Tropical Mango Crab Salad

🕒 Prep: 30 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 4
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Picture yourself on a tropical island, the sun warming your face, and a cool breeze ruffling your hair. That's the vibe this Tropical Mango Crab Salad brings to your table. It's a refreshing mix of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that are perfect for a light lunch or a summery dinner.

Ingredients for Tropical Mango Crab Salad

The star here is the fresh crab meat, which brings a delicate sweetness and tender texture. Mango adds a juicy, tropical sweetness that pairs beautifully with the crab. Red bell pepper provides a nice crunch and a pop of color, while red onion gives a bit of sharpness to balance the sweetness. Cilantro adds a fresh, herby note that ties it all together. The lime juice and olive oil dressing brings a zesty brightness, with salt and black pepper enhancing all the flavors. The creamy avocado slices and crunchy toasted coconut flakes on top add a luxurious finish. Finally, the mixed greens act as a fresh and crisp base for the salad.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor — it makes a huge difference.
  • If you can't find fresh crab, high-quality canned crab can be a good substitute.
  • Toast the coconut flakes yourself for extra flavor — just a few minutes in a dry pan will do.
  • Let the salad sit for a few minutes after dressing it to let the flavors meld together.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is versatile and pairs well with a chilled glass of white wine or a light, fruity cocktail. Serve it alongside some crusty bread to soak up the dressing. For a more substantial meal, consider adding grilled shrimp or scallops on the side.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the components a few hours in advance. However, toss them together with the dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh.
What can I use instead of mango?
Pineapple or papaya would work beautifully if mango isn't available.

Tropical Mango Crab Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by gathering all your ingredients. It's always easier to have everything ready. In a large bowl, gently combine the crab meat, mango, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro. Toss them lightly with your hands or a spoon to ensure even distribution without breaking the crab meat.

Next, in a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. This will be your dressing. Pour it over the crab mixture and give it a gentle toss to coat everything nicely. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the ingredients intact.

Arrange the mixed greens on a serving platter, spreading them out to make a nice bed for the crab mixture. Spoon the crab mixture over the greens, distributing it evenly. Top with avocado slices and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes for a lovely garnish before serving.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Incredibly fresh and vibrant flavors.
  • Quick to prepare, perfect for busy days.
  • Light yet satisfying meal option.
  • Beautiful presentation for impressing guests.

Ingredients

8 oz fresh crab meat
1 ripe mango, diced
1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1 lime, juiced
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 avocado, sliced
4 oz mixed greens
1/4 cup toasted coconut flakes

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine crab meat, mango, red bell pepper, red onion, and cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
3. Pour the dressing over the crab mixture and gently toss to combine.
4. Arrange mixed greens on a serving platter and top with the crab mixture.
5. Garnish with avocado slices and toasted coconut flakes before serving.

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