Crab Seafood Salad – A Refreshing Ocean-Inspired Delight
Crab Seafood Salad is a cool and refreshing dish that brings the flavors of the ocean to your table. With a medley of tender crab meat, succulent shrimp, and crisp vegetables, this salad is a celebration of sea-inspired delights. Whether served as a light appetizer or a satisfying main course, it’s perfect for warm days, gatherings, or whenever you crave a taste of the sea. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 1 pound lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 1 pound large shrimp, cooked and peeled
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or seafood seasoning of your choice)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Seafood: If your shrimp are not already cooked, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 3-4 minutes. Drain, cool, and peel the shrimp. You can also use pre-cooked shrimp to save time.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the lump crab meat, cooked and peeled shrimp, chopped celery, red and green bell peppers, red onion, and fresh parsley. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Be gentle to avoid breaking up the crab meat too much.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings to your preference.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the seafood and vegetable mixture. Gently fold the dressing into the salad, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled, garnished with additional fresh parsley if desired.
Cook’s Notes:
- Crab Meat: Be sure to pick over the crab meat to remove any shell fragments. Lump crab meat is ideal for this salad as it has large, tender pieces.
- Seafood Seasoning: Old Bay seasoning is a classic choice, but you can use your favorite seafood seasoning or create your blend of spices for a personalized flavor profile.
- Chill Time: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator before serving enhances the flavors. It’s even better when made a few hours or a day in advance.
- Serving Ideas: Serve the Crab Seafood Salad on a bed of fresh greens, in a toasted bread roll, or with crackers. It’s versatile and delicious in various presentations.
This Crab Seafood Salad captures the essence of the ocean with every bite. It’s a refreshing, flavorful, and light dish that’s perfect for any seafood lover or a delightful addition to your next gathering. Enjoy the taste of the sea with this delectable salad! 🦀🍤🥗
