Crab Salad

Crab Salad Recipe from the United Kingdom with Lemon and Yogurt Dressing

Region / culture: United Kingdom | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Crab salad is a refreshing and delicious dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. This recipe combines tender crab meat with fresh vegetables and a creamy dressing for a flavorful and satisfying meal.

History

Crab salad has been a popular dish for centuries, with variations found in cuisines around the world. The combination of crab meat with fresh vegetables and a creamy dressing is a classic recipe that has stood the test of time.

Ingredients

2 tbsp of lemon juice
2 tbsp of mayonnaise
2 tbsp of natural yogurt
450 g (1 lb) of crab meat
1 diced cucumber
4 skinned and cubed tomatoes
110 g (4 oz) of cooked pasta shells
1 shredded lettuce
cucumber and lemon slices for garnish

How to prepare

In a bowl, mix together the lemon juice, mayonnaise, and yogurt.
Combine the dressing with the remaining ingredients, except the lettuce.
Serve the crab salad on a bed of shredded lettuce, garnished with cucumber and lemon slices. Accompany with brown bread and butter.

Variations

You can customize this crab salad recipe to suit your taste preferences. Add in some diced avocado or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture. You can also swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing option.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making crab salad, be sure to use fresh crab meat for the best flavor. You can use either fresh or canned crab meat, depending on what is available to you. Be sure to drain the crab meat well before using it in the salad.

Serving Suggestions

This crab salad is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with a side of brown bread and butter for a complete meal. It is also great served on a bed of mixed greens for a lighter option.

Cooking Techniques

When cooking the pasta shells for this recipe, be sure to cook them al dente so they hold their shape in the salad. You can also use a mix of crab meat, such as lump crab meat or claw meat, for different textures.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have crab meat on hand, you can use cooked shrimp or lobster in this recipe instead. You can also use a different type of pasta, such as penne or rotini, if you prefer.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dressing for this crab salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to assemble the salad. You can also cook the pasta shells in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to use them.

Presentation Ideas

Serve this crab salad on a bed of shredded lettuce for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with cucumber slices and lemon wedges for a pop of color. You can also serve the salad in individual bowls for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

This crab salad pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. You can also serve it with a light and refreshing cocktail, such as a gin and tonic or a mojito.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover crab salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Be sure to stir the salad well before serving to redistribute the dressing. This salad is best served cold and should not be reheated.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this crab salad contains approximately 300 calories. This makes it a light and satisfying meal option.

Carbohydrates

This crab salad recipe is low in carbohydrates, making it a great option for those looking to reduce their carb intake. Each serving contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This crab salad is a good source of healthy fats, with each serving containing approximately 10 grams of fat. The fats in this recipe come from the mayonnaise and yogurt used in the dressing.

Proteins

Crab meat is a great source of protein, with each serving of this crab salad containing approximately 25 grams of protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

Vitamins and minerals

Crab meat is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This crab salad recipe contains shellfish (crab), eggs (mayonnaise), and dairy (yogurt). It may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Overall, this crab salad is a nutritious and delicious meal option. It is low in carbohydrates, rich in protein, and a good source of vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Crab salad is a delicious and nutritious meal option that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. This recipe combines tender crab meat with fresh vegetables and a creamy dressing for a flavorful and satisfying dish. Enjoy this crab salad on its own or with a side of brown bread and butter for a complete meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I can't forget the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Crab Salad. It was a hot summer day, and I was browsing through an old cookbook that I had found tucked away in the attic. As I flipped through the yellowed pages, my eyes landed on a simple yet enticing recipe for Crab Salad.

The recipe called for fresh crab meat, celery, red onion, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and a dash of Old Bay seasoning. It seemed like the perfect dish to serve at our upcoming family gathering, so I decided to give it a try.

I had never made Crab Salad before, but I was excited to experiment with a new recipe. I headed to the local seafood market to pick up some fresh crab meat, and I was lucky enough to find some beautiful lump crab meat that was just begging to be turned into a delicious salad.

Back in my kitchen, I carefully picked through the crab meat to remove any stray shells or cartilage. I then chopped up some celery and red onion, and mixed them together with the crab meat in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, I whisked together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Old Bay seasoning, before gently folding it into the crab mixture.

The aroma of the Old Bay seasoning filled my kitchen, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product. I scooped some of the Crab Salad onto a bed of lettuce and took a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth – the sweet crab meat, the crunch of the celery, the tang of the lemon juice, and the kick of the Old Bay seasoning. It was a perfect balance of flavors, and I knew I had stumbled upon a winning recipe.

I served the Crab Salad at our family gathering, and it was a hit. Everyone raved about how delicious it was, and they couldn't believe that I had never made it before. I happily shared the recipe with them, and it quickly became a favorite among my friends and family.

As the years went by, I continued to make the Crab Salad for special occasions and family gatherings. It became a staple dish in my repertoire, and I loved how versatile it was – perfect for a light lunch, a side dish at dinner, or even as an appetizer at a party.

I often think back to that hot summer day when I stumbled upon the recipe for Crab Salad. It was a turning point in my culinary journey, and it opened my eyes to the endless possibilities of cooking. I am grateful for all the recipes that have come into my life over the years, but the Crab Salad will always hold a special place in my heart.

So the next time you're looking for a dish that is sure to impress, I urge you to give my recipe for Crab Salad a try. I promise you won't be disappointed – it's a true taste of summer in every bite.