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    Home » Recipes » Salads

    Kani Salad

    Published: Nov 9, 2022 by Ayeh Manfre 91 Comments

    JUMP TO RECIPE

    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.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients to make this Kani Salad Recipe
    • How to make a Kani Salad
    • Tips to make this easy Spicy Kani Salad 
    • FAQs
    • More Salad Recipes
    • Recipe
    • Comments

    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

    Time needed: 15 minutes.

    1. 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.

    2. Make the dressing

      In a separate bowl add kewpie Japanese mayonnaise, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and sriracha sauce ) and mix together.

    3. 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

    Does Kani Salad have carbs?

    Kani salad is low in carbohydrates with no starchy carbs used, except for the panko bread crumbs that are added for garnish

    Is Kani Salad real crab meat? 

    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

    Is Kani Salad healthy?

    Yes, however, it can be made healthier by reducing the amount of mayonnaise used or using lower fat mayonnaise.

    More Salad Recipes

    • Asian Chopped Salad
    • Chickpea Avocado Salad
    • Rocket Pear and Parmesan Salad
    • Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
    • Shirazi Salad

    I love seeing your creations and remakes, so be sure to rate the recipe, comment and share your Kani photo on Instagram so I can share the love!

    Recipe

    Kani Salad in a bowl topped with avocado, sesame seeds and panko bread crumbs
    4.55 from 73 votes

    Kani Salad

    This Kani Salad is light and refreshing using imitation crab together with cucumber, and mango in a creamy spicy mayonnaise dressing.
    Prep Time15 mins
    Cook Time0 mins
    Total Time15 mins
    Course: Appetizer, Main Course, Salad
    Cuisine: American, Japanese
    Keyword: fresh, quick, summer
    Servings: 2
    Calories: 354kcal
    Author: Ayeh
    Pin Print Rate

    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!

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 354kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 20mg | Sodium: 976mg | Potassium: 358mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 149IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 1mg

    More Salads

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    • Close up of chopped asian salad in a bowl
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      Quinoa Salad
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      Shirazi Salad

    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Rhona

      July 19, 2021 at 9:45 pm

      5 stars
      Such a quick and easy recipe, perfect for a hot summers day. It was delicious and super filling. I really enjoyed making this recipe.

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        July 19, 2021 at 10:47 pm

        Thank you so much, glad you loved it as much as I did!

        Reply
        • Anandi

          September 07, 2021 at 12:26 pm

          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!❤️

          Reply
          • Martina

            December 18, 2022 at 3:34 am

            Can I use something other than crab sticks ? I loathe them !

            Reply
            • Ayeh Manfre

              January 03, 2023 at 9:10 pm

              Yes of course! Shrimp would be great too, or for a vegan version try thin tofu strips

      • Denise Tinsley

        July 27, 2021 at 10:47 pm

        5 stars
        Beautiful quick easy to prepare so tasty my new favourite salad love it

        Reply
        • Ayeh

          July 28, 2021 at 11:27 am

          Its been one of my new favs too! So glad you loved it Denise xxx

          Reply
          • Christine lim

            August 10, 2021 at 4:46 pm

            5 stars
            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.

            Reply
            • Ayeh

              August 12, 2021 at 11:11 am

              Oh yum love that!!!

    2. Ben

      July 21, 2021 at 11:57 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        July 21, 2021 at 12:31 pm

        So happy you loved it so much Ben, so fun right 🙂

        Reply
    3. Danielle

      July 21, 2021 at 12:14 pm

      5 stars
      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

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        July 21, 2021 at 12:32 pm

        So glad you loved it, Danielle! Yes so affordable and like a deconstructed sushi roll 🙂

        Reply
    4. Samara

      July 21, 2021 at 10:05 pm

      5 stars
      Yummmm, absolutely amazing

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        July 22, 2021 at 12:04 am

        So glad you loved it too Samara 🙂 xx

        Reply
      • Jessica

        November 08, 2021 at 3:42 pm

        5 stars
        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!

        Reply
        • Ayeh

          November 18, 2021 at 10:40 pm

          Hehe yay love this! Its one of my favs on a hot day too 🙂

          Reply
        • Reem

          January 04, 2023 at 2:45 am

          I really want to try this, but I don't like mango's. What can i use as a substitute?

          Reply
          • Ayeh Manfre

            January 04, 2023 at 9:59 pm

            Try thinly sliced apples instead 🙂

            Reply
    5. Julieann

      July 22, 2021 at 3:36 pm

      5 stars
      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

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        July 22, 2021 at 7:08 pm

        So glad you loved it sweety, so many more to come! You all inspire me everyday xxx

        Reply
    6. Fromagebyfarah

      July 22, 2021 at 9:04 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        July 23, 2021 at 2:52 pm

        Aww the best news! so happy you loved it dear x

        Reply
    7. Victoria

      July 23, 2021 at 11:12 am

      5 stars
      Great recipe!! Very easy to make and is so refreshing. I added a little extra soy sauce on top to fit my taste

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        July 23, 2021 at 2:55 pm

        So refreshing 🙂 So happy you liked it Victoria and were able to amend the dressing to how you like it xxx

        Reply
    8. Nurcan

      July 24, 2021 at 6:59 am

      5 stars
      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

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        July 26, 2021 at 4:15 pm

        Yay so happy you loved it so much Nurcan, you are most welcome x

        Reply
    9. Mony

      July 26, 2021 at 5:32 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        July 28, 2021 at 11:29 am

        Oh yummy yes a splash of sesame would have been great. So happy youve been loving my recipes xxx

        Reply
    10. Corey

      July 28, 2021 at 12:23 am

      5 stars
      Love this salad! So fresh and easy for summer. Thanks so much for all your ideas

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        July 28, 2021 at 11:26 am

        So great for Summer right! Aw you're most welcome, so many more to come xx

        Reply
    11. Spebels

      July 29, 2021 at 2:55 pm

      5 stars
      Amazing, tried this recipe and loved it! Will be making it again

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        August 01, 2021 at 6:26 pm

        Yay so happy you will be making it again lovely x

        Reply
    12. Jashira Ramirez

      August 01, 2021 at 2:04 am

      5 stars
      Amazing, refreshing and sooooo delicious obsessed

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        August 01, 2021 at 6:37 pm

        Aww love that Jashira, its so fresh isnt it 🙂

        Reply
    13. Natalie D

      August 07, 2021 at 5:42 pm

      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.

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        August 09, 2021 at 5:11 pm

        Aww love that you loved it as much as I do! xx

        Reply
    14. Elena

      August 07, 2021 at 6:45 pm

      5 stars
      One of my favourite salad now

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        August 09, 2021 at 5:11 pm

        Hehe me too Elena! xx

        Reply
    15. Dana (luvmylatte)

      August 12, 2021 at 10:12 pm

      5 stars
      Absolutely love this recipe. It has become a regular of mine.

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        August 15, 2021 at 11:38 am

        Me too! So glad you love it Dana xx

        Reply
    16. Renee Dobson

      August 18, 2021 at 8:01 am

      5 stars
      Another hit with the family. They were skeptical at first because apparently fruit doesn't go in a salad, they all loved it.

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        August 18, 2021 at 8:14 pm

        So true! I was too but the mango is now my favourite part 🙂

        Reply
    17. S

      August 19, 2021 at 8:49 am

      5 stars
      This dish is so refreshing and quick to make. I substituted cucumber with celery and it was absolutely yummy! Thank you 🙂

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        August 24, 2021 at 11:45 am

        Oh yummy I must try that too!!

        Reply
    18. Eme Textile

      August 21, 2021 at 12:15 am

      5 stars
      An easy and delicious recipe! I would definitely share it and repeat it!

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        August 24, 2021 at 11:44 am

        The best compliment to hear lovely!

        Reply
    19. Violette

      August 21, 2021 at 11:42 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        August 24, 2021 at 11:44 am

        Im so happy to hear this lovely, its so nice and fresh isnt it xxx

        Reply
    20. Lilly Barello

      August 23, 2021 at 12:47 pm

      5 stars
      This kani salad is so delicious perfect, quick and easy lunch idea !

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        August 24, 2021 at 11:40 am

        So happy you loved it too, its the best quick lunch isnt it xxx

        Reply
    21. Alexandra

      August 24, 2021 at 8:07 am

      5 stars
      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 !

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        August 24, 2021 at 11:46 am

        So glad to hear you love it as much as I do dear!

        Reply
    22. Lina Beiruty

      August 27, 2021 at 5:21 pm

      Omg this salad is something else. Best salad i have ever had. Thank for the very detailed recipe.

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        August 30, 2021 at 12:27 pm

        Yayy so happy you love it too!

        Reply
    23. Anandi

      September 07, 2021 at 12:27 pm

      5 stars
      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!❤️

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        September 14, 2021 at 9:55 am

        Aw so happy to hear lovely, especially that your family loved it too xxx

        Reply
    24. Celine

      September 08, 2021 at 9:10 am

      5 stars
      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!!

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        September 14, 2021 at 9:54 am

        Ohh love this Celine, it was meant to be 🙂

        Reply
    25. Sophia

      September 09, 2021 at 12:42 pm

      Recipe was on point! Dressing was delicious and salad was so refreshing!

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        September 14, 2021 at 9:53 am

        So refreshing on a warm day right 🙂

        Reply
    26. Sophia

      September 09, 2021 at 12:43 pm

      5 stars
      5 stars!

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        September 14, 2021 at 9:52 am

        Yay thank you!

        Reply
    27. Kash

      September 09, 2021 at 7:04 pm

      5 stars
      The best salad I’ve ever had such an easy and yummy recipe.

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        September 14, 2021 at 9:52 am

        Aw love this xx

        Reply
    28. Sonia

      September 12, 2021 at 9:30 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        September 14, 2021 at 9:51 am

        Aww so glad to hear this Sonia xxx

        Reply
    29. Thia

      September 13, 2021 at 11:06 am

      5 stars
      This is so easy and so refreshing!!! Such a wonderful recipe and so versatile!!

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        September 14, 2021 at 9:48 am

        So happy you love it too Thia xx

        Reply
    30. Monique

      September 29, 2021 at 6:53 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        October 01, 2021 at 8:55 pm

        Wow love this dear, so glad you love it so much too xx

        Reply
    31. Lola

      October 23, 2021 at 8:51 pm

      5 stars
      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!!!

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        October 25, 2021 at 6:00 pm

        Awww so happy to hear you love it so much too!

        Reply
    32. Jaimie

      November 19, 2021 at 2:18 am

      5 stars
      So easy to make and super delicious! Used as a topping for a poke bowl. Highly recommend.

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        November 29, 2021 at 7:10 pm

        Its so yummy as a Poke bowl isnt it Jaimie 🙂 x

        Reply
    33. Kelly

      December 10, 2021 at 1:44 am

      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.

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        December 10, 2021 at 11:55 am

        Yes dear, I always buy mine from an Asian supermarket. Its much cheaper, usually in the frozen section

        Reply
    34. Wie

      December 29, 2021 at 6:09 pm

      5 stars
      Love this kani salad recipe! Thanks for sharing Ayeh 🙂 I made this salad for our Christmas lunch and we loved it ❤️ Quick and delicious!

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        January 05, 2022 at 10:30 am

        Yay what a yummy salad for Christmas! So happy you all loved it xx

        Reply
    35. Amelia

      January 24, 2022 at 11:24 pm

      5 stars
      I absolutely LOVE this recipe, it’s become almost a weekly dinner ! Healthy, fresh and perfect for a warm summers day! Thank you!!!!!

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        January 25, 2022 at 12:39 pm

        Love this Amelia! Its perfect on a hot day right 🙂

        Reply
    36. Ashley

      February 25, 2022 at 9:02 pm

      Delicious . Perfect for my poke bowl! I will make it again!!

      Reply
      • Ayeh

        March 01, 2022 at 10:36 am

        Love it in a Poke bowl too 🙂

        Reply
    37. Monique

      December 17, 2022 at 3:45 am

      5 stars
      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! 🙂

      Reply
      • Ayeh Manfre

        December 18, 2022 at 5:22 am

        So happy you enjoyed the recipe and were able to make an adjustment to your liking 🙂 xxxx

        Reply
    38. Edna

      December 24, 2022 at 6:38 am

      5 stars
      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

      Reply
      • Ayeh Manfre

        December 24, 2022 at 9:09 am

        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

        Reply
    39. Sean Gruppetta

      January 03, 2023 at 3:04 am

      5 stars
      Beautiful salad

      Reply
      • Ayeh Manfre

        January 03, 2023 at 8:24 pm

        So happy you loved it Sean 🙂

        Reply
    40. Gemma Robinson

      February 03, 2023 at 10:37 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Ayeh Manfre

        February 04, 2023 at 3:04 am

        Ohhh love this comment!!! Makes me so happy to hear your kids love this one xxx

        Reply

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    Hey everyone! I love creating easy everyday recipes with a healthy twist that anyone can make at home. I will show you that eating healthy can also mean you are eating delicious food with amazing flavours!

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