Maryland Chesapeake Bay Crab Salad Recipe – Affordable and Delicious Maryland Recipes

Embark on a culinary journey that mirrors the pristine waters and briny treasures of the Chesapeake Bay with a dish that exudes coastal elegance—Chesapeake Bay Crab Salad. This refreshing salad not only pays homage to Maryland’s rich seafood heritage but also offers a symphony of flavors that celebrate the sweetness and succulence of Chesapeake Bay crab. Join us as we explore the steps to create this light, vibrant, and utterly delectable Crab Salad, a perfect ode to the charm of the Chesapeake.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound lump crab meat, picked over for shells
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Butter lettuce leaves (for serving)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Crab: Gently inspect the lump crab meat, ensuring it’s free of shells and cartilage. Place the crab meat in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Create the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. This zesty dressing will enhance the natural sweetness of the crab.
  3. Assemble the Salad Base: Add halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and chopped chives to the bowl with crab meat.
  4. Drizzle with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss the salad to ensure an even coating of the vibrant dressing.
  5. Serve on Lettuce Leaves: Arrange butter lettuce leaves on serving plates. Spoon the Chesapeake Bay Crab Salad onto the lettuce leaves, creating an elegant presentation.
  6. Garnish and Enjoy: Garnish the salad with additional chives and cilantro. Serve immediately, allowing the flavors to meld for a delightful burst of freshness with each bite.

Chesapeake Bay Crab Salad is more than a dish; it’s a celebration of the Chesapeake’s bounty, a melody of flavors that dance on your palate with each forkful. Whether enjoyed as a light lunch, a refreshing appetizer, or a side dish for a summer feast, this salad embodies the spirit of coastal living. So, let the sweetness of lump crab, the crispness of vegetables, and the zing of the citrusy dressing transport you to the shores of the Chesapeake Bay. Indulge in the coastal elegance of Chesapeake Bay Crab Salad, where simplicity meets sophistication in a symphony of freshness.

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