Kani Salad is one of my very favorite dishes to order when we go out for sushi. It's light and fresh and full of wonderful crunch. The Japanese crab salad is the stuff of my dreams and I can never have enough!
My version, though? I've taken that amazing dish and cleaned it up just a bit. Instead of the crab sticks that are used in most recipes, I use real crab, fresh veggies, and a phenomenal sauce. This kani salad recipe turns this into a craving I can't get enough of. It’s so simple to throw together, tastes incredible, and it’s good for you!
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And, if you're in the mood for more super simple salad ideas, my friend, you have come to the right place! Try my Greek Chicken Salad, Shrimp Salad, or my Southern Chicken Salad!
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You should make this Kani Salad recipe because its absolutely, positively delicious. When I say I love this stuff, I am not kidding. I could eat my weight in it. And, since I've replaced the crab stick with real crab meat, I don't even give it a second thought!
This Kani Salad recipe would be a great meal to take to work or a perfect afternoon snack. Wrap it in a lettuce leaf and you have an excellent vehicle to get it into your mouth. I just need to find a bigger leaf! Need a fresh game day recipe? Make this Kani Salad and serve it with a side of crispy wonton chips. You'll never look at chips and dips the same way again!
What You'll Need
Lump Crab - This is my preference when buying shelled crab. You can also use jumbo lump or claw meat. Or, go with a crab stick! Any of these options will be delicious!
Shirataki Noodles or Rice Noodles - I like added a noodle like this to the Kani salad. I love the texture and it stretches this recipe just a bit. Hey, real crab is pricey! This makes it go just a little further!
Cucumber, Carrot, Green Onions - The crunch and for flavor. You can go with with whatever crunchy veg you prefer!
Mayonnaise, Sriracha, Rice Vinegar, and Tamari - For that wonderfully creamy, spicy sauce!
Sesame Seeds - For texture and a little nutty flavor. They're pretty, too!
Fresh Crab or Crab Stick, That Is The Question
Don't get me wrong, I love the crab stick version of Kani Salad. It's delicious and I could eat gallons of it. However, crab sticks aren't exactly a healthy food. It's basically a seafood hot dog situation that's turned into a tube. Don't ever look at how they make it. You might not recover.
Using fresh lump crab for this kani salad recipe just cleans everything up a bit. It's whole food, no filler, and no artificial colors. While fresh crab is more expensive, I think its so worth it.
This is one of those recipes I treat myself to when it's just me and I want to indulge in something I really love and don't want to share with no bodies. Because I promise, if you make this recipe with people around, it will disappear!
Picking Crab 101
If you've chosen to go the way of fresh crab, and I think you should, you need to ensure it is fresh and good quality. Check with your fish monger and check the container it comes in. Look at the date and get the freshest you can get.
Open the container and drain away any excess liquid. Spread the crab out onto a clean working surface.
Use your fingers or a fork to gently pick through the crab meat, looking for and removing any shell pieces or cartilage.
While this seems tedious, it is necessary. There will always be bits of shell in the meat. You don't want to be toothing through it later. I speak from experience.
How To Make It
This recipe could not be any easier. I'll give you the nuts and bolts of it here, but the specifics will live in the recipe card below. All you have to do it:
- Go the crab and ensure there are no pieces of shell.
- Add all of the ingredients to a bowl.
- Gently mix to combine.
That's it!
Serving Ideas
I'm not gonna lie. I will eat this straight out of the bowl if no one is looking. It's also great scooped into a lettuce cup. I've also used rice paper and made a summer roll situation out of them.
Large sheets of nori with this salad rolled up into it would make a sushi lover's day!
I love this recipe for an easy lunch, but it would make a great party recipe served with wonton chips. My kids also love this recipe as a high-protein, after-school snack, especially if I make it with shrimp.
It's incredibly versatile, absolutely delicious, and super simple. You should try it. Really.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this kani salad recipe gluten and/or dairy-free?
As long as you use tamari instead of soy sauce, this recipe is gluten-free! It is 100% dairy free!
What is a shirataki noodle?
Shirataki noodles are a low-carb, gluten-free noodle usually made from konjac flour. I love them. Especially, with Asian-inspired recipes.
As for prep, the shirataki noodles just need to be drained and rinsed.
Substitutions and Variations
- Use cooked shrimp or salmon if you don't want to use crab. They both make an incredible salad!
- Add whatever veggies you love to this recipe. I am here for the crunch. Think:
- sugar snap peas
- red onion
- celery
- radish
- avocado is great to add even more creaminess
- If you don't have shirataki noodles, you can simply leave them out. However, a cooked rice noodle is fantastic!
- You can make this kani salad as spicy as you would like. Simply add more sriracha, chili flakes, or even a healthy dollop of chili crisp.
Kani Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 (8 oz containers) lump crab
- 2-3 Persian cucumbers, julienned or cut into thin strips
- 1 carrot, julienned or cut into thin strips
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon sriracha
- 2 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1-2 tsp soy sauce
- 2 tablespoon sesame seeds
- shirataki noodles or rice noodles optional for tossing with the salad
Instructions
- Gently mix everything together. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Storage Instructions
This recipe is best eaten right after you make it. If storing in the fridge, it will only stay good 1-2 days max in my opinon.
If you guys make this Kani Salad Recipe, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I absolutely love to hear from you all and always do my best to respond to each and every one of your comments!
Thank you!
I am so incredibly happy that you are here! I hope you try my Kani Salad recipe and fall in love with it. If you make this recipe, please share and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok!
Happy Cooking!
-Rufus
Other Fantastic Recipes You'll Love
Sushi Bowls - A fantastic meal prep bowl recipe for sushi lovers! It's super simple and so quick! I love, love this one!
Greek Salmon Salad - Another fantastically easy salad with a phenomenal dressing! Tastes amazing and it's good for you!
Grilled Shrimp Salad - A perfect salad recipe for summer. Tender, grilled shrimp with a green onion vinaigrette!
Shrimp Salad - If you're a tuna salad or chicken salad lover like myself, you have to try this! It's light and creamy, but super savory with a touch of tang!
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