Light Crab Spread
A light, flavorful crab spread with fresh herbs, vegetables, and creamy cheese, perfect as an appetizer with bread or vegetables for seafood lovers and entertaining occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Finely chop the white onion; press the garlic.
- Mix the chopped onion, garlic, Neufchatel cheese, and skim milk until well blended.
- Spread the cheese mixture in a shallow serving dish.
- Coarsely chop the tomato, green pepper, and parsley.
- Mix the chopped tomato, green pepper, 2 tablespoons of parsley, lemon juice, and salt.
- Spoon the vegetable mixture on top of the cheese spread.
- Top with flaked imitation crab meat.
- Sprinkle with the remaining parsley.
- Chill the spread before serving.
- Serve with cocktail bread or vegetable slices.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute Neufchatel cheese with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. If you want to enhance the flavor, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce. Fresh herbs like dill or chives can also elevate the taste. To save time, pre-chopped vegetables can be used, but fresh ingredients will yield the best flavor. This spread can also be used in Broiled Crab Sandwiches for a delightful twist.
Serving Suggestions
This Light Crab Spread is perfect as an appetizer for gatherings or a light snack. Serve it with cocktail bread or fresh vegetable slices like cucumber and bell peppers for a refreshing crunch. It pairs beautifully with other seafood recipes and can be complemented by a crisp white wine. For an elegant touch, consider serving it alongside Festive Fish Fillets or as part of a seafood platter.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld and improve over time. If you want to reheat it, warm it gently in the microwave in short bursts to prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery. However, this spread is best enjoyed chilled, so consider serving it cold after storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Light Crab Spread contains roughly 195 calories, with 16g protein, 33g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (107% of the Daily Value), iron (71% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (57% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 759mg per serving (33% 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 real crab meat instead of imitation?
Yes, you can substitute real crab meat for imitation crab. Just be sure to adjust the quantity to your taste, as real crab might have a more intense flavor. This will enhance the overall richness of the spread, making it more luxurious and flavorful.
How can I make this spread spicier?
To add a spicy kick to your Light Crab Spread, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Alternatively, incorporating a bit of sriracha or your favorite hot sauce into the cheese mixture can provide a delicious heat that complements the crab and vegetables.
Is this spread suitable for making ahead of time?
Absolutely! This spread can be made up to a day in advance, allowing the flavors to develop. Just be sure to cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. Before serving, give it a quick stir and garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant presentation.
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).