Description
This Fresh and Flavorful Seafood Salad is a light and creamy dish featuring cooked shrimp, crab meat, and crisp vegetables tossed in a tangy mayonnaise and Greek yogurt dressing. Perfect for a refreshing lunch or a healthy appetizer, this salad combines the natural sweetness of seafood with the crunch of celery, cucumber, and red onion, making it a delightful and easy-to-prepare meal that can be chilled and served cold.
Ingredients
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
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley (chopped) for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Seafood: If using frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and well-drained. Cut the shrimp into bite-sized pieces if they are large for easier eating.
- Prepare the Crab Meat: If using imitation crab, break it into small, manageable pieces to evenly distribute throughout the salad.
- Combine the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, add the diced celery, finely chopped red onion, and diced cucumber. These vegetables provide a fresh crunch and texture contrast to the seafood.
- Mix the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice. Season this mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste to create a creamy, tangy dressing.
- Toss Together: Add the prepared shrimp and crab meat to the vegetable mixture, then pour the dressing over everything. Gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing for balanced flavor.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and enhance. Chill thoroughly before serving.
- Garnish and Adjust: Before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top for a bright, herbal note. Taste the salad and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh or previously cooked shrimp and crab meat to avoid overcooking.
- Imitation crab can be used as a budget-friendly alternative without compromising flavor.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for all the mayonnaise for a lighter, lower-fat dressing.
- Chilling the salad enhances the flavors and texture, so do not skip the refrigeration step.
- Serve this salad on its own, over a bed of greens, or with crackers for a versatile meal or appetizer.
