Crab Salad with Pimento Mayonnaise

Crab Salad with Pimento Mayonnaise Recipe | Refreshing Seafood Dish

Preparation time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Crab Salad with Pimento Mayonnaise is a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The combination of tender crab meat, creamy pimento mayonnaise, and fresh mesclun greens creates a flavorful and satisfying meal.

History

This recipe is a modern twist on classic crab salad recipes that have been enjoyed for generations. The addition of roasted pimentos and a tangy yogurt-mayonnaise dressing adds a unique and delicious flavor to the dish.

Ingredients

0.25 cup non-fat plain yogurt
3 tbsp low-fat mayonnaise
3 tbsp roasted pimentos, rinsed and patted dry
1 garlic clove
2 tbsp chives, chopped fine
0.13 tsp salt (to taste)
0.13 tsp fresh ground pepper (to taste)
0.13 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
2.67 cup cooked crabmeat or lobster meat
6 cup mesclun
lemon wedges (to garnish)

How to prepare

In a blender, combine yogurt, mayonnaise, pimentos, garlic, chives, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Blend the ingredients until smooth.
Scrape the mixture into a bowl and fold in the crab or lobster.
Adjust the seasonings with salt and black pepper.
Divide the mesclun into 4 servings on large plates and spoon the salad on top.
Garnish with lemon wedges.
Enjoy!

Variations

Substitute lobster meat for the crab meat for a luxurious twist on the recipe.
Add diced avocado or cucumber for added texture and flavor.
Top the salad with toasted nuts or seeds for a crunchy element.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse and pat dry the roasted pimentos before adding them to the dressing to remove any excess oil.

- Adjust the seasonings to taste, adding more salt, pepper, or cayenne pepper as desired.

- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.

- Serve the salad on a bed of fresh mesclun greens for added texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Crab Salad with Pimento Mayonnaise on a bed of fresh mesclun greens with lemon wedges for garnish. Pair with a side of crusty bread or a light soup for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Blend the dressing ingredients in a blender until smooth for a creamy and flavorful dressing.

- Fold the crab or lobster meat gently into the dressing to avoid breaking up the chunks of meat.

- Adjust the seasonings to taste before serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use Greek yogurt instead of non-yogurt for a thicker dressing.

- Substitute roasted red peppers for the pimentos if desired.

- Use shrimp or cooked chicken in place of the crab meat for a different variation.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the dressing and refrigerate it for up to 2 days before serving.

- Cook the crab or lobster meat ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Crab Salad with Pimento Mayonnaise on a platter with a decorative garnish of fresh herbs or edible flowers. - Arrange the salad on individual plates for a more elegant presentation. - Serve the salad in a hollowed-out avocado or tomato for a fun and creative twist.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Crab Salad with Pimento Mayonnaise with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

- Serve with a side of crusty bread or crackers for a complete meal.

- Enjoy with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad for a refreshing and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Crab Salad with Pimento Mayonnaise in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

- Do not freeze the salad as the texture of the crab meat may change.

- Serve the salad chilled straight from the refrigerator for best results.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

200

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 5g

- Dietary Fiber: 1g

- Sugars: 2g

Fats

- Total Fat: 10g

- Saturated Fat: 2g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 20g

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin A: 15% DV

- Vitamin C: 20% DV

- Calcium: 6% DV

- Iron: 10% DV

Alergens

Contains: Shellfish, Dairy

Summary

This Crab Salad with Pimento Mayonnaise is a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in protein and vitamins. It is a great option for a light and satisfying meal.

Summary

Crab Salad with Pimento Mayonnaise is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and satisfying meal. With a creamy yogurt-mayonnaise dressing, tender crab meat, and fresh mesclun greens, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was captivated. It was a warm summer day, and I had been invited to a potluck with some friends. As I was browsing through my old recipe books, trying to decide what to bring, a faded piece of paper fell out from between the pages. It was a recipe for Crab Salad with Pimento Mayonnaise, handwritten in elegant cursive.

I couldn't remember where I had gotten the recipe from, but something about it caught my eye. The combination of sweet crab meat, tangy pimento, and creamy mayonnaise sounded like a winning combination. I knew I had to give it a try.

I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work in my cozy kitchen. As I chopped, mixed, and seasoned, the fragrant aromas filled the air. I could tell that this was going to be a special dish.

When the Crab Salad with Pimento Mayonnaise was finally finished, I couldn't wait to taste it. I scooped a generous spoonful onto a cracker and took a bite. The flavors exploded in my mouth – the sweetness of the crab, the tanginess of the pimento, and the creaminess of the mayonnaise all blended together perfectly. It was a culinary masterpiece.

I brought the dish to the potluck, where it was met with rave reviews. Everyone wanted to know where I had gotten the recipe from, but I couldn't remember. All I knew was that it was a keeper.

Over the years, I made the Crab Salad with Pimento Mayonnaise countless times, tweaking the recipe here and there to suit my tastes. Each time I made it, it brought back memories of that first time I had discovered it in my old recipe book. It became a staple at family gatherings, potlucks, and dinner parties.

As the years went by, I learned that the origin of the recipe was from an old friend of mine who had passed away. She had been a master in the kitchen, always experimenting with new flavors and combinations. I remembered the times we had spent together, cooking and sharing recipes. It was bittersweet to think of her, but I was grateful to have her legacy live on through this delicious dish.

I passed the recipe for Crab Salad with Pimento Mayonnaise down to my own children and grandchildren, hoping that they would enjoy it as much as I did. It was a connection to the past, a way to remember the friends and loved ones who had influenced my cooking over the years.

Now, as I sit in my kitchen, surrounded by the comforting smells of spices and herbs, I can't help but smile as I think about all the recipes I have collected and cherished. Each one has a story behind it, a memory attached to it. And the Crab Salad with Pimento Mayonnaise will always hold a special place in my heart, a reminder of the joy and love that cooking can bring.

As I take a bite of the salad, savoring the familiar flavors, I am filled with gratitude for all the people and experiences that have shaped my culinary journey. Cooking has been my passion, my creative outlet, and my way of connecting with others. And I will continue to explore new recipes, learn from others, and create delicious dishes that bring people together.

But no matter how many recipes I try, the Crab Salad with Pimento Mayonnaise will always be a favorite. It was the recipe that captured my heart from the very beginning, and it will forever hold a special place in my kitchen and in my memories.