Avocado Half-Shells With Seafood
A vibrant seafood appetizer featuring creamy avocado halves filled with a zesty shrimp, crab, and lobster salad, perfect for elegant gatherings and seafood lovers.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chili sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon capers ⓘ
- fresh lemon juice ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- dash of Tabasco ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- lemon or lime wedges ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 pound shrimp, shelled and cooked ⓘ
- 1 7/4 oz can crab meat, drained and flaked ⓘ
- 1 5 oz can lobster, drained and flaked ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine chili sauce, mayonnaise, capers, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Toss the chili mixture with cooked shrimp, drained crab meat, and drained lobster; chill the seafood salad.
- Halve the avocados lengthwise and gently twist to separate the halves.
- Remove the seeds by inserting a sharp knife into each seed and twisting to lift out.
- Brush the avocado halves with lemon juice.
- Fill each avocado half with the seafood salad.
- Garnish with lemon or lime wedges and serve.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier seafood salad, consider adding diced avocado or using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. If you're looking to reduce calories, substitute with a low-fat mayo. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can enhance the flavors. If you have leftover seafood, you can also blend it into a dip, reminiscent of Hot Crab And Shrimp Spread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these avocado half-shells as a stunning appetizer at your next gathering. They pair wonderfully with a light salad or crispy tortilla chips for added crunch. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside Cornbread Dressing With Shrimp for a delightful seafood-themed feast.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, keep the seafood salad and avocado halves separate to prevent browning. Place the seafood salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, fill the avocado halves right before eating to maintain their freshness and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Avocado Half-Shells With Seafood contains roughly 150 calories, with 3g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (57% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and potassium (25% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2002mg per serving (87% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other seafood in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorite seafood, such as scallops or even mixed seafood medleys. Just ensure it's cooked and seasoned well to complement the other flavors.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, swap the seafood for a mixture of diced vegetables, such as bell peppers, cucumbers, and corn. You can also include chickpeas for protein and toss everything with the same dressing for a refreshing salad.
What should I do if I have leftover avocado?
To keep leftover avocado fresh, sprinkle it with lemon juice and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for a day or two. Alternatively, you can mash the avocado into guacamole or add it to smoothies for a creamy texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).