For those following a ketogenic diet, finding satisfying and delicious meals can sometimes be a challenge. Seafood salads offer a refreshing and versatile option that fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle. This article explores various keto seafood salad recipes, including prawn, shrimp, and crab variations, providing detailed instructions, ingredient substitutions, and serving suggestions.
Introduction
Seafood salads are quick, easy to prepare, and packed with protein and healthy fats, making them ideal for lunch, light dinners, or even meal prepping. Whether you're a fan of shrimp, crab, or prawns, there's a keto seafood salad recipe to satisfy your cravings.
Keto Prawn Salad
Inspired by prawn cocktail and tartar sauce, this keto prawn salad combines the flavors of mayonnaise, onion, and gherkins. Dill, a great pairing with seafood, replaces parsley, and the addition of a boiled egg is borrowed from tuna salad recipes. This recipe makes one serving and can be found on MyFitnessPal.
Ingredients
- Prawns
- Mayonnaise
- Red onion
- Gherkins
- Dill
- Boiled egg
- Lemon juice
- Mixed herbs
- Butter
Instructions
- Slice the red onion and mix with lemon juice; set aside.
- Chop the olives and gherkins and set aside.
- Cook the prawns in butter with garlic and mixed herbs until they are gently poached.
- Combine the cooked prawns with mayonnaise, red onion, olives, gherkins, dill, and boiled egg.
- Adjust seasonings to taste and serve.
The key to this recipe is to slow-poach the prawns and garlic in butter infused with herbs. This creates a flavorful butter that blends seamlessly with the mayonnaise.
Keto Shrimp Salad
This shrimp salad recipe is a low-carb delight featuring succulent shrimp, crisp veggies, and a blend of fresh herbs. It's a refreshing and light dish perfect for a hot summer day and comes together in just five minutes.
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
Ingredients
- Pre-cooked shrimp
- Mayonnaise (low-carb version)
- Lime juice
- Celery
- Cucumber
- Chives
- Cilantro
- Celery seed
- Salt and black pepper
- Optional: Red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, bell pepper, Worcestershire sauce
- Lettuce cups (romaine)
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients and tools.
- Seed and dice the cucumber.
- Dice the celery and finely chop the chives and cilantro.
- Add the diced cucumber, celery, chives, and cilantro to a large bowl.
- Dice the cooked shrimp into bite-sized pieces and add to the bowl. If using smaller shrimp, reduce the mayonnaise quantity.
- Add the mayonnaise, lime juice, and celery seed to the bowl.
- Gently mix until all ingredients are well-coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add chili flakes or hot sauce for an extra kick, if desired.
- Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve in romaine lettuce cups.
Tips for the Best Shrimp Salad
- Mayo Moderation: Start with a small amount of low-carb mayo and adjust to avoid overpowering the flavors.
- Season Generously: Don't hold back on the lime, salt, or pepper.
- Choose Lettuce Wisely: Use romaine lettuce for its sturdy texture.
- Chill Before Serving: Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: Keep the salad in a cool spot during outdoor events.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Lime Juice: Substitute with fresh lemon juice.
- Celery Seed: Replace with 1 tablespoon of fresh dill or ½ teaspoons of dried dill.
- Celery: Explore other celery substitutions based on preference.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy shrimp salad on its own or pair it with:
- Amazing Loaded Cauliflower Bake
- Celery sticks
- Cucumber slices
Storage Instructions
Cold shrimp salad can be stored in the fridge for a couple of days, but be aware that the shrimp and vegetables may release liquid.
Keto Crab Salad
This keto crab salad is a flavorful and easy-to-make option that's perfect for a quick lunch or snack. It uses either real crab meat or imitation crab, making it an affordable and versatile choice.
Ingredients
- 16 oz shredded crab meat or surimi
- ½ medium bell pepper, chopped
- 1-2 T. lemon juice
- 2 T. finely minced onion
- ½ tsp. Old Bay Seasoning
- 2 T. Mayonnaise
- 4 T. Greek yogurt (full fat)
- 1/8 tsp. sweetener (stevia or preferred sweetener)
- Optional: Avocado, celery sticks, cucumber slices for garnish
Instructions
- In a medium mixing bowl, stir all ingredients together.
- Garnish as desired with avocado, celery sticks, or cucumber slices.
- Serve immediately.
Tips and Variations
- Crab Meat: Use real lump crab meat for the best taste, but imitation crab is a more affordable alternative.
- Old Bay Seasoning: A classic Maryland favorite, Old Bay adds a unique flavor. If unavailable, create a similar spice blend at home.
- Sweetener: Add a hint of sweetener to enhance the flavor. Adjust the amount to your preference.
- Mayonnaise: Avocado mayo is a good option.
- Greek Yogurt: Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve on low-carb bread or lettuce.
- Enjoy with cauliflower rice.
Additional Keto Seafood Salad Variations
- Creamy Keto Shrimp Salad with Cauliflower and Black Olives: Combine cooked shrimp, cauliflower, and black olives in a creamy, tangy dressing.
- Cold Seafood Salad with Imitation Crab: Mix chopped imitation crab meat with onion and celery in a creamy dressing.
Key Ingredients and Their Benefits
- Shrimp: A great source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Crab Meat: Rich in protein and essential minerals.
- Mayonnaise (Low-Carb): Provides healthy fats and adds creaminess.
- Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess and protein while reducing the amount of mayonnaise needed.
- Old Bay Seasoning: A flavorful spice blend that enhances the taste of seafood.
- Lemon/Lime Juice: Adds acidity and brightness to the salad.
- Vegetables (Celery, Cucumber, Bell Pepper): Provide crunch and essential nutrients.
- Herbs (Dill, Chives, Cilantro): Add freshness and flavor.
Why Seafood Salad is Great for Keto
- Low in Carbs: Seafood is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it an excellent choice for the keto diet.
- High in Protein: Protein is essential for satiety and muscle maintenance.
- Healthy Fats: Mayonnaise and avocado provide healthy fats, which are a primary energy source on the keto diet.
- Versatile: Seafood salads can be customized with various ingredients to suit individual tastes and preferences.
- Quick and Easy: These salads can be prepared in minutes, making them perfect for busy weekdays.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
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