It’s very quick and easy to make, and it tastes absolutely delicious!
Ayeh says
Im so happy to hear this lovely, its so nice and fresh isnt it xxx
Lilly Barello says
This kani salad is so delicious perfect, quick and easy lunch idea !
Ayeh says
So happy you loved it too, its the best quick lunch isnt it xxx
Alexandra says
Such a light and fresh meal to make ! It is delicious and so easy to make ! I definitely recommend everyone interested to try this dish !
Ayeh says
So glad to hear you love it as much as I do dear!
Lina Beiruty says
Omg this salad is something else. Best salad i have ever had. Thank for the very detailed recipe.
Ayeh says
Yayy so happy you love it too!
Anandi says
I made the Kani salad today for my family and everyone loved it… It was so easy but brilliant. It took me less than 15 mins to make and I could eat this everyday. It is the perfect salad when you are in a rush and is so good!❤️
Ayeh says
Aw so happy to hear lovely, especially that your family loved it too xxx
Celine says
I rarely have cucumber in my fridge as they rent to go bad before I use them. I’ve made this recipe once with cucumber but the other 2 times I used “coleslaw” mix and the result is AMAZING!!
Ayeh says
Ohh love this Celine, it was meant to be 🙂
Sophia says
Recipe was on point! Dressing was delicious and salad was so refreshing!
Ayeh says
So refreshing on a warm day right 🙂
Sophia says
5 stars!
Ayeh says
Yay thank you!
Kash says
The best salad I’ve ever had such an easy and yummy recipe.
Ayeh says
Aw love this xx
Sonia says
This salad is amazing, when I saw the recipe this morning I couldn’t wait to make it. It is the best salad I have ever had. I can’t wait to share it with guests. Thank you Ayeh!
Ayeh says
Aww so glad to hear this Sonia xxx
Thia says
This is so easy and so refreshing!!! Such a wonderful recipe and so versatile!!
Ayeh says
So happy you love it too Thia xx
Monique says
Love this salad! It's easy to make and the flavours are amazing! We rate our meals at home from 1 to 10 and it's a 9, leaning towards a 10! With the imitation crab it's like a pasta salad. We love it. Thank you Ayeh!
Ayeh says
Wow love this dear, so glad you love it so much too xx
Lola says
One of the best!!! Been eating Kani salad at dinner for 5 days straight! Simple yet sophisticated and very fulfilling Thank you Ayeh you're the best!!!
Ayeh says
Awww so happy to hear you love it so much too!
Jaimie says
So easy to make and super delicious! Used as a topping for a poke bowl. Highly recommend.
Ayeh says
Its so yummy as a Poke bowl isnt it Jaimie 🙂 x
Kelly says
I love the idea of this! Any idea where to get crab sticks in Australia? There are only small packs of super expensive posh ones, or ‘seafood extender’ surimi mix, which isn’t the same thing.
Ayeh says
Yes dear, I always buy mine from an Asian supermarket. Its much cheaper, usually in the frozen section
Wie says
Love this kani salad recipe! Thanks for sharing Ayeh 🙂 I made this salad for our Christmas lunch and we loved it ❤️ Quick and delicious!
Ayeh says
Yay what a yummy salad for Christmas! So happy you all loved it xx
Amelia says
I absolutely LOVE this recipe, it’s become almost a weekly dinner ! Healthy, fresh and perfect for a warm summers day! Thank you!!!!!
Ayeh says
Love this Amelia! Its perfect on a hot day right 🙂
Ashley says
Delicious . Perfect for my poke bowl! I will make it again!!
Ayeh says
Love it in a Poke bowl too 🙂
Monique says
I made this! It tastes so good and I love the ingredients too, I think the only thing I don’t like is the rice vinegar on the dressing (it’s a personal preference) hehe. Overall, I really liked it and family liked it as well. It’s now one of our faves and go to lunch / healthy snack. Thank you so much for sharing this Ms. Ayeh! 🙂
Ayeh Manfre says
So happy you enjoyed the recipe and were able to make an adjustment to your liking 🙂 xxxx
Edna says
Loved it!!! Had it at a sushi place before and I only ate the salad there every time. Now I can make my own … it was the Best! Wish I can upload a picture for y’all
Ayeh Manfre says
Oh yay so happy you loved it so much Edna 🙂 You can send me a picture to my instagram to share if you like xx
Sean Gruppetta says
Beautiful salad
Ayeh Manfre says
So happy you loved it Sean 🙂
Gemma Robinson says
This has been my children’s favourite recipe. They have enjoyed making it almost as much as they have enjoyed eating it! Delicious and healthy!
Ayeh Manfre says
Ohhh love this comment!!! Makes me so happy to hear your kids love this one xxx
Stephanie says
This recipe is one of my FAVORITES!! Thank you so much! I love the sushi California roll and this is similar without the rice and it’s amazing I’ve ate it about 3x a week since I’ve seen this recipe!! Thank you so much Ayeh!!!
Ayeh Manfre says
Thrilled to hear Stephanie!! You are so very welcome xxx
Ashlie Smith says
I saw this video on IG and knew I needed to make it immediately!! I always go to this Poke bowl place down the street. It ends up being almost $20 each time I go. This Kani salad has a lot of the same ingredients and completely satisfied my craving I had for the Poke bowl. So excited to have this recipe and I know I’ll be using it often. Thank you!
Ayeh Manfre says
So happy you loved this so much too!! I love serving it with rice like a poke bowl too 🙂
corrie mcdougall says
Looks delish, Ayeh! But I don't eat meat including imitation crab - can you suggest an alternative please?
Ayeh Manfre says
Sure thing! I've also made this with thinly sliced firm tofu along with shredded carrots to imitate the "crab"
Shelley Ramey says
I made this! But had to use some substitutions. I’m allergic to mango so I used Papaya. And I had canned crab on hand so I used that this time. It was delicious and refreshing. I love the julienned cucumbers and the dressing and garnish - just delicious! Thank you! I forgot to take a pic cause it looked so Good I ate it right away
Ayeh Manfre says
Love the sounds of the substitutions! All sounds amazing 🙂
Pamela Coleman says
This is my favorite version of Kani Salad. I do add about 1 teaspoon of tabiko along with the panko for a little more crunch and Unami flavor.
Ayeh Manfre says
Amazing to hear Pamela! Sounds delish xx