Name: Crab Avocado Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tsp fresh ginger; ½ lemon; 2 tsp lemon juice; 1½ tbsp white vinegar; 2 Scallions; 1 tsp soy sauce; ½ tsp salt; ⅓ cup cooking oil; ¾ lb watercress; ½ head romaine lettuce; 2 Ripe Avocados; ½ lb lump crab meat

This delightful crab avocado salad combines the freshness of watercress and romaine lettuce with the creamy texture of avocados. The zesty vinaigrette, infused with ginger and lemon, brings a bright, tangy flavor to the dish, while lump crab meat adds a touch of luxurious, succulent sweetness.

crab-and-avocado salad with vinaigrette recipe

Photos of Crab Avocado Salad Recipe

Some of the ingredients in this recipe may not be common in every household. Fresh ginger provides a unique spicy and aromatic flavor, and you might have to visit the produce aisle to find it. Lump crab meat is usually found in the seafood section, either fresh or canned. Do not forget to pick up watercress, which has a peppery taste and is often located near the fresh herbs.

Ingredients For Crab Avocado Salad Recipe

Fresh ginger: Adds a spicy and aromatic kick to the vinaigrette.

Lemon: Provides zest and juice for a tangy flavor.

White vinegar: Adds acidity and brightness to the vinaigrette.

Scallions: Offers a mild onion flavor and crunch.

Soy sauce: Contributes a salty, umami depth.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.

Cooking oil: Forms the base of the vinaigrette.

Watercress: A peppery green adding freshness and spice.

Romaine lettuce: Provides a crisp, sturdy base for the salad.

Avocados: Adds creaminess and rich flavor.

Lump crab meat: Adds succulent, sweet seafood taste.

One reader, Katherina Gorski says:

This crab avocado salad is a delightful blend of fresh flavors! The ginger and lemon vinaigrette adds a zesty kick, perfectly complementing the creamy avocado and tender crab meat. A refreshing and elegant dish that's easy to prepare. Highly recommend!

Katherina Gorski

Techniques for Preparing Crab Avocado Salad

How to zest a lemon: Use a microplane or a fine grater to remove the outer yellow layer of the lemon, avoiding the white pith underneath. How to pulse in a blender: Use the pulse function on your blender to chop ingredients in short bursts until they are finely chopped. How to puree in a blender: Blend ingredients on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth. How to toss a salad: Gently mix the salad ingredients together using salad tongs or clean hands to ensure even distribution of the dressing. How to mound a salad: Arrange the salad in a high, rounded shape on the plate for an attractive presentation. How to dress crabmeat: Mix the crabmeat with the vinaigrette until it is evenly coated.

How To Make Crab Avocado Salad

Treat your taste buds with this creamy crab avocado salad that’s mixed with delicate crab meat, and tossed in a tangy ginger vinaigrette.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking:

Total: 15 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

2tspfresh ginger,chopped
½lemon,zested
2tsplemon juice
1½tbspwhite vinegar,or rice wine vinegar
2scallions,including green tops
1tspsoy sauce
½tspsalt
⅓cupcooking oil
¾lbwatercress
½headromaine lettuce,(about ¾ lb)
2ripe avocados,preferably Haas, diced
½lblump crab meat

Instructions

In a blender, combine the ginger, lemon zest, lemon juice, vinegar, scallions, soy sauce, and ¼ teaspoon of the salt. Pulse to chop. Add the oil and puree until smooth.
In a large glass or stainless-steel bowl, combine the watercress, romaine, avocados, and the remaining salt. Toss the salad with all but 3 tablespoons of the vinaigrette and mound the salad on plates.
Toss the crabmeat with the remaining vinaigrette. Spoon the dressed crabmeat over the salads.
Serve and enjoy.

Recipe Notes

Wait until you’re ready to toss the salad before dicing the avocados. The acidity in the vinaigrette will keep them from turning brown.

Nutrition

Calories: 398.68kcal
Fat: 33.70g
Saturated Fat: 3.65g
Trans Fat: 0.08g
Monounsaturated Fat: 21.44g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.26g
Carbohydrates: 13.89g
Fiber: 9.24g
Sugar: 2.21g
Protein: 15.42g
Cholesterol: 55.00mg
Sodium: 732.46mg
Calcium: 200.09mg
Potassium: 1151.62mg
Iron: 1.95mg
Vitamin A: 488.67µg
Vitamin C: 57.91mg

Helpful Technique for Preparing Crab Avocado Salad

When preparing the avocados, cut them in half, remove the pit, and use a spoon to scoop out the flesh in one smooth motion. This helps maintain the integrity of the avocado slices, ensuring they look appealing in the salad.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Crab Avocado Salad Recipe

Prep ingredients in advance: Chop the ginger, scallions, and romaine lettuce ahead of time and store them in airtight containers.

Use pre-cooked crab meat: Save time by buying high-quality, pre-cooked lump crab meat from a trusted source.

Make vinaigrette ahead: Blend the ginger, lemon zest, lemon juice, vinegar, scallions, soy sauce, and salt the night before and store in the fridge.

Quick avocado prep: Cut the avocados just before serving to keep them fresh and prevent browning.

Substitute Ingredients For Crab Avocado Salad Recipe

fresh ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Use 1/4 tsp of ground ginger for every 2 tsp of fresh ginger. Ground ginger is more concentrated, so you need less of it.
lemon - Substitute with lime: Lime provides a similar acidic and citrusy flavor, making it a good alternative.
lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a similar acidity and can provide a tangy flavor.
white vinegar - Substitute with rice vinegar: Rice vinegar is milder and slightly sweet, which can complement the salad well.
scallions - Substitute with chives: Chives have a similar mild onion flavor and can be used in the same quantity.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that has a similar umami flavor.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used in the same quantity and provides a similar salty flavor.
cooking oil - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil has a rich flavor and can be used in the same quantity.
watercress - Substitute with arugula: Arugula has a peppery flavor similar to watercress and can be used in the same quantity.
romaine lettuce - Substitute with butter lettuce: Butter lettuce has a soft texture and mild flavor, making it a good alternative.
ripe avocados - Substitute with ripe mango: Mango provides a creamy texture and sweet flavor, which can add a unique twist to the salad.
lump crab meat - Substitute with imitation crab: Imitation crab is a more affordable option and has a similar texture and flavor.

Presentation Ideas for Crab Avocado Salad

Use a chilled plate: Ensure the plate is chilled to keep the crab meat and avocado fresh and vibrant.
Create a base layer: Arrange a bed of watercress and romaine lettuce on the plate, fanning them out to create a lush, green foundation.
Slice avocados elegantly: Cut the avocados into thin, even slices and fan them out on top of the greens, adding a touch of elegance and visual appeal.
Add height with crab meat: Gently mound the dressed crab meat on top of the avocado slices, creating a focal point with height and texture.
Drizzle vinaigrette artistically: Use a squeeze bottle to drizzle the remaining vinaigrette around the plate in a decorative pattern, ensuring even distribution without overwhelming the dish.
Garnish with scallions: Finely slice the scallions and sprinkle them over the top for a pop of color and a hint of sharpness.
Add a citrus twist: Place a thin slice of lemon zest on top of the crab meat for a bright, aromatic finish.
Finish with a touch of oil: Lightly brush the edges of the plate with a bit of cooking oil to give it a subtle shine and professional touch.

Essential Tools for Making Crab Avocado Salad

Blender: Used to combine and puree the ginger, lemon zest, lemon juice, vinegar, scallions, soy sauce, and salt into a smooth vinaigrette.
Zester: Essential for zesting the lemon to add a fresh citrus flavor to the vinaigrette.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for accurately measuring the ginger, lemon juice, vinegar, soy sauce, and salt.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the cooking oil and other ingredients accurately.
Large glass or stainless-steel bowl: Ideal for combining the watercress, romaine, avocados, and salt.
Salad tongs: Useful for tossing the salad with the vinaigrette.
Knife: Needed for chopping the scallions and slicing the avocados.
Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping and slicing ingredients.
Serving plates: Used to mound the salad and present it attractively.
Spoon: Handy for spooning the dressed crabmeat over the salads.

Interesting Fact About Crab Avocado Salad

A unique aspect of this crab avocado salad recipe is the use of fresh ginger in the vinaigrette, which adds a zesty and aromatic flavor that complements the crab meat and avocados.

Is Making Crab Avocado Salad at Home Cost-Effective?

This crab avocado salad recipe is moderately cost-effective. The avocados and crab meat can be pricey, but the other ingredients like watercress, romaine lettuce, and scallions are relatively inexpensive. The dressing ingredients are common pantry items. Overall, the recipe scores a 7/10 in cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $25-$30 USD.

Is This Crab Avocado Salad Healthy?

This crab avocado salad recipe is a healthy choice overall, with a few minor adjustments that could boost its nutritional value even further. Here's why:

The salad base consists of nutrient-dense greens like watercress and romaine lettuce, which are low in calories and packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Avocados provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, potassium, and vitamins K, C, and B6.
Lump crab meat is an excellent source of lean protein, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids.
The dressing contains fresh ginger, lemon, and scallions, which offer anti-inflammatory properties and a burst of flavor without relying on excessive salt or sugar.

To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of oil in the dressing to lower the overall calorie count. You can replace some of the oil with water or additional lemon juice to maintain a smooth consistency.
Opt for a light soy sauce or tamari to decrease the sodium content of the dish.
Add more colorful vegetables to the salad, such as cherry tomatoes, shredded carrots, or sliced bell peppers, to increase the variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
Choose a high-quality, sustainably sourced crab meat to ensure the best taste and texture while supporting responsible fishing practices.

Editor's Opinion on This Crab Avocado Salad

This crab avocado salad recipe is a delightful blend of fresh, vibrant flavors. The ginger and lemon vinaigrette adds a zesty kick, perfectly complementing the creamy avocado and delicate crab meat. The combination of watercress and romaine provides a crisp, refreshing base. The use of scallions and soy sauce introduces a subtle umami depth, enhancing the overall taste. This dish is not only visually appealing but also offers a harmonious balance of textures and flavors, making it an excellent choice for a light, elegant meal.

Enhance Your Crab Avocado Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Elevate your appetizer with a side of perfectly charred asparagus drizzled with a hint of lemon zest. The smoky flavor of the asparagus complements the fresh and creamy notes of the crab avocado salad beautifully.

Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad: Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad: Add a burst of color and flavor with a salad featuring sweet, earthy roasted beets and tangy goat cheese. The creamy goat cheese pairs wonderfully with the avocado and crab meat in the main dish.

Chilled Cucumber Soup: Chilled Cucumber Soup: Cool and refreshing, this soup made from cucumbers and a touch of dill is the perfect light companion to your crab avocado salad. Its crisp and clean flavors will cleanse your palate and enhance the overall dining experience.

Mango Salsa: Mango Salsa: Bring a tropical twist to your meal with a vibrant mango salsa. The sweet and tangy mango chunks, combined with a hint of lime and cilantro, create a delightful contrast to the rich and savory crab avocado salad.

Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks: Garlic Parmesan Breadsticks: These warm, crispy breadsticks infused with garlic and sprinkled with parmesan cheese are the perfect accompaniment. They add a satisfying crunch and a touch of indulgence to your appetizer.

Similar Recipes to Crab Avocado Salad

Shrimp Mango Salad: Dive into a refreshing appetizer with a Shrimp Mango Salad. This dish combines succulent shrimp, sweet mango, and crisp greens with a zesty citrus vinaigrette. Perfect for a light lunch or a starter to impress your guests.

Tuna Poke Bowl: Experience the flavors of the Pacific with a Tuna Poke Bowl. Fresh ahi tuna marinated in a savory soy sauce blend, served over a bed of rice and topped with avocado, seaweed, and scallions. A healthy and delicious option for any meal.

Chicken Avocado Salad: For a protein-packed salad, try the Chicken Avocado Salad. Grilled chicken breast paired with creamy avocado, cherry tomatoes, and mixed greens, all tossed in a tangy lime dressing. A perfect balance of flavors and textures.

Salmon Cucumber Rolls: Elevate your appetizer game with Salmon Cucumber Rolls. Thinly sliced cucumber wrapped around smoked salmon, avocado, and a hint of cream cheese. These bite-sized delights are both elegant and easy to make.

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad: Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with a Mediterranean Quinoa Salad. Nutty quinoa mixed with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, and olives, all dressed in a lemony vinaigrette. A wholesome and vibrant dish.

Perfect Main Courses and Desserts to Pair with Crab Avocado Salad

Main Courses:

Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa: Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of salmon with the tropical sweetness of mango. The salmon is marinated in a blend of lime juice, garlic, and cumin, then grilled to perfection. The mango salsa is a refreshing mix of diced mango, red onion, cilantro, and a hint of jalapeño for a bit of heat. This dish is perfect for a summer evening and pairs wonderfully with a side of quinoa or wild rice.

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Stuffed Bell Peppers are a classic comfort food that brings together a variety of flavors and textures. The bell peppers are hollowed out and filled with a savory mixture of ground beef, rice, tomato sauce, and spices. After being baked until tender, they are topped with a generous amount of melted cheese. This dish is not only visually appealing but also packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome and satisfying meal. Serve it with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete dinner experience.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in the rich, molten center of a Chocolate Lava Cake. This decadent dessert features a warm, gooey chocolate core that oozes out as you cut into it. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of hot and cold. Garnish with a sprinkle of powdered sugar and a few fresh berries to add a touch of elegance. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion, this treat is sure to impress.

Lemon Meringue Pie: Experience the perfect balance of tart and sweet with a Lemon Meringue Pie. The zesty lemon curd filling is topped with a fluffy, golden-brown meringue that melts in your mouth. Serve chilled for a refreshing end to any meal. Add a twist by incorporating a graham cracker crust for a bit of crunch. This classic dessert is a crowd-pleaser and a wonderful way to showcase your baking skills.

Why trust this Crab Avocado Salad Recipe:

This crab avocado salad recipe is a delightful blend of fresh and vibrant ingredients. The ginger and lemon juice vinaigrette adds a zesty kick, perfectly complementing the creamy avocados and tender crab meat. The combination of watercress and romaine lettuce provides a crisp and refreshing base. This recipe has been meticulously crafted to ensure a harmonious balance of flavors and textures, making it a trustworthy choice for a light yet satisfying meal.

Want to share your experience making this Crab Avocado Salad or have any tips to enhance the recipe? Join the discussion in the Recipe Sharing forum and let's talk about this delightful dish!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of lettuce instead of romaine?

Absolutely! You can substitute romaine with any leafy greens you prefer, like spinach or arugula.

How do I know if the avocados are ripe enough for the salad?

Ripe avocados should give slightly when you press them gently. They shouldn't be too mushy or too firm.

Can I use imitation crab meat instead of lump crab meat?

Yes, you can use imitation crab meat if you prefer or if it's more convenient. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture might be a bit different.

How long can I store the leftover salad?

The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. The avocados might brown a bit, so adding a little extra lemon juice can help.

Is there a substitute for white vinegar in the vinaigrette?

You can use apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar as a substitute for white vinegar. Both will give a slightly different but still delicious flavor.