Dinner

Japanese Kani Side Salad Recipe

Name: Japanese Kani Side Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 454 grams imitation crab meat; 2 large carrots, peeled and julienned; 1/2 large cabbage, shredded; 1 cup canned corn, drained well; 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds; 1 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

ByHarper Ellington January 12, 2026January 12, 2026

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Introduction

Japanese Kani Side Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish featuring imitation crab meat and crisp vegetables tossed in a tangy sesame mayo dressing. Perfect as a light side or appetizer, it comes together quickly and serves up to eight people.

A wooden bowl filled with a layered salad featuring a mix of thinly shredded white cabbage as the base, with bright orange shredded carrots and yellow corn kernels scattered throughout. There are small pieces of pink crab sticks mixed in, all coated in a creamy white dressing. The salad is topped with small black sesame seeds and sprinkled with green chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Two black utensils rest on the right side of the bowl, which sits on a white marbled textured surface with some sprigs of parsley and a folded cloth with white, grey, orange, and black stripes to the left. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

454 grams imitation crab meat
2 large carrots, peeled and julienned
1/2 large cabbage, shredded
1 cup canned corn, drained well
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Step 1: Transfer the imitation crab meat, carrots, shredded cabbage, corn, and chopped parsley to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
Step 2: In a smaller bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, ground black pepper, and toasted sesame seeds until combined.
Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss well using tongs to evenly coat everything.
Step 4: For best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least two hours. Before serving, toss once more to redistribute the dressing.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh sesame seeds and toast them lightly for a more intense nutty flavor.
Add thinly sliced cucumber for extra crunch and freshness.
Swap mayonnaise with Japanese Kewpie mayo for a richer, creamier texture.
Garnish with chopped scallions or a sprinkle of shichimi togarashi for a spicy kick.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed chilled and should be tossed again before serving to refresh the dressing coating.

How to Serve

A wooden oval dish filled with a colorful salad made of thin white cabbage strips mixed with thin orange carrot strips and yellow corn kernels, topped with small black sesame seeds and chopped green parsley scattered evenly over the salad. Two black utensils rest on the right side of the dish, placed on a white marbled surface with some fresh parsley sprigs nearby and a folded striped cloth on the left. The salad layers show a creamy texture mixed with crispy vegetables, creating a fresh and vibrant look. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use real crab meat instead of imitation crab?

Yes, fresh or canned real crab meat can be used for a more authentic flavor, though imitation crab is typically more budget-friendly and readily available.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. However, always check the labels on imitation crab and mayonnaise to ensure no gluten-containing additives are included.