Zesty Crab Salad Stuffed Avocado Boats
Indulge in this light and refreshing Zesty Crab Salad Stuffed Avocado Boats, a perfect combination of creamy avocado and flavorful crab salad. This delightful dish features a blend of sweet crabmeat and the zest of lime, perfectly complemented by the crunch of red onion and the freshness of coriander. Ideal for a light lunch or as an impressive appetizer for gatherings, this recipe is both simple and elegant. Share it with friends and family to brighten their day with a taste of the coast.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Red onion
1/3 cup (finely chopped)
Mayonnaise
3 tablespoons (none)
Fresh coriander (cilantro)
2 tablespoons (chopped)
Fresh lime juice
3 teaspoons (none)
Ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Lime zest
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Crabmeat
1 cup (cooked and picked over for shells)
Salt
to taste (none)
Fresh ground black pepper
to taste (none)
Avocado
1 large (halved, pitted, and peeled)
Lime wedge
for serving (none)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine the finely chopped red onion, mayonnaise, chopped fresh coriander, 2 teaspoons of fresh lime juice, ground cumin, and lime zest. Stir well until all the ingredients are thoroughly mixed.
2
Gently fold in the crabmeat, taking care not to break up the lumps too much. Season the crab salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
3
To prepare the avocados, brush the cut sides of the avocado halves with the remaining 1 teaspoon of lime juice. This will not only enhance the flavor but also help prevent browning.
4
Place the avocado halves cut-side up on serving plates. Generously mound the crab salad into each avocado half.
5
Serve the stuffed avocado boats immediately, accompanied by lime wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Zesty Crab Salad Stuffed Avocado Boats?
They are a refreshing dish featuring a flavorful crab salad made with lime and coriander served inside fresh avocado halves.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is a nutritious option filled with healthy fats from the avocado and lean protein from the crabmeat.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on using one large avocado, this recipe typically serves one person as a meal or two people as an appetizer.
Can I use canned crabmeat for this recipe?
Yes, canned crabmeat works well; just ensure it is thoroughly drained and picked over for any stray shell fragments.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
You can use Greek yogurt or mashed avocado as a substitute for a different flavor profile or to reduce calories.
Is this crab salad recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the primary ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
Can I prepare the crab salad in advance?
You can mix the crab salad up to a few hours ahead of time, but you should wait to prepare and stuff the avocados until just before serving.
How do I prevent the avocados from turning brown?
Brushing the exposed flesh of the avocado with lime juice helps slow down the oxidation process.
Can I use shrimp instead of crabmeat?
Absolutely, cooked and chopped shrimp is an excellent alternative for this recipe.
What is the best type of avocado for this dish?
Hass avocados are recommended due to their creamy texture and rich flavor.
What is a good substitute for coriander (cilantro)?
If you do not like coriander, fresh flat-leaf parsley or chives can be used instead.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, this dish is very low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats, making it perfect for a ketogenic diet.
How do I know if an avocado is ripe?
A ripe avocado should yield to gentle pressure when squeezed in the palm of your hand.
Can I add some heat to this recipe?
Yes, adding finely chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the crab salad will provide a nice spicy kick.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is a mild and colorful dish that many children enjoy, especially if they like seafood.
Can this be served as a main course?
Yes, serving two stuffed avocado halves per person makes for a satisfying and light main course.
What sides pair well with stuffed avocado boats?
A light green salad, quinoa, or even some simple tortilla chips are great accompaniments.
How long can I store leftovers?
Leftover crab salad can be stored in the fridge for up to one day, but the avocado is best eaten immediately.
Can I freeze these avocado boats?
Freezing is not recommended as it significantly alters the texture of both the avocado and the mayonnaise-based salad.
What grade of crabmeat should I use?
Lump crabmeat is ideal for its texture, but claw meat or even high-quality imitation crab can be used.
Is lime juice mandatory for the flavor?
While lime juice provides the 'zesty' element and keeps the avocado green, lemon juice is a viable alternative.
Can I use lemon instead of lime?
Yes, lemon juice can be substituted, though it will result in a slightly different citrus flavor profile.
What does the ground cumin add to the dish?
Ground cumin adds a subtle earthy warmth that complements the lime and seafood beautifully.
Should the crab be cooked or raw when starting?
The crabmeat must be fully cooked before being mixed into the salad.
Can I add celery for extra crunch?
Yes, finely diced celery is a popular addition for those who enjoy more texture in their crab salad.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, crabmeat is a high-quality source of lean protein.
Is this dish suitable for a party?
Yes, these boats are visually appealing and work perfectly as a sophisticated party appetizer.
Does this recipe contain dairy?
The recipe is dairy-free, provided the mayonnaise you use does not contain dairy derivatives.
How do I peel an avocado without damaging it?
After halving and removing the pit, you can usually peel the skin back by hand or use a large spoon to scoop the whole half out.
How long does it take to prepare this dish?
It is a very quick recipe that usually takes less than 15 minutes to prepare from start to finish.