Best 2 Quinoa Crab Salad Recipes

Quinoa crab salad is a delightful and refreshing salad that combines the nutty flavor of quinoa with the delicate sweetness of crab meat. It’s a perfect dish for a light lunch or dinner, and it’s also great for picnics and potlucks. This recipe uses fresh crab meat, but you can also use canned crab meat if you prefer.

In addition to the main quinoa crab salad recipe, this article also includes recipes for three variations:

* **Avocado and Mango Quinoa Crab Salad:** This variation adds creamy avocado and sweet mango to the salad, creating a tropical flavor profile.
* **Cucumber and Dill Quinoa Crab Salad:** This variation adds refreshing cucumber and dill to the salad, giving it a light and summery flavor.
* **Lemon and Herb Quinoa Crab Salad:** This variation adds bright lemon and aromatic herbs to the salad, creating a flavorful and tangy dish.

No matter which variation you choose, you’re sure to enjoy this delicious and healthy quinoa crab salad.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

ZESTY QUINOA SALAD

Zesty Quinoa Salad image

This bright and colorful salad is a great summertime recipe (or anytime you want to feel like it's summertime). Light and citrusy, it's a whole new way to enjoy quinoa. Lime juice and cilantro give a refreshing kick, while quinoa and black beans provide tasty vegan protein. If you're not vegan, add even more protein by adding chunks of chicken or turkey. Yum!

Provided by scrumdiddly

Categories Salad Grains Quinoa Salad Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

1 cup quinoa
2 cups water
¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 limes, juiced
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or more to taste
1 ½ cups halved cherry tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
5 green onions, finely chopped
¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

Bring quinoa and water to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until quinoa is tender and water has been absorbed, 10 to 15 minutes. Set aside to cool.
Whisk olive oil, lime juice, cumin, 1 teaspoon salt, and red pepper flakes together in a bowl.
Combine quinoa, tomatoes, black beans, and green onions together in a bowl. Pour dressing over quinoa mixture; toss to coat. Stir in cilantro; season with salt and black pepper. Serve immediately or chill in refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 269.6 calories, Carbohydrate 33.8 g, Fat 11.5 g, Fiber 8.4 g, Protein 8.9 g, SaturatedFat 1.4 g, Sodium 674.5 mg, Sugar 1.7 g

QUINOA CRAB SALAD

Quinoa Crab Salad image

Make and share this Quinoa Crab Salad recipe from Food.com.

Provided by actress_singer_danc

Categories Crab

Time 30m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

4 cups cooked quinoa
226 g crabmeat, drained (or imitation crab meat)
1 cup dried cranberries
1 mango, diced
2 cups chopped fresh parsley
1 orange bell pepper, chopped
1 yellow pepper, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
2 tablespoons lime juice

Steps:

Cook quinoa according to package directions.
Let cool.
Combine all ingredients, and toss.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 250, Fat 3.2, SaturatedFat 0.1, Cholesterol 15.8, Sodium 337.9, Carbohydrate 42.7, Fiber 6.9, Sugar 10.2, Protein 14.2

Tips:

Select the Right Quinoa: Use a good quality quinoa like organic or tri-color quinoa for better flavor and texture.
Rinse the Quinoa Thoroughly: Rinsing removes the bitter coating (saponin) from the quinoa, ensuring a better taste.
Cook the Quinoa Perfectly: Follow the package instructions or use a 1:2 ratio of quinoa to water for cooking.
Use Fresh Crab Meat: Fresh crab meat provides the best flavor, but you can also use frozen or canned crab meat if fresh is not available.
Choose Flavorful Vegetables: Use a variety of colorful and flavorful vegetables like bell peppers, celery, and red onion to add texture and taste.
Make a Tangy Dressing: A well-balanced dressing is key. Use a combination of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and herbs for a tangy and creamy dressing.
Season to Taste: Always taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or herbs if necessary.

Conclusion:

Quinoa crab salad is a delightful dish that combines the goodness of protein-packed quinoa, succulent crab meat, and a refreshing dressing. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a perfect meal for lunch, dinner, or even as a side dish. Whether you're a seafood lover or looking for a healthy and delicious salad option, this quinoa crab salad is sure to impress. Experiment with different variations by adding your favorite vegetables, herbs, or even a hint of spice to create a salad that suits your taste. Enjoy this delicious and nutritious quinoa crab salad as part of a balanced meal!