Creamy Seafood Salad with a Crunch
This delightful seafood salad combines the flavors of imitation crabmeat (or lobster) with fresh, crisp vegetables and a hint of sweetness from fruit. Over the years, I’ve perfected this recipe, drawing inspiration from a grocery store favorite, making it not only delicious but also a versatile dish that you can enjoy any time of year. Feel free to customize with your favorite crunchy additions, such as cucumbers or bell peppers, for an extra layer of fun and flavor. Perfect for light lunches, picnics, or parties, this salad can be served in a variety of ways that will impress your guests and keep your taste buds happy!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Imitation crabmeat or lobster
3 ounces (chopped)
Celery
1 cup (chopped)
Onion (Vidalia, red, or yellow)
1/4 cup (chopped)
Apple (or seasonal fruit)
1 (chopped)
Plain yogurt (or Greek plain)
1/4 cup (none)
Mayonnaise
1/4 cup (none)
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Salt
to taste (none)
Pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped imitation crabmeat (or lobster), celery, onion, and apple.
2
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3
Pour the dressing over the seafood and vegetable mixture. Gently fold the ingredients together until well combined, being careful not to break up the crabmeat too much.
4
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to your preference.
5
Serve immediately, or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to enhance the flavors before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein used in this Creamy Seafood Salad?
The recipe uses 3 ounces of chopped imitation crabmeat or lobster.
Can I use lobster instead of imitation crab?
Yes, you can use either imitation crabmeat or lobster for this recipe.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad contains 1 cup of chopped celery and 1/4 cup of chopped onion.
What types of onions are recommended?
You can use Vidalia, red, or yellow onions depending on your preference.
Is there fruit in this seafood salad recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for one chopped apple, though you can use other seasonal fruits.
What ingredients make up the creamy dressing?
The dressing is a blend of plain yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Can I use Greek yogurt for the dressing?
Yes, the recipe allows for either plain yogurt or Greek plain yogurt.
How much mayonnaise is required?
You will need 1/4 cup of mayonnaise for the dressing.
How much lemon juice should I add?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
How should the celery be prepared?
The celery should be chopped into small pieces to provide a consistent crunch.
Do I need to mix the dressing separately?
Yes, it is recommended to whisk the yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl before adding it to the seafood.
How do I combine the dressing with the seafood?
Gently fold the dressing into the seafood and vegetable mixture to avoid breaking up the crabmeat.
Should I serve this salad immediately?
You can serve it immediately, or refrigerate it for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Is this recipe suitable for a picnic?
Yes, it is specifically described as perfect for picnics, light lunches, and parties.
Can I add extra vegetables for more crunch?
Absolutely, you can customize the salad with cucumbers or bell peppers for extra texture.
Is this seafood salad recipe healthy?
Yes, the recipe is tagged as healthy and uses yogurt to balance the creaminess.
Is this a low-protein dish?
The recipe is tagged as 'low protein', making it suitable for those watching their protein intake.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 9 ingredients required for this salad.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by a grocery store favorite and perfected over several years.
How do I adjust the seasoning?
After mixing, taste the salad and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as desired.
What should the texture of the crabmeat be?
The crabmeat or lobster should be chopped but handled gently so it doesn't become mushy.
Can I substitute the apple with another fruit?
Yes, any seasonal fruit can be used to provide the hint of sweetness the recipe calls for.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is described as a simple recipe that is very easy to prepare.
What makes this salad 'crunchy'?
The crunch comes from the fresh celery, onions, and apple.
Is the lemon juice essential?
Yes, the lemon juice adds a necessary brightness and acidity to the creamy dressing.
Can I make this for a large group?
Yes, the recipe is versatile and well-suited for serving at parties or social gatherings.
Can I use frozen imitation crab?
Yes, but ensure it is fully thawed and drained of excess moisture before chopping.
How much onion is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of chopped onion.
What kind of bowl should I use?
Use a large mixing bowl for the seafood and vegetables, and a small bowl for the dressing.
Can I add spices to the dressing?
The recipe uses salt and pepper, but you can customize it with your own favorite seasonings.