Cali Coastal Crab Salad Delight
Experience the vibrant flavors of California with this delightful crab salad, featuring fresh surimi that mimics the sweet taste of real crab. Tossed with creamy avocado, plump black olives, and a hint of zest from lemon and dill, this dish is not only visually stunning but also packed with texture and taste. It’s a perfect blend of wholesome ingredients, making it a favorite at picnics, parties, and family gatherings. Serve it chilled as a refreshing lunch, or as a tantalizing side dish that showcases California's culinary flair!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
surimi (imitation crab)
16 ounces (flaked)
avocado
1 (sliced into bite-sized pieces)
black olives
1 (10 ounce) can (drained and sliced or whole)
red onion
1 tablespoon (chopped finely)
celery
2 tablespoons (chopped (optional))
lemon juice
2 teaspoons (freshly squeezed)
apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon (none)
soy sauce
1 teaspoon (none)
dill (dried dill weed)
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
Worcestershire sauce
1 dash (none)
mayonnaise
1/2 cup (none)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, flake the surimi (imitation crab) and combine with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to enhance flavor.
2
Add the finely chopped red onion, optional celery, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and 1 teaspoon of dried dill to the bowl.
3
Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
4
Gradually fold in the mayonnaise, adjusting the amount according to your taste preference.
5
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6
Slice the avocado into bite-sized pieces and gently coat with the remaining 1 teaspoon of lemon juice to prevent browning. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of dill.
7
Carefully fold the avocado and black olives into the crab salad mixture, ensuring a gentle mix to maintain the integrity of the avocado.
8
Taste the salad and adjust seasonings as desired.
9
Serve immediately, or refrigerate for several hours to allow the flavors to meld for an even more delightful experience.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cali Coastal Crab Salad Delight?
Cali Coastal Crab Salad Delight is a vibrant Californian-style salad featuring flaked surimi, creamy avocado, black olives, and a zesty dressing made with lemon, dill, and mayonnaise.
What is the main protein used in this recipe?
The main protein is 16 ounces of surimi, which is imitation crab that mimics the sweet taste of real crab meat.
How should I prepare the surimi?
The surimi should be flaked into smaller pieces and then combined with lemon juice to enhance its flavor before mixing with other ingredients.
Can I use real crab instead of surimi?
Yes, while the recipe specifies surimi for its sweet taste and texture, you can substitute it with fresh real crab meat if preferred.
What makes this salad 'Californian' in style?
The use of fresh avocado, citrusy lemon juice, and a light, refreshing flavor profile gives it its signature California culinary flair.
Why is lemon juice added to the avocado?
A teaspoon of lemon juice is used to coat the avocado slices to prevent them from browning and to add a bright, acidic note.
What type of olives are recommended for this salad?
The recipe calls for one 10-ounce can of black olives, which can be served either drained and sliced or whole.
Is celery a required ingredient?
No, celery is an optional ingredient in this recipe, but it adds a nice crunch if you choose to include 2 tablespoons of it finely chopped.
What kind of onion is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of finely chopped red onion for a mild bite and vibrant color.
What is the base of the dressing?
The dressing base is 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, which is adjusted to taste and mixed with vinegar, soy sauce, and spices.
How much dill is needed?
The recipe uses a total of 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried dill weed, split between the main mixture and the avocado topping.
Can I use fresh dill instead of dried?
Yes, you can substitute fresh dill for dried, though you may want to increase the amount slightly as fresh herbs are generally less concentrated than dried.
Why is soy sauce included in a crab salad?
A teaspoon of soy sauce is added to provide a savory depth of flavor and enhance the overall saltiness of the dish.
What does Worcestershire sauce add to the recipe?
A dash of Worcestershire sauce provides a complex, umami-rich undertone that complements the seafood flavors.
What kind of vinegar should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to add a subtle tanginess.
How should I incorporate the avocado?
The avocado should be gently folded into the salad at the very end to ensure the pieces remain intact and don't get mashed.
Is it better to serve the salad immediately?
You can serve it immediately, but refrigerating it for several hours allows the flavors to meld for a more delightful experience.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients in total, including the seasonings like salt and pepper.
Is this crab salad suitable for parties?
Yes, its visually stunning presentation and refreshing taste make it a favorite for picnics, parties, and family gatherings.
What is the texture of the salad?
The salad features a mix of textures, from the flaked surimi and crunchy onion to the creamy avocado and plump olives.
Should the olives be drained?
Yes, the black olives should be drained of their canning liquid before being added to the mixture.
How do I adjust the creaminess of the salad?
You can adjust the mayonnaise amount gradually according to your personal taste preference.
Can I add spice to this dish?
While the recipe doesn't call for it, you could easily add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce if you prefer a spicier crab salad.
What size should the avocado pieces be?
The avocado should be sliced into bite-sized pieces for the best eating experience.
Is there a specific mixing order?
Yes, start by mixing the crab with the liquids and spices, then fold in the mayo, and finally add the delicate avocado and olives.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Absolutely! It works perfectly as a refreshing chilled lunch or can be served as a tantalizing side dish.
What type of salt and pepper should I use?
Standard table salt and ground black pepper are fine, added to taste at the end of preparation.
How much total crab meat is needed?
The recipe requires 16 ounces, or one standard package, of imitation crab.
How do I ensure the flavors are well-balanced?
The recipe recommends tasting the salad after mixing and adjusting the seasonings as desired before serving.
Is this a healthy recipe?
It features wholesome ingredients like avocado and olives, making it a good choice for those looking for a flavorful yet light seafood dish.