Tortellini And Crabmeat Salad
A light, flavorful crab and tortellini salad with fresh broccoli, creamy yogurt dressing, and herbs, perfect for luncheons, parties, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the cheese tortellini according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until tender, then drain and cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked tortellini, broccoli florets, and crab meat.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the plain low-fat yogurt, reduced-calorie mayonnaise, cider vinegar, dried parsley, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder.
- Pour the dressing over the tortellini mixture and gently toss to combine.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for the plain low-fat yogurt. If you prefer a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or a tablespoon of Dijon mustard to the dressing. Fresh crab meat can also be used instead of surimi for a more authentic flavor. Make sure to not overcook the broccoli to retain its vibrant color and crunch.
Serving Suggestions
This Tortellini And Crabmeat Salad is perfect as a light lunch or as a side dish at a summer gathering. It pairs beautifully with Oven Fried Fishgroves, Texas for a seafood feast. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside crusty bread or a fresh green salad. Garnish with additional parsley for a pop of color.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To refresh the salad, simply give it a gentle toss before serving. If it seems dry, add a tablespoon of yogurt or mayonnaise to moisten it. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the tortellini and crab may suffer upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tortellini And Crabmeat Salad contains roughly 252 calories, with 10g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (50% of the Daily Value) and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron.
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 frozen tortellini for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen tortellini. Just follow the package instructions for cooking time, as it may differ from uncooked tortellini. Ensure that it is cooked thoroughly and drained before mixing with the other ingredients.
What can I substitute for crab meat?
If you're looking for alternatives to crab meat, shredded cooked chicken or shrimp can work well in this salad. For a vegetarian option, consider adding chickpeas or diced avocado to maintain a satisfying texture.
Can this salad be made ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made ahead. Prepare the salad a few hours in advance and refrigerate it. However, it's best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the tortellini and broccoli fresh and prevent them from becoming soggy.
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).