Imagine a dish that captures the vibrant soul of Cajun cuisine in just one bite - a refreshing salad that transports you straight to the sun-drenched Louisiana coastline! This Crab Creole Tomato Salad is not just a recipe; it's a culinary journey that combines the sweet, delicate flavor of fresh crab meat with the bright, juicy punch of ripe tomatoes, all brought together by a zesty Creole seasoning that will make your palate sing with excitement. Perfect for summer gatherings, light lunches, or when you're craving a taste of Southern coastal charm, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: Cajun
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 large tomatoes, diced
- 1 cup crab meat
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Creole seasoning
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the fresh tomatoes by washing thoroughly and cutting them into small, uniform dice. Place the diced tomatoes in a large mixing bowl.
- Carefully inspect the crab meat for any shell fragments, gently picking through to ensure pure, clean meat. Add the crab meat to the bowl with the tomatoes.
- In a separate small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Creole seasoning, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk these ingredients together until they form a smooth, well-blended dressing.
- Pour the seasoned dressing over the tomatoes and crab meat. Use a gentle folding motion to combine all ingredients, ensuring the crab meat and tomatoes are evenly coated without breaking up the delicate crab meat.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and chill slightly.
- Before serving, gently stir the salad once more and transfer to a serving platter or individual plates.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, adding a bright, fresh green accent to the dish.
- Serve immediately as a light appetizer, side dish, or refreshing summer salad.
Tips
- Crab Quality Matters: Always use the freshest crab meat possible. If using canned, drain thoroughly and check for any shell fragments.
- Tomato Selection: Choose ripe, firm tomatoes for the best texture and flavor. Roma or beefsteak varieties work wonderfully.
- Seasoning Hack: For an extra flavor boost, let the salad sit in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the Creole seasoning to fully infuse.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve on a bed of crisp lettuce or with toasted baguette slices to make it a more substantial meal.
- Make-Ahead Tip: This salad is best served fresh, but you can prep the ingredients separately and combine just before serving to maintain the best texture.
- Creole Seasoning Alternatives: If you can't find Creole seasoning, you can make a quick substitute using paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 150kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 55mg
