Creating a Mediterranean Crab Salad is a delightful way to enjoy a light and flavorful dish that embodies the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. This recipe, rich in crabmeat, artichokes, olives, and feta cheese, is perfect for a quick lunch or a refreshing snack. With a prep time of just 25 minutes and no cooking required, it’s also ideal for those seeking a hassle-free yet impressive culinary experience.
Ingredients
- Black Olives: 1 cup, pitted and sliced
- Feta Cheese: 1/2 cup, crumbled
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
- Dijon Mustard: 6 tablespoons
- Shallots or Green Onion: 1/2 cup, finely chopped
- Salt: 2 teaspoons
- Pepper: 1/3 teaspoon
- Oregano: 1 1/2 teaspoons, dried
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 1/4 cup
- Artichoke Hearts: 1/2 cup, drained and quartered
- Crabmeat: 2 cups, cooked and shredded
- Roasted Red Peppers: 1/3 cup, diced
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
- Calories: 482.1
- Total Fat: 39.6g
- Saturated Fat: 5.6g
- Cholesterol: 88.7mg
- Sodium: 1475.5mg
- Carbohydrates: 11.1g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugars: 0.8g
- Protein: 22.7g
Instructions
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Prepare the Dressing:
- In a large bowl, whisk together lemon juice, Dijon mustard, shallots (or green onions), salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
- Gradually whisk in the extra virgin olive oil until the dressing is well combined. Set aside 1/3 cup of the dressing and reserve for later use.
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Assemble the Salad:
- To the remaining dressing in the large bowl, add the cooked crabmeat, artichoke hearts (quartered), black olives (sliced), and diced roasted red peppers. Gently toss to coat the ingredients evenly with the dressing.
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Prepare the Greens:
- Place your favorite greens (such as mixed salad greens) in a separate salad bowl. Add half of the crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese over the greens.
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Combine and Serve:
- Drizzle the reserved 1/3 cup of dressing over the greens and cheese.
- Add the dressed crabmeat and vegetable mixture on top of the greens.
- Lightly toss the salad until the leaves are evenly coated with the dressing and ingredients.
- Sprinkle the remaining crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese on top as a final touch.
Tips and Variations
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare the dressing and salad ingredients ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving to keep it fresh.
- Substitutions: Feel free to substitute ingredients based on availability or personal preference. For example, you can use shrimp instead of crabmeat or add cherry tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
- Serve with Bread: Enjoy this salad with crusty bread or toasted pita for a more substantial meal.
- Storage: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
This Mediterranean Crab Salad recipe not only promises vibrant flavors but also offers a healthy dose of protein and essential nutrients, making it a perfect choice for a light lunch or a satisfying snack any time of the year. Whether you’re hosting a potluck or simply craving something refreshing, this salad is sure to impress with its Mediterranean charm and delicious simplicity.