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Crab Salad

Crab Salad
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Crab Salad is a light, refreshing, and indulgent summer dish combining tender fresh crab meat with crisp vegetables and zesty seasonings. This versatile recipe is quick to prepare, visually appealing, and perfect for picnics, casual lunches, or elegant dinners, offering a balanced blend of sweet crab, tangy dressing, and vibrant colors that keep you cool and satisfied all season.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 8 oz fresh crab meat (or canned, well-drained)
  • 1/2 cup celery, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh herbs (dill or parsley), finely chopped

Dressing

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Variations

  • 1 avocado, diced (for richness and healthy fats)
  • 1–2 jalapeños, diced or dash of hot sauce (for spice)
  • 1/4 cup toasted almonds or walnuts (for extra crunch)
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil and 1 tbsp soy sauce (for Asian-inspired flavor replacement of lemon juice)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crab Meat: Ensure the crab meat is fresh and free of shells. If using canned crab, drain thoroughly to prevent extra moisture that could dilute flavors.
  2. Chop the Vegetables: Dice celery, halve cherry tomatoes, finely chop red onion and fresh herbs. Keep pieces small and even for consistent texture in every bite.
  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
  4. Mix It All Together: Gently fold the crab meat and chopped vegetables into the dressing, being careful to keep the crab chunks intact to preserve texture and presentation.
  5. Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and serve cold for maximum freshness and taste.

Notes

  • Use fresh crab meat whenever possible for best flavor and texture.
  • Gently fold ingredients to avoid breaking the crab meat apart.
  • Adjust lemon juice gradually to balance acidity to your preference.
  • Making the salad a few hours ahead enhances flavor harmony.
  • Serve chilled for optimal freshness and crispness.
  • Not ideal for freezing as texture may be compromised.
  • Reheating is not recommended; best enjoyed cold.

Nutrition

Keywords: Crab Salad, summer salad, seafood salad, light meal, gluten free, fresh crab, easy recipe

Find it online: https://homemademealz.com/crab-salad/