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This spicy kani salad recipe has ALL of the flavors and textures going on. It’s one of the reasons why it tastes SO good! Japanese crab salad has a dressing that’s both creamy and a bit spicy, tender lump crab meat, and crunchy cucumber and carrots.
A friend introduced me to kani salad at a Japanese restaurant. My choices at Japanese restaurants are usually limited, since I avoid rice for multiple reasons and don’t care for the typical semi-wilted Japanese salad usually offered. (Maybe I just haven’t had luck with getting fresh salads at these places?) Finding an alternative starter to my usual hibachi or sashimi put a smile on my face!
Unfortunately, I later found out that the imitation crab meat used in almost every kani salad recipe is not gluten-free and often has added sugar. Imitation crab meat is actually made out of fish (typically pollock). I honestly don’t understand why adding starch and sugar is necessary. If you’re trying to reduce sugar or gluten, it turns out that a kani salad isn’t such a great option when going out, after all.
The great news is, making your own homemade kani salad is incredibly easy! And, there really isn’t any good reason to use imitation crab meat.
Using real lump crab meat makes this the best kani salad recipe in my book, and it’s so much healthier than the processed imitation stuff. You can use any crab meat, really, but I find that lump crab works best in a salad like this. The crab is the star here!
If you’re a fan of real crab like me, try this cold crab dip with cream cheese or gluten-free crab cakes, they are sure to be new favorites as well.
This spicy kani salad recipe was originally published on June 7, 2017, and the post was republished in March 2021 to add updated pictures, useful tips, and some improvements to this Japanese style salad. Here is one of the original photos, if you’re curious:
What Is Kani Salad?
Kani salad is a delicious mix of crab meat, crunchy cucumber and carrots, and a spicy mayonnaise-based dressing.
Spicy Kani Salad Ingredients
This simple salad features just 8 ingredients, and you probably have many of them already!
- Crab meat – While traditional Japanese kani salad is made with imitation crab, once I learned that it’s made with sugar and starch, I stopped eating it! Plus, lump crab meat just tastes way better.
- Kelp noodles – See below for alternatives.
- Cucumber and carrots – Thinly slice the cucumber and carrots into matchstick pieces.
- Mayonnaise – This makes the dressing super creamy. Make your own, or buy avocado oil mayonnaise.
- Lemon juice – Adds fresh citrus zing. You could also use lime juice.
- Toasted sesame oil – This gives the salad traditional Japanese flavor, use toasted for best quality.
- Sriracha – A must for the kani salad dressing recipe. If you don’t like spice, add just a touch for flavor.
Traditional kani salad doesn’t use kelp noodles, but I thought they were a perfect fit for it. After all, kelp noodles are Japanese! And, they make this entire salad both filling and light at the same time.
If you don’t have or like kelp noodles, you can also try these noodle subs:
How To Make Kani Salad
You need just 8 ingredients to make this spicy kani salad recipe and it’s ready in 10 minutes. Here’s how to make it:
- Make kani salad dressing. Whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, toasted sesame oil, and sriracha. Chill in the refrigerator.
TIP: For best flavor, chill dressing for a few hours before serving.
- Mix salad. Toss together kelp noodles, cucumber, carrots, and crab meat with the salad dressing.
- Garnish. Top Japanese crab salad with sesame seeds or fish roe if desired.
Japanese Salad FAQs
Is kani salad gluten-free?
Most kani salads found at restaurants are not gluten-free, as they are made with imitation crab, which is not gluten-free. While imitation crab is made from fish, it often also includes sugar and starches.
Is kani salad healthy?
Yes, this salad is healthy! Wondering about kani salad calories? Each serving has 169 calories. The full nutrition stats can be found below.
Is kani salad keto?
Most kani salads found in restaurants will not be keto due to the imitation crab meat – that has sugar and starches in it. There is also sometimes sugar added to the dressing.
This spicy kani salad made with real crab has just 3 grams net carbs per serving.
Kani Crab Salad Storage Instructions
Can you make it ahead?
This salad is best made fresh, but you can definitely make the dressing ahead and prep the vegetables and kelp noodles.
When you’re ready to serve, just toss everything together.
Can you freeze it?
I would not recommend freezing Japanese spicy kani salad. While crab meat can be frozen, the rest of the ingredients are not suitable for freezing.
More Healthy Salad Recipes
If you like this easy kani salad recipe, you’ll want to try some of my other healthy salad recipes:
- Creamy Cucumber Salad – This creamy salad is creamy and crunchy at the same time. Made with simple ingredients and stores well.
- Israeli Salad – Made with basic ingredients, this refreshing salad goes with just about anything.
- Greek Salad – Made with just 5 simple ingredients, this delicious salad takes just 10 minutes to make.
- Oriental Cabbage Salad – Another take on an easy Asian salad. You’ll love it.
Spicy Kani Salad Recipe
Reader Favorite Recipes
The recipe card is below! Readers that made this also viewed these recipes:
Spicy Kani Salad Recipe
An easy, spicy kani salad recipe with real crab meat! This Japanese crab salad is healthy, creamy, and takes just 10 minutes to whip up.
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Ingredients
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Salad
Dressing
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.
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Whisk together all the dressing ingredients. (For better flavor development, do this in advance and refrigerate until right before serving.)
- Toss together the kelp noodles, cucumber, carrots, and crab meat. Mix in the dressing. Garnish with sesame seeds or fish roe (optional).
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Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1/4 of entire recipe
Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.
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9 Comments
Deborah K Ireland
I cannot wait to make this. I’m going to the store now for the ingredients. My husband does not share my enthusiasm for my keto recipes usually, but he will LOVE this. Thanks again, Maya!
Biana
This sounds like a simple and delicious seafood salad. Will be making it soon!
Sara Welch
Such a quick and easy salad that does not disappoint! Easily, a new favorite recipe in my home!
Lindsay
This looks so good! The kelp noodles are beautiful, although I think I would prefer to use vegetable noodles instead. Thanks for sharing!
Jayne
With this being fresh crab season this will be our lunch tomorrow. Can’t wait thank you for sharing.
Gail Montero
I love kani and this salad is right up my alley! Love all the flavors and textures here!
Lesley
This recipe was a huge hit with my husband. We loved it.
v
Is the crab meat raw or is it cooked? if it’s raw do you have to cook, and for how long and how?
Maya | Wholesome Yum
Canned crab meat is already cooked, so you can just use it right away for the salad. If you buy fresh crab, you’d have to cook it.