Description
A fresh and flavorful seafood salad featuring tender shrimp and crab meat tossed with crunchy vegetables and a creamy, tangy dressing. Perfect as a light meal or appetizer, this salad is easy to prepare and ideal for warm weather dining.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 1 pound cooked shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup crab meat (imitation or real, depending on preference)
Vegetables
- 1 cup celery (diced)
- ½ cup red onion (finely chopped)
- ½ cup cucumber (diced)
Dressing
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt (for a lighter dressing option)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley (chopped)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Seafood: If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are thawed and well-drained. Cut the shrimp into bite-sized pieces if they are large for easy eating.
- Break Up Crab Meat: If using imitation crab, break it into small, manageable pieces to distribute evenly throughout the salad.
- Combine the Vegetables: In a large bowl, add the diced celery, finely chopped red onion, and diced cucumber. These ingredients provide fresh crunch and texture.
- Mix the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice until smooth. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to your taste to add creaminess and a tangy balance.
- Toss Together: Add the prepared shrimp and crab meat to the vegetable mixture. Pour the dressing over everything and gently toss to combine all ingredients uniformly.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time lets the flavors meld and enhances the taste.
- Garnish and Adjust Seasoning: Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for color and freshness. Taste the salad and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use only Greek yogurt or reduce the mayonnaise.
- You can substitute crab meat with lobster or canned tuna if preferred.
- This salad is best served chilled and consumed within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
- Adding a pinch of Old Bay seasoning to the dressing can enhance the seafood flavor.
- Ensure shrimp and crab are well-drained to avoid a watery salad.
