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Keto Creamy Sushi-Inspired Cucumber Salad with Spicy Mayo brings together crisp Persian cucumbers, tangy cream cheese, savory soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and a creamy, mildly spicy dressing. It has the flavors that make sushi-inspired snacks so appealing, but there is no rice, rolling, or complicated preparation involved. Instead, you get refreshing cucumber slices coated in a rich, sesame-flavored dressing with a little heat and the distinctive crunch of Everything Bagel seasoning.
This salad is a fun option when you want something different from a traditional green salad. The cream cheese gives the dressing body, rice vinegar adds a bright tang, and soy sauce provides savory depth. Spicy mayo makes the mixture richer, while sesame oil adds a nutty aroma. Once everything is combined, a short rest in the refrigerator helps the flavors come together while the cucumbers remain pleasantly crisp.
What makes this version particularly useful for low-carb cooking is its cucumber base and the absence of rice. The recipe uses a measured amount of cream cheese and dressing ingredients, making it easier to estimate the carbohydrates per serving. Keep in mind that spicy mayo, soy sauce, and Everything Bagel seasoning vary by brand, so the actual nutritional profile depends on the products you choose.
The result is a chilled, creamy cucumber salad that works as a side dish, a snack, or part of a simple low-carb lunch. Here are the main recipe details to help you plan.
Creamy, crunchy & sesame-savory
Persian cucumber slices tossed in a cream cheese, spicy mayo, soy, rice vinegar, and sesame dressing.
Why You’ll Love This Keto Creamy Sushi-Inspired Cucumber Salad
This salad is built around contrast: cool cucumber, a creamy dressing, tangy vinegar, savory soy sauce, and the nutty taste of sesame. Each ingredient has a clear purpose, and the preparation is simple enough for a weekday lunch or a last-minute side dish.
- 🥒 Refreshing crunch: Persian cucumbers have a thin skin and small seeds, making them convenient for slicing and serving without peeling.
- 🥢 Sushi-inspired flavor: Soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and spicy mayo create a savory, tangy dressing reminiscent of flavors often used in sushi-inspired dishes.
- 🥣 Creamy texture: Softened cream cheese helps the dressing cling to the cucumber slices instead of pooling entirely at the bottom of the bowl.
- 🌶️ Adjustable heat: You can use more or less spicy mayo depending on your preference.
- ⏱️ No cooking required: After slicing and mixing, the salad simply needs a short chill before serving.
- 🥗 Versatile side dish: Pair it with grilled chicken, salmon, eggs, or another suitable protein to make a more substantial meal.
A creamy dressing without a complicated process
Cream cheese brings richness and thickness, but it needs a little attention to blend smoothly. Softening it first makes it easier to combine with the more liquid ingredients. Rice vinegar and soy sauce loosen the mixture, sesame oil adds aroma, and spicy mayo contributes both creaminess and heat.
The goal is a dressing that coats the cucumbers without becoming watery. Adding liquid gradually helps you control the consistency. If you add everything at once to cold cream cheese, the mixture may form small lumps rather than turning into a smooth dressing.
Crunch makes the salad work
Persian cucumbers are particularly useful because they are usually smaller and less watery than some larger cucumber varieties. Their thin skins also mean you can generally leave them unpeeled. Slice them into even rounds so each piece picks up a similar amount of dressing.
The salad should have a creamy coating while retaining the fresh snap of cucumber. It is not intended to be a soup-like mixture or a heavily marinated pickle salad. A short chill is helpful, but leaving the cucumbers in dressing for too long may draw water out and thin the sauce.
Easy to adapt for different tastes
The dressing can be adjusted without changing the basic method. Use a little less spicy mayo for a milder salad, or add a small amount of chili paste if you want more heat. A pinch of extra sesame seeds can increase the nutty texture, while sliced green onion gives the salad a fresh, savory finish.
For keto and low-carb readers, the main thing to watch is the packaged ingredients. Some spicy mayo products contain added sugar, and seasoned mixes can vary in carbohydrate content. Check the labels and use the serving sizes that fit your dietary targets.
What Makes This Salad Taste Like a Sushi-Inspired Dish?
This recipe borrows a combination of familiar flavors rather than trying to reproduce a traditional sushi roll. There is no rice or seafood in the base version. Instead, the soy, sesame, vinegar, and spicy mayonnaise create a dressing that gives simple cucumbers a sushi-inspired character.
Soy sauce provides saltiness and umami, which makes the creamy ingredients taste more savory. Rice vinegar contributes acidity that cuts through the richness of the cream cheese and mayo. Sesame oil introduces a distinctive nutty aroma, while the spicy mayo adds creamy heat. Everything Bagel seasoning supplies sesame seeds, onion, garlic, and other crunchy or savory notes, depending on the blend.
The most important balance is between the creamy base and the acid. Too much cream cheese without enough vinegar can make the dressing feel heavy. Too much vinegar can make it sharp and thin. The measured recipe starts with a moderate amount of each, and you can adjust the final flavor in small increments.
Although this salad is inspired by sushi flavors, it is not a substitute for sushi in texture or composition. Its appeal is the contrast between crisp cucumber slices and the rich, seasoned dressing. That makes it a useful side dish on its own, or an accompaniment to a more complete meal.
A Food Blogger’s Approach to Making Cucumber Salad
For a salad with so few ingredients, preparation details have a noticeable effect. I would start by making the dressing in a separate bowl rather than adding all the ingredients directly to the cucumbers. This gives you a chance to smooth out the cream cheese and taste the seasoning before the vegetables are involved.
Cream cheese is the ingredient most likely to create a mixing problem. When it is cold, it can resist blending with vinegar and soy sauce. Letting it soften until spreadable is much more effective than trying to force it into a smooth dressing. Whisking in the liquid ingredients a little at a time helps create an even consistency.
Cucumber preparation deserves just as much attention. After washing, dry the cucumbers before slicing. Excess surface water can dilute the dressing immediately. If the cucumbers are particularly watery or you need to prepare the salad ahead, you can lightly salt the slices, let them drain briefly, and pat them dry before mixing. This is optional; for the freshest crunch, slicing and dressing just before serving works well.
I would also avoid adding all the Everything Bagel seasoning at the beginning if you particularly enjoy its crunchy texture. Stir some into the dressing, then reserve a small portion for the top just before serving. That way, the sesame seeds and other pieces are still noticeable instead of becoming completely softened.
The final flavor should be creamy and savory, with enough vinegar to keep it bright and enough sesame aroma to distinguish it from a standard ranch-style cucumber salad. Taste before serving and make only small adjustments. The soy sauce, seasoning blend, and spicy mayo already bring their own salt and flavor, so additional salt is often unnecessary.
Equipment You’ll Need
Cutting Board and Sharp Knife
A stable cutting board and sharp knife make it easier to slice the cucumbers evenly. Consistent slices are useful because thin pieces can become soft quickly, while very thick pieces may not pick up enough dressing. Aim for slices around ⅛ to ¼ inch thick, depending on whether you prefer a delicate bite or a firmer crunch.
Medium Mixing Bowl
Use a medium bowl to make the dressing before adding the cucumbers. The extra space lets you whisk the cream cheese, spicy mayo, soy sauce, vinegar, and sesame oil without splashing. A separate bowl also makes it easier to correct the consistency before dressing the vegetables.
Whisk or Fork
A small whisk is ideal for breaking up the softened cream cheese and incorporating the liquids gradually. If you do not have a whisk, a fork and sturdy spoon will work. Press any remaining cream cheese lumps against the side of the bowl, then continue mixing until the dressing is even.
Measuring Spoons
Measuring spoons help keep the vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and Everything Bagel seasoning consistent from batch to batch. This matters especially for sesame oil, which has a strong flavor and can overwhelm the salad when used too generously.
Colander or Clean Kitchen Towel
A colander is useful for draining the cucumbers if you choose to salt them briefly. A clean kitchen towel or paper towel helps remove excess surface moisture after washing. Keeping the slices dry makes it easier for the dressing to coat them evenly.
Airtight Food Container
A covered container is useful for chilling leftovers or transporting the salad. Choose one with enough room to stir gently without crushing the cucumber slices. If you are making the salad ahead, storing the dressing separately is usually the better choice for preserving crunch.
Ingredients for Keto Creamy Sushi-Inspired Cucumber Salad with Spicy Mayo
This version makes four side-dish servings. The ingredient quantities are measured so that the dressing stays creamy and savory without overwhelming the cucumber.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450 g) Persian cucumbers, washed and thinly sliced
- 4 ounces (113 g) full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon (15 ml) soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons (about 30 g) spicy mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Everything Bagel seasoning
- 1–2 teaspoons cold water, optional, to loosen the dressing if needed
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds or sliced green onion, optional for garnish
The water and garnish are optional and are not essential to the base recipe. If you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, check the label because carbohydrate and sodium values may differ. Choose an unsweetened or low-sugar spicy mayo if you want to keep the carbohydrate estimate lower.
Why each ingredient matters
Persian cucumbers: These supply the fresh crunch and most of the volume. Their carbohydrate content is relatively modest, though not zero. Keeping the skin on adds color and helps the slices hold together. Washing and drying them carefully makes a difference because surface water can thin the dressing.
Cream cheese: This creates the creamy body. Full-fat cream cheese gives the dressing richness and a mild tang. It contributes fat, calories, protein, and some carbohydrates. Softening it before mixing helps prevent a lumpy result.
Rice vinegar: The vinegar balances the rich dairy and mayonnaise. It contributes a clean, tangy taste that makes the salad feel brighter. Plain rice vinegar is typically low in carbohydrates in the small amount used here, but seasoned rice vinegar may contain added sugar. Choose unseasoned vinegar and check the label.
Soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness and umami. A tablespoon can contribute a notable amount of sodium, so extra salt is often unnecessary. Traditional soy sauce may contain a small amount of carbohydrates, and some products contain wheat. Use a suitable gluten-free alternative if needed and verify the label.
Toasted sesame oil: A little sesame oil gives the salad its distinctive nutty aroma. Because the flavor is concentrated, one teaspoon is enough to start. Adding significantly more will increase fat and calories and can make the dressing taste overly oily.
Spicy mayonnaise: This provides creaminess and heat. Products vary substantially: some are primarily mayonnaise and chili, while others contain sweeteners or additional sauces. Check the carbohydrate information on the package. If the spicy mayo is very hot, reduce it slightly and use a little extra plain mayonnaise only if you want to preserve the creamy texture.
Everything Bagel seasoning: This blend adds sesame seeds, onion, garlic, and other savory elements. Its exact ingredients vary. Some blends contain only spices and seeds, while others may include salt or additional flavoring ingredients. Because the dressing already contains soy sauce, taste before adding more salt.
Optional water: A teaspoon or two can help thin the cream cheese mixture until it coats the cucumbers. Add it gradually. Too much water weakens the dressing and makes it more likely to collect at the bottom of the serving bowl.
Optional garnish: Sesame seeds add nutty texture; green onion contributes a fresh, mild onion flavor. Add the garnish just before serving for the clearest flavor and appearance.
The ingredient guide below shows how the different components work together.
Ingredient substitutions and their effects
Cream cheese versus Greek yogurt: Plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt can replace some or all of the cream cheese, but the result will be tangier and thinner. It often supplies more protein and less fat than full-fat cream cheese, depending on the product. The dressing may cling less firmly to the cucumbers, and the nutrition will change.
Rice vinegar versus apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can work in a similar quantity, but its flavor is sharper and fruitier. Start with a little less, taste, and add more only if needed. The nutritional difference is generally small in this amount, but label values still apply.
Soy sauce versus tamari: Tamari is a practical alternative, especially for people looking for a gluten-free option, but not every tamari product has the same ingredients or nutrition. The flavor can be a little richer. Compare sodium and carbohydrate values before swapping.
Spicy mayo versus plain mayonnaise and chili: If you cannot find spicy mayo, combine plain mayonnaise with a small amount of chili sauce or chili paste. The heat and sweetness will depend on the product. Some chili sauces contain added sugar, so a homemade mix or a carefully selected product may be better for strict carbohydrate tracking.
Sesame oil versus olive oil: Olive oil can replace sesame oil in a pinch, but it will not provide the same toasted sesame aroma. If sesame is important to the sushi-inspired flavor, retain the sesame seeds in the Everything Bagel seasoning or garnish.
Everything Bagel seasoning versus separate ingredients: A small blend of sesame seeds, dried minced onion, and garlic can provide a similar direction, although it will not be identical. Many ready-made seasoning blends contain salt, so check the label before increasing soy sauce or adding extra salt.
Persian cucumbers versus English cucumber: English cucumber works, too. It may contain larger seeds and a little more water, so you may want to remove the seedy center if it is especially watery. Both varieties provide a fresh, crunchy base, but measured weight is more consistent than relying on the size of a bag.
The main carbohydrate differences are likely to come from the cucumber quantity, cream cheese, and the packaged spicy mayo and seasoning. Changing fats such as sesame oil to olive oil primarily affects flavor, calories, and fat rather than creating a meaningful carbohydrate reduction.
How to Make Keto Creamy Sushi-Inspired Cucumber Salad
The recipe comes together in a few simple stages: prepare the cucumbers, smooth the cream cheese, whisk together the dressing, and combine everything just before chilling. The most important details are controlling moisture and making sure the cream cheese is fully incorporated.
Step 1: Wash, dry, and slice the cucumbers
Wash the Persian cucumbers under cool running water and dry them thoroughly. Slice them into rounds approximately ⅛ to ¼ inch thick. Thinner slices absorb more dressing but soften more quickly; thicker slices maintain a firmer crunch.
Place the cucumber slices in a large bowl. If you are preparing the salad well ahead of time, you can lightly salt them and allow them to drain in a colander for 10–15 minutes, then pat them dry. This step is optional and may make the cucumbers less crisp if they sit too long.
Step 2: Soften the cream cheese
Place the cream cheese in a medium bowl and let it soften until it is easy to stir. Break it up with a fork or whisk until smooth.
Do not melt it. Warm, oily cream cheese may create a loose dressing, whereas softened cream cheese combines more evenly with the other ingredients. If the cream cheese is still too firm, cut it into smaller pieces and give it a little more time rather than adding extra liquid.
Step 3: Whisk together the dressing
Add the rice vinegar to the cream cheese in small amounts, whisking between additions. Follow with the soy sauce, sesame oil, and spicy mayo. Continue mixing until the dressing looks creamy and relatively uniform.
It may initially appear slightly separated as the liquid ingredients meet the cream cheese. Keep whisking and press any lumps against the bowl with the back of a spoon. If the mixture is too thick to coat the cucumber, add cold water one teaspoon at a time.
Taste the dressing before adding the cucumbers. It should be creamy, tangy, savory, and mildly spicy. If the vinegar is too sharp, a little additional cream cheese can soften it, though adding extra ingredients will change the recipe yield and nutrition.
Step 4: Add the Everything Bagel seasoning
Stir most of the Everything Bagel seasoning into the dressing, reserving a small pinch for the top if desired. This allows the onion, garlic, and sesame flavors to spread through the salad.
Seasoning blends vary in saltiness and texture. Some contain plenty of salt, while others emphasize sesame seeds and dried aromatics. Do not automatically add salt; the soy sauce may already provide enough.
Step 5: Coat the cucumber slices
Add the dried cucumber slices to the dressing. Toss gently with a large spoon or silicone spatula, lifting from the bottom so the creamy mixture reaches the slices without crushing them.
The dressing should form a light, visible coating rather than collect as a large pool beneath the cucumbers. If it looks very thick, add a teaspoon of water and toss again. If the salad seems watery, avoid adding more seasoning or cream cheese immediately; first determine whether moisture is coming from the cucumbers.
Step 6: Chill briefly and finish
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for about 10–15 minutes if you want the flavors to settle together. For the freshest texture, serve soon after this short chill rather than leaving the cucumbers in the dressing for many hours.
Just before serving, toss gently and sprinkle with the reserved Everything Bagel seasoning or optional sesame seeds. Taste one slice and make a small final adjustment if needed. Serve cold as a side dish.
The process guide below brings the key steps together.
From cucumber slices to creamy salad
Slice
Wash, dry, and cut cucumbers into even rounds.
Soften
Mix cream cheese until spreadable and smooth.
Whisk
Gradually combine vinegar, soy, sesame oil, and spicy mayo.
Season
Stir in the Everything Bagel seasoning and taste.
Toss
Fold in cucumbers gently until lightly coated.
Chill & serve
Refrigerate briefly and garnish just before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cold cream cheese: This leaves lumps in the dressing. Let it soften until it is easy to whisk.
- Adding all the liquid at once: The cream cheese can become harder to smooth out. Incorporate vinegar and soy sauce gradually.
- Using seasoned rice vinegar without checking the label: Seasoned varieties may contain added sugar, which changes the carbohydrate estimate. Plain rice vinegar is the better starting point for this version.
- Overdressing the cucumbers: Too much dressing can pool at the bottom. Use the stated quantity first and add water only if needed to improve the consistency.
- Letting the salad sit too long: Cucumbers release moisture over time, thinning the dressing. Make it close to serving time for the best crunch.
- Adding salt before tasting: Soy sauce and Everything Bagel seasoning can both contain sodium. Taste the finished dressing before deciding whether any additional salt is necessary.
Quick troubleshooting
Fix the texture and flavor
Make small adjustments so the cucumbers stay crisp and the dressing remains balanced.
Cream cheese was too cold. Let it soften and whisk thoroughly before adding cucumbers.
Cucumbers may be wet or have released water. Drain excess liquid and serve sooner next time.
Soy sauce and seasoning may be salty. Omit extra salt and adjust the next batch’s seasoning amounts.
Whisk in cold water one teaspoon at a time until the dressing coats the cucumber slices.
Add a few drops of plain rice vinegar, mix, and taste before adding more.
Pro Tips for the Best Results
Dry the cucumbers well. Water left on the surface immediately thins the dressing. After washing, pat them dry before slicing.
Soften the cream cheese ahead of time. This one step makes the dressing easier to mix and reduces the temptation to add unnecessary liquid.
Use toasted sesame oil sparingly. Its aroma is powerful. One measured teaspoon gives the salad a clear sesame note without making the dressing taste oily.
Keep the cucumber slices even. Consistent thickness helps the pieces retain a similar crunch and makes the salad easier to eat.
Hold back a little seasoning for the finish. Adding some sesame and seasoning just before serving helps preserve its texture and gives the salad a more noticeable savory top note.
Adjust the spice after mixing. Different spicy mayo products have different heat levels and sweetness. Start with the measured amount, taste, and add more only if needed.
Serve promptly after chilling. A short rest helps the flavors blend, but the cucumbers gradually release water. If you need to prepare ahead, keep the dressing separate until just before serving.
Keto Benefits and Nutritional Considerations
Cucumber is a useful ingredient for many low-carb meals because it provides volume and a refreshing crunch without a large amount of carbohydrate per typical serving. The cream cheese, spicy mayo, and sesame oil contribute much of the salad’s fat and energy, while the dressing ingredients create the sushi-inspired flavor.
However, the fact that a recipe contains cucumber and fat does not automatically make it keto-friendly. The total ingredient quantities and portion size matter. Spicy mayo can include sugar, Everything Bagel seasoning can vary in composition, and cream cheese still contains some carbohydrates.
How to calculate net carbs
Net carbohydrates are commonly estimated by subtracting dietary fiber from total carbohydrates:
Net carbohydrates = total carbohydrates − fiber
For the estimates in this recipe, the batch is divided into four servings. The calculation assumes approximately one pound of Persian cucumbers and typical values for the specified dressing ingredients. If your product labels are different, your calculated totals will change.
The salad’s estimated net carbohydrates are around 6.2 grams per serving, but this is a planning estimate rather than a laboratory-tested value. It should not be treated as exact without checking the actual products and cucumber quantity.
Fat, protein, and serving balance
Cream cheese, spicy mayo, and sesame oil make this a relatively fat-rich side dish. It offers some protein, but not enough to consider it a high-protein meal on its own. To make a more balanced lunch or dinner, pair it with grilled chicken, salmon, eggs, or another protein source suited to your eating plan.
The creamy texture can make vegetables more appealing, but it does not guarantee fullness or weight loss. Consider the full meal, your portions, and your overall nutritional needs rather than judging a recipe by a single macro value.
Sodium considerations
Soy sauce and Everything Bagel seasoning can both contribute sodium, and some spicy mayonnaise products contain additional salt. Choose products with labels that suit your dietary needs, and avoid adding salt automatically. If sodium intake is a concern, a lower-sodium soy sauce may help, but the flavor and nutrition will change.
Variations You Can Try
- Spicy sesame version: Add a small amount of chili paste or extra spicy mayo. This raises the heat and may increase carbohydrates if the chili product contains sugar.
- Salmon version: Add a small portion of cooked or smoked salmon for a more sushi-inspired variation. This changes protein, calories, fat, and sodium, depending on the salmon used.
- Crab-style version: Fold in a little cooked crab or imitation crab. Real crab and imitation crab have different nutritional profiles; imitation crab often contains starches or added sugar.
- Green onion version: Add finely sliced green onion for freshness and mild onion flavor. The texture changes only slightly.
- Greek yogurt version: Replace some cream cheese with plain Greek yogurt for a tangier, potentially higher-protein dressing. It will usually be less rich and may be thinner.
- Extra sesame version: Add a small amount of sesame seeds. This reinforces the nutty flavor and adds texture, calories, fat, and a modest amount of protein.
Make only one change at a time when you are learning your preferred balance. Larger quantities of salmon, crab, mayo, or cream cheese change the nutrition and may require a new estimate.
Serving Ideas
This salad can be served on its own as a small side dish or as part of a more substantial low-carb meal. Since its dressing is creamy and savory, it pairs best with foods that provide a contrasting texture or a straightforward protein source.
Grilled chicken: Serve a modest portion beside seasoned grilled chicken. The mild flavor of the chicken lets the sesame dressing stand out, while the protein makes the meal more substantial.
Salmon: The sesame and soy flavors work naturally with cooked salmon. Keep the salmon seasoning simple so it does not compete with the salad’s tangy, spicy dressing.
Hard-boiled eggs: Sliced eggs make an easy addition to a low-carb lunch. Their mild flavor contrasts with the dressing, although the combined meal’s total fat and calories will increase.
Lettuce wraps: Spoon some cucumber salad into sturdy lettuce leaves and serve alongside a suitable protein. Because the salad is already creamy, extra sauce may not be necessary.
A low-carb snack plate: Pair a small bowl with cucumber-friendly vegetables, cheese, or another suitable snack. Remember that the dressing itself contains calories and carbohydrates, so account for the amount you eat.
Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions
This salad is best when the dressing and cucumbers are combined shortly before serving. Cucumbers naturally release moisture after slicing, and the salt in soy sauce and seasoning can encourage more liquid to collect in the bowl over time.
For the best make-ahead approach, prepare the dressing separately and refrigerate it in an airtight container. Wash and dry the cucumbers, then store them separately. Toss everything together shortly before serving and add the reserved seasoning at the end.
If you have already combined the salad, transfer leftovers to a covered container and refrigerate promptly. For the best texture, try to use them within about 1–2 days; the cucumbers may soften and the dressing may become watery before then. This is a quality recommendation, not a guarantee of safety. Discard food that has been held at unsafe temperatures or shows signs of spoilage.
Keep this cream cheese-based salad at 40°F (4°C) or below. Perishable food should generally not remain at room temperature for more than two hours, or one hour when the temperature is above 90°F (32°C). Freezing is not recommended because cucumber loses its crisp texture when thawed and the dressing may separate.
Freshness and storage timeline
Keep separate
Refrigerate the dressing and dried cucumber slices in separate covered containers.
Toss fresh
Combine the dressing and cucumbers, then finish with seasoning or sesame seeds.
Refrigerate
Store promptly at 40°F (4°C) or below; expect the cucumbers to soften.
Not recommended
Thawed cucumber becomes soft and watery, and the creamy dressing may separate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this cucumber salad keto-friendly?
It can fit into a ketogenic eating plan when the portion size and the actual ingredients suit your carbohydrate target. Use plain rice vinegar, check the spicy mayo and seasoning labels, and calculate the carbohydrates using the measured cucumber quantity. The estimated net carbohydrates are about 6.2 grams per serving, but your actual value may differ.
How many net carbs are in one serving?
The estimated amount is approximately 6.2 grams per serving when the batch is divided into four portions. This calculation assumes one pound of Persian cucumbers and typical products for the dressing. Check your labels and recalculate if your cream cheese, spicy mayo, soy sauce, or seasoning contains different carbohydrate values.
Can I make the dressing without cream cheese?
Yes. You can use plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt instead, or replace only part of the cream cheese. The dressing will generally become tangier and less rich, and it may be thinner. Protein, calories, fat, and carbohydrates will change according to the product used.
Can I make it less spicy?
Yes. Reduce the spicy mayo and use a little plain mayonnaise to maintain some creaminess. The final flavor will be milder, and the nutrition may change depending on the brands used. You can also add the spicy mayo gradually rather than mixing in all of it at the beginning.
Can I add salmon or crab?
Yes. Cooked salmon or crab can make the salad more substantial and give it a stronger sushi-inspired character. The additional protein also changes the overall calories, fat, and protein. Imitation crab often contains starch or added sugar, so check its label before using it in a keto version.
Why does the dressing become watery?
Cucumbers release moisture after they are cut, especially when they sit in a salty or acidic dressing. To reduce this, dry the slices after washing, mix the salad close to serving time, and store the dressing separately if preparing ahead. If excess liquid appears, drain a little before serving rather than adding more cream cheese immediately.
Can I use English cucumbers instead of Persian cucumbers?
Yes. English cucumbers are a practical substitute, although they may contain a more noticeable seedy center and can release different amounts of water. Slice them evenly, pat them dry, and consider removing a particularly watery center if needed. Recalculate the nutrition using the quantity you actually use.
Nutritional Breakdown Per Serving
The following estimate assumes the recipe makes four servings from one pound of Persian cucumbers, four ounces of full-fat cream cheese, and the specified dressing ingredients.
| Nutrient | Estimated amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 175 kcal |
| Protein | 3.2 g |
| Total fat | 16.2 g |
| Total carbohydrates | 7.0 g |
| Dietary fiber | 0.9 g |
| Net carbohydrates | 6.1 g |
These values are approximate and depend on the brands used. Spicy mayo and Everything Bagel seasoning can vary considerably, and the moisture content of cucumbers can also affect the final weight of the salad. Treat these values as planning estimates rather than laboratory-tested data.
Net carbohydrates are calculated by subtracting fiber from total carbohydrates. In this estimate, 7.0 grams of total carbohydrates minus 0.9 grams of fiber equals 6.1 grams of net carbohydrates per serving.
For the most accurate results, calculate each ingredient using its package-label values, add the entire batch together, and divide by four. Do not subtract the fiber twice or assume that every spicy mayo product has the same nutrition profile.
Per serving · ¼ of the recipe
Based on typical values for cucumber, cream cheese, soy sauce, sesame oil, spicy mayo, and seasoning.
Net carbohydrates = total carbohydrates − dietary fiber.
Values are estimates and should be recalculated using the specific products and measured quantities in your kitchen.
Recipe Snapshot
- Recipe Name: Keto Creamy Sushi-Inspired Cucumber Salad with Spicy Mayo
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Chill Time: 10–15 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 25–30 minutes
- Course: Salad or side dish
- Cuisine: Sushi-inspired, Asian-inspired
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: Approximately 175 kcal
- Total carbohydrates per serving: Approximately 7.0 g
- Net carbohydrates per serving: Approximately 6.1 g
A Fresh, Creamy Addition to Your Low-Carb Meals
This cucumber salad offers a different way to bring fresh vegetables into a low-carb meal. Its combination of cream cheese, spicy mayo, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil creates a savory, tangy dressing, while the cucumbers keep each bite refreshing. For the best texture, mix the dressing until smooth, dry the cucumber slices well, and combine the two shortly before serving. It is simple to customize and can accompany chicken, salmon, or eggs without requiring a complicated cooking process.

Keto Creamy Sushi-Inspired Cucumber Salad with Spicy Mayo
Ingredients
- 1 pound 450 g Persian cucumbers, washed and thinly sliced
- 4 ounces 113 g full-fat cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons 30 ml plain rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon 15 ml soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon 5 ml toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons about 30 g spicy mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Everything Bagel seasoning
- 1 –2 teaspoons cold water optional
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds or sliced green onion optional for garnish
Instructions
- Wash and thoroughly dry the cucumbers. Slice them into even rounds about ⅛ to ¼ inch thick.
- Place the softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl and whisk until smooth.
- Gradually whisk in the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and spicy mayonnaise until the dressing is creamy.
- Stir in the Everything Bagel seasoning, reserving a pinch for garnish if desired. If the dressing is too thick, add cold water one teaspoon at a time.
- Add the cucumber slices and toss gently until they are evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors combine.
- Toss gently before serving and garnish with the reserved seasoning, sesame seeds, or green onion if desired.









