Avocado Crab Salad
This fresh, mayo-free crab salad is a quick and healthy meal, featuring creamy avocado for richness and a vibrant kick from lime and cilantro. It's perfect for a light lunch or appetizer, easily enjoyed in lettuce cups or on its own.
For 2 servings
Gently pick through the lump crab meat to ensure no shell fragments remain. Place the crab meat in a medium mixing bowl.
Dice the ripe avocado into 1/2-inch pieces. Finely chop the fresh cilantro and mince the red onion or shallot.
Add the diced avocado, chopped cilantro, minced red onion (or shallot), fresh lime juice, optional olive oil, and optional Dijon mustard to the bowl with the crab meat.
Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Start with the recommended amounts and adjust to your preference.
Using a rubber spatula or a large spoon, gently fold all the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to mash the avocado or break up the crab too much.
Taste the salad and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more lime juice, salt, or pepper if desired.
Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor. Enjoy in crisp lettuce cups, on cucumber slices, or as a topping for a green salad.
What to keep in mind.
4 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use good quality lump crab meat for the best texture and flavor; fresh is always preferred over canned if available.
- 2Ensure your avocado is ripe but firm enough to hold its shape when diced. Overripe avocado will become mushy.
- 3Mix gently to preserve the delicate texture of the crab and avocado. Over-mixing can turn the salad into a paste.
- 4For optimal freshness, prepare and serve this salad immediately. The lime juice helps prevent avocado browning, but it's best enjoyed within an hour or two.
Adapt it for your goals.
Herb Swap
Replace cilantro with fresh dill, chives, or parsley for a different aromatic profile.
Protein BoostProtein Boost
Add 1/4 cup cooked, chopped shrimp or finely diced cucumber for extra crunch and volume.
Citrus TwistCitrus Twist
Substitute half of the lime juice with lemon juice or a splash of orange juice for a slightly sweeter, brighter note.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Healthy Fats
Avocado is packed with monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health and can help lower bad cholesterol levels.
Excellent Source of Protein
Crab meat provides a lean source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and overall body function, without significant saturated fat.
Packed with Vitamins and Minerals
This salad offers a good dose of Vitamin C from lime, Vitamin K and folate from avocado and cilantro, and minerals like selenium and zinc from crab.
Frequently asked questions
While best served fresh, you can prep the crab, cilantro, and red onion ahead. Dice the avocado and combine all ingredients just before serving to prevent browning and maintain optimal texture.
