Zesty Avocado Crab Pasta Delight
This Zesty Avocado Crab Pasta Delight combines the fresh flavors of creamy avocado, sweet crabmeat, and vibrant vegetables in a delightful pasta dish. Perfect for a light yet satisfying meal, this recipe brings together bright lime juice, fragrant herbs, and a touch of heat from red chili, creating a symphony of flavors that will impress your family and friends alike. Ideal for summer gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, this dish is not just a meal; it's an experience. Share the love and delight in every bite!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Pasta
350 g (Cooked according to package instructions)
Red onion
1/2 (Finely chopped)
Avocado
1 (Peeled, stoned, and finely diced)
Tomatoes
4 (Finely diced)
Fresh coriander
2 tablespoons (Chopped)
Fresh lime juice
2 tablespoons (Freshly squeezed)
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (Divided for use)
Garlic cloves
2 (Chopped)
Red chili
1 (Seeded and thinly sliced)
Canned crabmeat
175 g (Drained)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing the salsa: In a medium bowl, combine the finely chopped red onion, diced avocado, diced tomatoes, chopped fresh coriander, lime juice, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
2
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of the cooking water for later.
3
In a skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced red chili, sautéing for about 30 seconds or until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
4
Gently fold in the canned crabmeat into the skillet with the garlic and chili, stirring to heat through for about 2-3 minutes. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water.
5
Combine the drained pasta with the crabmeat mixture and half of the prepared salsa, tossing well to coat evenly.
6
To serve, divide the pasta among four plates and top each serving with the remaining salsa. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh coriander, if desired, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Avocado Crab Pasta Delight?
It is a light and satisfying meal that combines creamy avocado, sweet crabmeat, and fresh vegetables with pasta.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What are the main ingredients in the salsa?
The salsa consists of red onion, avocado, tomatoes, fresh coriander, lime juice, and olive oil.
Can I use fresh crab instead of canned crabmeat?
Yes, fresh cooked crabmeat can be used for an even more premium and fresh flavor.
How much pasta is required for this recipe?
You will need 350 grams of pasta.
What type of pasta works best?
While any pasta works, long varieties like spaghetti or linguine pair beautifully with the crab and avocado salsa.
Is this dish spicy?
It has a mild touch of heat from one seeded and thinly sliced red chili.
How long should I sauté the garlic and chili?
Sauté them for about 30 seconds or until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
Why should I reserve pasta cooking water?
The reserved water can be added to the crab mixture if it seems too dry, helping to create a smooth sauce.
What is the preparation for the tomatoes?
The recipe calls for 4 tomatoes that should be finely diced.
Can I substitute coriander with something else?
If you do not like coriander, fresh flat-leaf parsley is a suitable alternative.
How do I prepare the avocado?
The avocado should be peeled, stoned, and then finely diced for the salsa.
What type of onion is recommended?
The recipe uses 1/2 of a finely chopped red onion for a mild, sweet flavor.
Can I use lemon juice instead of lime juice?
Yes, lemon juice can be substituted, though lime juice provides the specific zesty citrus profile intended for this dish.
Is this recipe suitable for summer gatherings?
Yes, the fresh flavors and light ingredients make it an ideal choice for summer meals.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace the standard pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety.
What should I do if the crab mixture seems dry?
Add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to the skillet to moisten the mixture.
How much olive oil is used in total?
The recipe uses a total of 3 tablespoons of olive oil, divided between the salsa and the skillet.
Can I use frozen crabmeat?
Yes, ensure the frozen crabmeat is fully thawed and drained before heating it in the skillet.
How is the salsa served with the pasta?
Half of the salsa is tossed with the pasta and crab, and the remaining half is used as a topping for each plate.
Can I add cheese to this pasta?
While not in the recipe, a light sprinkle of Parmesan or feta could complement the fresh ingredients.
How do I ensure the pasta is al dente?
Follow the package instructions but start testing the pasta a minute or two before the suggested time.
Can I use white onion instead of red?
Yes, but red onion is preferred for its color and slightly milder taste in raw preparations.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 2 chopped garlic cloves.
What is the role of the lime juice in this recipe?
The lime juice adds brightness and helps prevent the avocado from browning too quickly.
Can I serve this dish cold?
Yes, this dish works very well as a cold pasta salad.
How should I garnish the dish?
Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh coriander before serving.
Is there a substitute for fresh red chili?
You can use a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if fresh chili is unavailable.
Can I prepare the salsa in advance?
You can prepare it a short time ahead, but it is best served fresh to keep the avocado from softening too much.
What makes this recipe an 'experience'?
The combination of textures from creamy avocado and tender crabmeat along with bright citrus and herb notes creates a multi-layered flavor profile.