Lexington Avenue Seafood Salad

Lexington Avenue Seafood Salad Recipe - USA

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

Introduction

Lexington Avenue Seafood Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines the delicious flavors of shrimp, crabmeat, and fresh vegetables. This salad is perfect for a light and healthy meal or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.

History

The Lexington Avenue Seafood Salad is a popular dish that originated in the bustling streets of New York City. It is named after the famous Lexington Avenue, known for its vibrant food scene and diverse culinary offerings. This salad has become a favorite among seafood lovers for its fresh and vibrant flavors.

Ingredients

1 cup cooked baby shrimp
1 cup fresh cooked crabmeat, picked over to remove cartilage
1 cup cooked green peas
0.5 cup chopped celery
0.5 medium cucumber, peeled and sliced
2 tbsp minced onion
0.5 cup low fat thousand island dressing
0.25 cup plain non-fat yogurt
1 tbsp prepared horseradish
1 tsp fresh lemon juice
0.25 tsp dried marjoram
0.25 tsp black pepper
lettuce leaves

How to prepare

In a serving bowl, combine the shrimp, crabmeat, peas, celery, cucumber, and onion.
In a small bowl, combine the salad dressing, yogurt, horseradish, lemon juice, marjoram, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss.
Place a few lettuce leaves on each of 4 serving plates.
Divide the salad evenly among them and serve immediately.

Variations

You can add diced avocado or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.
For a spicy kick, add a dash of hot sauce or chopped jalapenos to the dressing.
Substitute the crabmeat with cooked lobster or scallops for a different twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the shrimp and crabmeat just until they are cooked through to avoid overcooking and toughening the seafood.

- For added flavor, you can marinate the shrimp and crabmeat in a mixture of lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs before adding them to the salad.

- To make this salad even more refreshing, you can chill the ingredients before tossing them together.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served as a light lunch or dinner, or as a side dish for grilled meats or seafood.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to cook the shrimp and crabmeat separately before adding them to the salad to ensure they are cooked through.

- Toss the salad gently to avoid breaking up the seafood and vegetables.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt for a creamier dressing.

- Substitute the green peas with edamame or sugar snap peas for a different flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the salad ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to serve. Just toss with the dressing right before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Lexington Avenue Seafood Salad on a bed of lettuce leaves for an elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This salad pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. It also goes well with a light beer or sparkling water with lemon.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not freeze as the seafood may become tough. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Lexington Avenue Seafood Salad contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

The Lexington Avenue Seafood Salad is a low-carb dish, with approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

This salad is a good source of healthy fats from the seafood and dressing, with approximately 8 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

The seafood in this salad provides a good amount of protein, with approximately 20 grams per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, iron, and potassium from the seafood and vegetables.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (shrimp, crabmeat) and dairy (yogurt), which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Overall, the Lexington Avenue Seafood Salad is a nutritious and balanced dish that provides a good mix of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

The Lexington Avenue Seafood Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With a mix of shrimp, crabmeat, and fresh vegetables, this salad is a flavorful and satisfying option for seafood lovers. Enjoy this salad as a main course or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of anticipation I felt when I first discovered this recipe for Lexington Avenue Seafood Salad. It was a warm summer day, and I had decided to take a walk to the local farmer's market to pick up some fresh ingredients for dinner. As I strolled through the bustling market, the vibrant colors and fragrant smells of the produce stalls filled me with excitement.

I came across a stall selling the most beautiful array of seafood – plump shrimp, succulent scallops, and tender squid. The fishmonger, a friendly man with a twinkle in his eye, told me about his special recipe for a seafood salad that he claimed was a favorite among the locals. Intrigued, I asked him for the recipe, and he graciously shared it with me.

The ingredients were simple yet elegant – a medley of fresh seafood, crisp vegetables, and a tangy vinaigrette dressing. I could already imagine the flavors melding together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that was both light and satisfying. I eagerly purchased the ingredients and headed home to try my hand at making the Lexington Avenue Seafood Salad.

As I prepared the salad, I thought back to all the recipes I had collected over the years – from my mother, my aunts, and even some friends I had made during my travels. Each recipe held a special place in my heart, a memory of a shared meal or a moment of culinary discovery. I realized that cooking was not just about following a set of instructions, but about creating something unique and personal, a reflection of my own tastes and experiences.

The salad came together beautifully, the vibrant colors of the seafood contrasting with the crisp green lettuce and the bright red tomatoes. The vinaigrette dressing added a zesty kick, tying all the flavors together in a delicious medley. I couldn't wait to share this dish with my family, knowing that they would appreciate the care and effort I had put into making it.

As we sat down to dinner that evening, the salad took center stage on the table, surrounded by other dishes I had prepared with love and care. My husband and children dug in eagerly, their eyes lighting up with delight as they tasted the flavors of the Lexington Avenue Seafood Salad. I felt a sense of pride and satisfaction wash over me, knowing that I had created something truly special.

Over the years, the Lexington Avenue Seafood Salad became a staple in our household, a dish that we would often enjoy on lazy summer evenings or special occasions. I would sometimes make small tweaks to the recipe, adding a dash of this or a pinch of that to suit our tastes, but the essence of the dish remained the same – a celebration of fresh ingredients and simple flavors.

As I look back on that warm summer day when I first discovered the recipe for Lexington Avenue Seafood Salad, I am filled with gratitude for all the people and experiences that have shaped my culinary journey. Each recipe I have collected holds a story, a memory that I hold dear in my heart. Cooking has not just been a way to nourish my family, but a way to connect with others, to share in the joys of good food and good company.

And so, as I continue to cook and experiment in the kitchen, I carry with me the lessons and wisdom of those who have come before me, infusing each dish with love, creativity, and a touch of magic. The Lexington Avenue Seafood Salad will always hold a special place in my recipe collection, a reminder of that fateful day when I discovered a new favorite dish and added it to my culinary repertoire.