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Cilantro-Lime Crab Salad with Paprika Toasts
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free bread or crackers used)
Description
The Cilantro-Lime Crab Salad with Paprika Toasts is a light and fresh dish combining tender crab meat with zesty lime juice and bright cilantro, paired with crispy paprika-seasoned toasts. This elegant yet simple recipe is perfect as a refreshing lunch, a light dinner, or an impressive appetizer for guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 8 oz fresh crab meat, tender and sweet
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup celery, diced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Paprika Toasts
- 1 French bread or baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch slices
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked preferable)
Instructions
- Prepare the Paprika Toasts: Slice the French bread or baguette into 1/2 inch thick slices. Brush each slice lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle paprika evenly over the top. Arrange the slices on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until golden and crisp. Remove from oven and let cool.
- Mix the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the fresh crab meat, finely chopped red onion, diced celery, and chopped cilantro. Add mayonnaise, fresh lime juice, and lime zest. Gently stir to evenly coat all ingredients. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
- Adjust and Chill: Taste the mixture and add additional lime juice or salt if needed to reach your preferred balance. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
- Serve With Paprika Toasts: Just before serving, spoon a generous portion of the cilantro-lime crab salad over the paprika toasts to maintain their crispiness. Garnish as desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use fresh or high-quality crab meat for the best flavor and texture.
- Gently fold ingredients to keep crab meat intact and avoid overmixing.
- Always use fresh lime juice and zest for bright, vibrant flavor.
- Toast bread slices just before serving to keep them crispy.
- Optionally, add crushed nuts like almonds or pistachios for extra crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 240
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg