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Cilantro-Lime Crab Salad with Paprika Toasts

Cilantro-Lime Crab Salad with Paprika Toasts


  • Author: Mary
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free bread substitution)

Description

Cilantro-Lime Crab Salad with Paprika Toasts is a fresh and vibrant dish combining zesty lime juice, bright cilantro, and sweet lump crab meat with smoky, crunchy paprika-seasoned toasts. Perfect as a light meal or elegant appetizer, this quick recipe delivers a refreshing balance of flavors and textures that’s sure to impress guests and delight your taste buds.


Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 8 oz fresh lump crab meat
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Paprika Toasts

  • 1 baguette or French bread, sliced into thin rounds
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Paprika Toasts: Slice the baguette into thin rounds and brush both sides lightly with olive oil. Evenly sprinkle smoked paprika over the slices. Toast them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes until crisp and golden, turning them halfway through the baking time.
  2. Mix the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the fresh lump crab meat, finely chopped red onion, chopped cilantro, mayonnaise, and freshly squeezed lime juice. Fold everything carefully to preserve the delicate texture of the crab.
  3. Season to Perfection: Add salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the amount of lime juice or cilantro depending on your preferred level of tanginess and herbaceous flavor.
  4. Serve on the Paprika Toasts: Once the toasts have cooled slightly, spoon generous amounts of the crab salad onto each slice. Garnish with an extra sprinkle of chopped cilantro or lime zest for a pop of color and enhanced flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh cilantro and freshly squeezed lime juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavors.
  • Fold the crab salad ingredients gently to avoid breaking down the crab meat.
  • Watch the paprika toasts carefully while baking to prevent burning and ensure perfect crunch.
  • Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Customize the thickness of the toasts to balance crunch and salad ratio according to your preference.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 180
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 320mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 12g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg

Keywords: cilantro lime crab salad, crab salad, paprika toasts, appetizer, seafood salad, quick crab recipe, fresh crab salad