Jiffy Macaroni And Crab
A fresh, crunchy macaroni salad with crab and vegetables, featuring tangy vinegar and soy sauce flavors, perfect for light lunches or summer gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 c. small elbow macaroni ⓘ
- 3 c. finely chopped iceberg lettuce ⓘ
- 3 scallions, chopped ⓘ
- 1 (2 oz.) jar chopped pimientos, drained ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped imitation crabmeat, such as Sealegs
- 1 c. frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 1 Tbsp. sesame seed
- 1/4 c. rice vinegar ⓘ
- 1/4 c. soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp. Asian sesame oil
- 1/8 tsp. pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook macaroni until just tender, about 10 minutes.
- Drain off water, leaving macaroni in the pot.
- Stir in lettuce, scallions, pimientos, crab, peas and carrots, sesame seed, vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and pepper.
- Toss to mix well and serve immediately or refrigerate and serve chilled.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce for some heat. For a healthier twist, substitute whole wheat macaroni or use fresh crab if available. You can also experiment with different vegetables like bell peppers or corn. If you're short on time, pre-cooked or canned crabmeat works as a quick alternative.
Serving Suggestions
This dish makes for a delightful main course or a side salad at summer gatherings. Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal. It also goes well with crusty bread or a light soup. For a refreshing twist, serve alongside a fruit salad or a tangy coleslaw.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld beautifully as it chills. To reheat, gently warm in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Alternatively, serve it cold for a refreshing dish.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jiffy Macaroni And Crab contains roughly 438 calories, with 16g protein, 24g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (169% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value), and protein (33% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2074mg per serving (90% 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 fresh crab instead of imitation crabmeat?
Absolutely! Fresh crab will add a rich, sweet flavor to the dish. Just make sure to shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces for even distribution. This is a great way to elevate the dish if you're looking for a more premium seafood experience.
What can I substitute for rice vinegar?
If you don't have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar can work as substitutes, though the flavor will be slightly different. For a milder taste, mix equal parts of lemon juice and water to mimic the acidity without overpowering the dish.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, Jiffy Macaroni And Crab is great for meal prep! It can be made in advance and stored in the fridge. Just remember to keep the dressing separate until ready to serve if you want to maintain the texture of the macaroni and veggies.
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).