Jon'S Mexican Crab Salad
A flavorful and creamy crab salad with zesty lime, cilantro, and green chilies, perfect for light lunches or entertaining seafood lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sour cream with chives ⓘ
- 1/2 cup diced green chilies ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons Jalapeno sauce (Tabasco brand)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions with greens
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 pound crab meat (fresh or imitation) ⓘ
Instructions
- Mix sour cream with chives, diced green chilies, jalapeno sauce, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, chopped cilantro, garlic salt, and lime juice in a bowl.
- Gently fold in the crab meat until well coated.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using full-fat sour cream instead of the chive version, or add a bit of mayonnaise. If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of jalapeno sauce or use mild green chilies. Fresh crab meat is ideal, but imitation crab can also work well in a pinch. For added crunch, toss in some diced bell peppers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this crab salad in taco shells or over a bed of greens for a light meal. It pairs beautifully with South Texas Nachos or can be a delightful appetizer alongside chips. For a complete meal, consider serving with a side of Fiesta Salad for added freshness and color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors will meld nicely, but be cautious not to keep it too long as the crab can spoil. This salad is not suitable for freezing due to the texture changes in the sour cream and crab meat.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jon'S Mexican Crab Salad contains roughly 127 calories, with 6g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and protein.
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 canned crab meat for this recipe?
Yes, canned crab meat can be used as a substitute, but make sure to drain it well and check for any shell pieces. Fresh crab offers the best flavor and texture, but canned is a convenient alternative that works in a pinch.
How can I make this salad spicier?
To increase the heat, add more jalapeno sauce or incorporate diced jalapenos into the mix. You could also sprinkle some cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Adjust according to your taste preference.
Is this crab salad suitable for a party?
Absolutely! This Mexican Crab Salad is perfect for gatherings as it can be made in advance and served chilled. It’s a crowd-pleaser and pairs well with various appetizers, making it a great addition to any seafood recipes spread.
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).