Citrus-Infused Crab Salad on a Bed of Baby Greens
Indulge in the flavors of the Mediterranean with this exquisite Citrus-Infused Crab Salad, a delightful homage to the culinary traditions of Venice. This refreshing dish features succulent, fresh crabmeat, meticulously picked to ensure only the finest quality is used. Tossed in a vibrant blend of fresh lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil, and accented with aromatic Italian parsley, this salad bursts with flavor. Served generously over a crisp bed of mixed baby greens, it's the perfect appetizer or light meal that elevates simple ingredients to their highest potential. Ideal for special occasions or a casual summer gathering, complement this salad with crusty rolls and a glass of chilled sparkling wine for an unforgettable dining experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh crabmeat
1 lb (Picked over for shells and cartilage)
Fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons (Squeezed from fresh lemons)
Extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons (High-quality, for dressing crab)
Fresh Italian parsley
1 1/2 tablespoons (Minced)
Mixed baby greens
1 (5 ounce) package (About 8 cups, washed and dried)
Extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (For dressing baby greens)
Instructions
1
In a large non-metallic bowl, gently combine the fresh crabmeat, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, and minced Italian parsley. Take care not to break apart the crabmeat too much. Season the mixture with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the flavors.
2
In a separate large bowl, add the mixed baby greens. Drizzle with 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil and season generously with salt. Toss the greens lightly to coat them evenly with the oil and seasoning.
3
To serve, divide the dressed baby greens evenly among four serving plates. Generously mound the citrus-infused crab salad onto the greens. Pair with crusty rolls and a glass of icy sparkling wine. Enjoy your elegant Venetian-inspired meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Citrus-Infused Crab Salad?
It is a refreshing Mediterranean-style dish featuring fresh crabmeat tossed in a lemon and olive oil dressing, served over a bed of baby greens.
What is the culinary inspiration for this recipe?
This recipe is a homage to the culinary traditions of Venice, offering a sophisticated and elegant dining experience.
What type of crabmeat should be used?
The recipe calls for one pound of fresh crabmeat that has been meticulously picked over for shells and cartilage.
What kind of greens are recommended for the base?
A 5-ounce package of mixed baby greens, approximately 8 cups, should be used as the bed for the salad.
How do I prepare the crab mixture?
Gently combine the crabmeat with fresh lemon juice, high-quality extra virgin olive oil, and minced Italian parsley in a non-metallic bowl.
How do I avoid breaking the crabmeat?
When mixing the crab with the citrus dressing, take care to toss gently so the succulent pieces remain intact.
What citrus is used in this salad?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice squeezed from fresh lemons for a vibrant flavor.
What type of oil is best for this recipe?
High-quality extra virgin olive oil is recommended for both dressing the crab and coating the baby greens.
How are the baby greens seasoned?
The greens are tossed with 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil and seasoned generously with salt.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
The instructions suggest dividing the ingredients evenly among four serving plates.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Mound the crab salad generously onto the dressed greens and serve with crusty rolls and chilled sparkling wine.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While possible, fresh lemon juice is preferred to ensure the vibrant, citrus-infused flavor profile of the dish.
What herb is included in the crab salad?
Fresh Italian parsley, minced finely, provides the aromatic accent for the crabmeat.
Is this recipe suitable for a light meal?
Yes, it is designed as a perfect light meal or an elegant appetizer for special occasions.
Should the crab be seasoned?
Yes, season the crab mixture with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
Is this a good recipe for summer?
Absolutely, its refreshing citrus notes and light ingredients make it an ideal summer dish.
What kind of wine pairs well with this salad?
A glass of chilled, icy sparkling wine is the recommended pairing for this Venetian-inspired meal.
Do I need to cook the crabmeat?
The recipe assumes the use of fresh, pre-picked crabmeat which is typically already cooked or ready for cold preparation.
How should the baby greens be cleaned?
The greens should be washed and dried thoroughly before being dressed with oil and salt.
What is the texture of the dish?
The dish features succulent, tender crab meat contrasted with the crisp, light texture of mixed baby greens.
Can I use regular parsley instead of Italian parsley?
Italian (flat-leaf) parsley is recommended for its superior aroma and flavor in Mediterranean cooking.
Why use a non-metallic bowl for the crab?
Using a non-metallic bowl prevents any metallic reaction with the acidic lemon juice, preserving the clean flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The salad itself is gluten-free; however, the suggested serving of crusty rolls would contain gluten.
How much oil is used in total?
The recipe uses 3 tablespoons of olive oil for the crab and an additional 1/4 cup for the greens.
What makes this an 'elegant' dish?
The use of high-quality ingredients like fresh crab, extra virgin olive oil, and the beautiful plating over baby greens.
Can I add other seasonings?
While the recipe focuses on lemon and parsley, you can adjust salt and black pepper to your personal taste.
Is the crabmeat shredded?
The instructions recommend not breaking the crabmeat apart too much, suggesting a preference for larger, succulent pieces.
Can I store leftovers?
Because the greens are dressed, this salad is best enjoyed immediately to prevent the leaves from wilting.
How much crabmeat is per serving?
With 1 lb of crabmeat split four ways, each serving contains approximately 1/4 lb of crab.
What is the prep time for this recipe?
The prep is very quick as it involves only mixing and tossing, making it ideal for fast yet sophisticated dining.