King Crab Recipe: Crab Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing
User Reviews
5
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Total Time
45 mins
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Servings
4 people
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Calories
249 kcal
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Course
Main Course, Salad
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Cuisine
American
King Crab Recipe: Crab Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing
Description
The King Crab Recipe: Crab Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing brings together the delicate, sweet meat of king crab legs with crisp romaine lettuce and spinach. The crab is either grilled or steamed, then cracked out of the shell to be served chilled atop the greens, complemented by boiled eggs and juicy tomatoes. The salad is dressed with a thick avocado dressing blended from avocado, plain yogurt, lime juice, and salt, giving it a creamy, tangy layer that balances the natural flavors.
The crab legs are cooked by grilling or steaming, preserving their texture and flavor. Grilling adds a subtle smoky note, while steaming keeps the meat tender and moist. The fresh greens provide a crisp base, and the boiled eggs add protein and richness. The dressing, thick enough to be used as both a salad dressing and dip, is made creamy with avocado and yogurt, and brightened by lime juice.
This salad works well as a light but satisfying main course, serving four, or as a side for six to eight people. It's best enjoyed fresh, offering a combination of textures and balanced flavors from the shellfish and avocado dressing. The lime wedges served alongside allow for additional acidity as desired, enhancing the overall dish.
Using pre-cooked king crab legs simplifies preparation. The crab can be grilled or steamed depending on preference or available equipment. For a thinner dressing, extra lime juice can be added. Properly removing the crab meat from the shell is key to ease of eating; a crab cracker or kitchen shears are useful tools. The olive oil brushed on crab legs before grilling prevents sticking and adds subtle flavor.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 1 pound king crab legs See Recipe Notes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 ounces spinach fresh
- 1 romaine lettuce heart; roughly chopped
- 4 egg boiled; halved; or more if desired
- 1 tomato large; diced; or more if desired
- 2 lime quartered
Creamy Avocado Dressing:
- 1 avocado
- ½ cup PLAIN yogurt
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 lime juiced
Instructions
Grilling Crab:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Brush legs with olive oil to prevent them from sticking to the grill. Place crab legs on grill in a single layer, and grill 4-5 minutes total for thawed crab legs or 10-11 minutes total for frozen legs. Flip legs about halfway through grill time.
Removing Crab Meat:
- Use a crab cracker to remove crab meat from shells, or use a chef’s knife and kitchen shears. (Check the Recipe Notes for a tutorial link.)
Creamy Avocado Dressing:
- Add avocado, yogurt, lime juice, and salt to a blender basin. Blend until creamy. (This dressing is thick, allowing it to work as both a dressing and a sauce to dip the crab into. If you prefer a thinner dressing, add more lime juice.)
Assemble the Salad:
- Toss together the romaine hearts and spinach. Use the lettuce as a base for the salad, and then add the tomatoes, boiled eggs, and crab. Serve with limes and the avocado dressing.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked king crab legs for this recipe; grilling or steaming both work well.
- For easier access to meat, use a crab cracker or kitchen shears as noted.
- You can thin the creamy avocado dressing by adding more lime juice if desired.
- This salad serves 4 as a main dish or 6-8 as a side dish.
- Tomatoes and boiled eggs can be adjusted in quantity to taste.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 249 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 249kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 14g | 5% |
| Protein | 15g | 30% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 4g | 20% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2g | 12% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 180mg | 60% |
| Sodium | 417mg | 17% |
| Potassium | 762mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 4g | 8% |
| Vitamin A | 5748IU | 115% |
| Vitamin C | 35mg | 39% |
| Calcium | 138mg | 14% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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