Zesty Avocado Crab Salad

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 4
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Looking for a refreshing and satisfying dish? This Zesty Avocado Crab Salad combines fresh crab meat with creamy avocados and a kick of jalapeño, making it a perfect choice for a light lunch or a party appetizer. It's a breeze to make and packed with flavors!

Ingredients for Zesty Avocado Crab Salad

Crab meat is the star of the show, providing a sweet and delicate flavor. Opt for fresh if available, but canned works in a pinch. Avocados offer creaminess and richness that perfectly complement the crab. Cilantro adds a fresh, herbaceous note, while red onion brings a bit of sharpness. Cherry tomatoes lend a pop of color and sweetness. A finely chopped jalapeño gives the salad its zesty kick. Finally, a simple dressing of lime juice and olive oil ties everything together with bright and tangy flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • If fresh crab isn’t available, use high-quality canned crab meat and drain it well.
  • For less heat, remove the seeds and ribs from the jalapeño before chopping.
  • Choose ripe but firm avocados to maintain the salad’s texture.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is fantastic on its own, but for a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside some crusty bread or on top of mixed greens. It also pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a light, citrusy cocktail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but it's best enjoyed fresh. If you must prepare it ahead, combine all ingredients except the avocados and dressing. Add those just before serving.
What can I use instead of cilantro?
If you're not a fan of cilantro, try fresh parsley or basil for a different flavor profile.
Can I add other veggies?
Absolutely! Diced cucumbers or bell peppers would add a nice crunch.

Zesty Avocado Crab Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by gathering a large mixing bowl. Place your crab meat, diced avocados, chopped cilantro, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and jalapeño in the bowl. Give it a gentle toss to distribute everything evenly without mashing the avocados too much.

In a smaller bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Pour this dressing over your crab mixture.

Gently toss everything once more to ensure the dressing coats all ingredients. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the texture of the salad light and chunky.

Serve it up right away if you’re in a rush, or let it chill in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours. This resting time allows the flavors to meld nicely.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare — ready in just 15 minutes!
  • A delightful balance of creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors.
  • Perfect for impressing guests at your next gathering.
  • Nutritious and satisfying without being heavy.

Ingredients

1 lb fresh crab meat
2 ripe avocados, diced
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
1 jalapeño, finely chopped
2 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the crab meat, diced avocados, cilantro, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and jalapeño.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the crab mixture and gently toss to combine.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving to allow flavors to meld.

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