Description
This classic seafood salad recipe combines large shrimp and lump crabmeat with a rich Golden Saffron & Smoked Paprika dressing. It’s perfect for entertaining or as a light, healthy meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb lump crabmeat, drained
- 2 stalks celery, finely diced
- 1/4 medium red onion, finely minced
- 1 cup mayonnaise, high-quality full-fat
- 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads, crushed
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt, to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
Instructions
- Poach and Chill Shrimp: Bring 1 cup water or broth to a simmer. Add shrimp and poach for 2-3 minutes until pink. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop cooking, then drain well. Chop shrimp into 1/2 inch pieces.
- Prepare Saffron Dressing: Steep saffron threads in 1 tablespoon warm water for 5 minutes. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, saffron infusion, smoked paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Reserve 2 tablespoons of dressing for garnish.
- Assemble Seafood Salad: Combine the chopped shrimp, crabmeat, diced celery, and minced red onion in a large bowl. Add the remaining dressing and gently fold together until all ingredients are coated.
- Chill and Meld Flavors: Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. For best results, chill for up to 2 hours before serving.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the chilled salad over crisp lettuce leaves. Drizzle with the reserved dressing and garnish with chopped chives and a light dusting of smoked paprika.
Notes
The salad should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes before serving. If it appears too dry after chilling, adjust the consistency by adding a small amount of extra mayonnaise or lemon juice. Do not freeze the salad, as the mayonnaise base will separate and change texture upon thawing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: salad
- Method: no cook
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 50 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 42 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg