Seafood Salad is a refreshing and elegant dish that combines the delicate flavors of crab meat with crisp celery, zesty red onion, and a creamy, flavorful dressing. This salad is perfect for a light lunch, as a starter, or as a sophisticated side dish for a dinner party. The addition of fresh lemon juice and dill enhances the seafood's natural flavors, making this salad a delightful treat for any seafood lover.
Ingredients:
- 16 oz. crab meat (preferably grated)
- ½ cup celery, cut into small cubes
- 3 tbsp. red onion, finely chopped
- ½ tsp. Old Bay Seasoning
- 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 ½ tbsp. fresh dill, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dry dill if fresh is not available)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation:
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Ensure the crab meat is drained well if you're using canned crab. For fresh crab meat, gently flake it apart, being careful to remove any shell fragments. Chop the celery and red onion into small, even pieces for a pleasant texture in every bite.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Old Bay Seasoning, fresh lemon juice, and dill until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The dressing should have a creamy consistency with a balanced flavor that complements the crab.
Step 3: Combine the Salad
Add the grated crab meat, diced celery, and chopped red onion to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to break up the crab meat too much as you mix.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill thoroughly, enhancing its refreshing taste.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the seafood salad chilled. It can be presented on a bed of lettuce, as a filling for a sandwich, or enjoyed on its own with a side of crackers or sliced cucumbers.
Cooking Note:
- If using canned crab meat, opt for lump crab meat for the best texture and flavor. Fresh crab meat can also be used for a more pronounced seafood taste.
Serving Suggestions:
Seafood Salad is versatile and can be served in various ways:
- On a croissant for a luxurious seafood sandwich.
- Inside avocado halves for a keto-friendly meal.
- With a side of mixed greens for a complete salad meal.
- As an appetizer with endive leaves or cucumber slices.
Tips:
- Freshness Matters: Use the freshest crab meat available for the best flavor.
- Adjusting Consistency: If the salad seems too dry, you can add a little more mayonnaise to achieve the desired consistency.
- Flavor Enhancement: Letting the salad chill in the refrigerator for a few hours will enhance its flavors, making it even more delicious.
Prep Time:
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: Approximately 200-250 per serving (varies based on the mayonnaise used and portion size)
- Protein: 15-20g per serving
- Sodium: Varies based on the crab meat and added salt
Conclusion
Seafood Salad is a delightful and elegant dish that's perfect for impressing guests or indulging in a light and flavorful meal. Its combination of succulent crab meat with a creamy, dill-infused dressing offers a refreshing taste that's hard to resist. Enjoy this versatile salad in your favorite way and savor the exquisite flavors of the sea.
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