Savory Crab Salad Avocado Boats
Elevate your next luncheon or dinner party with these exquisite Savory Crab Salad Avocado Boats. Inspired by a delectable dish I enjoyed at a beloved eatery, this recipe brings a delightful blend of flavors and a stunning presentation to your table. Each half of a ripe avocado is generously stuffed with a creamy crab salad that combines the richness of lump crab meat (or imitation crab) with the crunch of fresh vegetables. The addition of baby shrimp and a hint of lemon juice brings brightness and zest, while the dash of hot sauce provides a subtle kick. These boats not only look beautiful, but they also cater to both seafood lovers and health-conscious guests. For an added twist, feel free to hollow out tomatoes or other vegetables for a creative serving option!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
large ripe avocados
5 (Halved and pitted)
lump crabmeat or imitation crabmeat
1 lb (Chopped)
baby shrimp
1 cup (Drained)
celery ribs
3 (Chopped)
vidalia onion or spring onions
1/2 (Chopped)
red bell pepper
1/4 cup (Chopped)
Miracle Whip or mayonnaise
2/3 - 1 cup (To taste)
fresh lemon juice
1 - 2 tablespoons (Juiced)
salt
To taste
black pepper
To taste
hot sauce or Tabasco sauce
1 dash
Instructions
1
Ensure that your crabmeat and shrimp are well-drained to prevent excess liquid in the salad.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine lump crabmeat (or imitation crab), baby shrimp, chopped celery, vidalia (or spring) onion, and red bell pepper.
3
Add Miracle Whip (or mayonnaise), fresh lemon juice, salt, pepper, and a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. Stir gently until all ingredients are well combined.
4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the crab salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5
When ready to serve, cut each avocado in half lengthwise and carefully remove the pit.
6
If you'd like more salad than avocado, use a spoon to gently scoop out a bit of flesh from the center of the avocado halves.
7
Sprinkle some additional lemon juice over the avocado halves to prevent browning.
8
Just before serving, use an ice cream scoop or a large spoon to fill each avocado half generously with the crab salad mixture. Arrange on a platter and serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in Savory Crab Salad Avocado Boats?
The recipe features a combination of lump crabmeat (or imitation crabmeat) and baby shrimp.
Can I use imitation crab instead of lump crab meat?
Yes, you can use either 1 lb of lump crabmeat or imitation crabmeat depending on your preference.
How many avocados are needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 5 large ripe avocados, which provides 10 servings when halved.
Should the baby shrimp be prepared in any specific way?
The baby shrimp should be fully cooked (if not already) and thoroughly drained before being added to the salad.
What type of dressing is used for the crab salad?
You can use 2/3 to 1 cup of either Miracle Whip or mayonnaise, adjusted to your personal taste.
How long should the crab salad be refrigerated before serving?
The crab salad should be covered and refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
How do I prevent the avocado halves from turning brown?
Sprinkle additional fresh lemon juice over the avocado halves immediately after pitting them to prevent browning.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad includes 3 chopped celery ribs, 1/2 of a Vidalia or spring onion, and 1/4 cup of chopped red bell pepper.
Can I add spice to this dish?
Yes, a dash of hot sauce or Tabasco sauce is included in the recipe to provide a subtle kick.
Is it necessary to drain the seafood?
Yes, ensure that both the crabmeat and shrimp are well-drained to prevent excess liquid from making the salad watery.
Can I scoop out some of the avocado to fit more salad?
Absolutely. If you want a higher ratio of salad to avocado, use a spoon to gently scoop out a bit of flesh from the center of the halves.
What is the best way to fill the avocado boats?
Just before serving, use an ice cream scoop or a large spoon to fill each avocado half generously with the chilled mixture.
Can I use tomatoes instead of avocados?
Yes, for a creative twist, you can hollow out tomatoes or other vegetables to serve as vessels for the crab salad.
How much lemon juice is required?
The recipe calls for 1 to 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice within the salad, plus extra for the avocado halves.
What kind of onions are recommended?
Vidalia onions or spring onions are recommended for their mild and sweet flavor profile.
Is this recipe suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, the stunning presentation and exquisite flavors make it perfect for luncheons or dinner parties.
Does this recipe include salt and pepper?
Yes, the recipe suggests adding salt and black pepper to taste to enhance the other ingredients.
Should the salad be mixed vigorously?
No, you should stir the ingredients gently until they are combined to keep the texture of the crab and shrimp intact.
Can I prepare the avocados in advance?
It is best to cut and pit the avocados just before serving to ensure they remain fresh and vibrant green.
How should the dish be arranged for serving?
Once filled, arrange the avocado boats on a large platter and serve them immediately.
How much crabmeat is needed?
The recipe requires 1 pound of chopped lump crabmeat or imitation crabmeat.
What is the texture of the finished salad?
The salad is creamy thanks to the Miracle Whip or mayo, with a refreshing crunch from the celery, onions, and red bell peppers.
Is this a no-cook recipe?
Yes, this recipe involves assembly and refrigeration only, making it a quick and easy no-cook meal option.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
While fresh lemon juice provides the best brightness and zest, bottled lemon juice can be used in a pinch.
What size should the red bell pepper pieces be?
The red bell pepper should be finely chopped so it distributes evenly throughout the 1/4 cup measurement.
How many celery ribs are used?
The recipe calls for 3 celery ribs, which should be chopped before adding to the mix.
What inspired this recipe?
The recipe was inspired by a dish the author enjoyed at a beloved eatery, designed to bring restaurant-quality flavors to the home table.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, the description highlights that it caters to health-conscious guests by using lean seafood, fresh vegetables, and nutrient-dense avocados.
What should I do if the salad is too dry?
You can add a bit more Miracle Whip or mayonnaise until the desired creamy consistency is reached.
Can I use larger shrimp if baby shrimp are unavailable?
Yes, but you should chop larger shrimp into bite-sized pieces to ensure they mix well with the crabmeat and vegetables.