Name: Surimi Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Americans
Ingredients: • 1 lb surimi, flaked• 1 cup diced celery• 1 cup diced cucumber• 1/2 cup diced red onion• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise• 2 tablespoons lemon juice• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard• Salt and pepper to taste

Surimi salad has long been a favorite among seafood enthusiasts, offering a delightful blend of flavors and textures that make it the perfect choice for a light yet satisfying meal. This versatile dish has gained widespread popularity, and for good reason – it’s easy to prepare, bursting with flavor, and can be customized to suit a variety of dietary preferences.

Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch option, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a side dish to complement your main course, surimi salad is sure to impress. Its refreshing, lively flavors and vibrant colors make it a visually appealing addition to any table, while its nutritional profile ensures that you’re nourishing your body with every bite.

❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓

Surimi salad is a true culinary gem, offering a winning combination of attributes that make it a standout choice. Its bright, citrusy notes provide a delightful contrast to the subtle sweetness of the surimi, while the crunchy texture of the vegetables and the creamy dressing create a symphony of flavors and textures in every bite.

What’s more, this recipe is incredibly versatile, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings. The make-ahead nature of the dish allows you to prepare it in advance, freeing up time and ensuring that you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal without the hassle of last-minute preparation.

Surimi salad is also an excellent choice for those seeking a healthier alternative to traditional seafood dishes. With its low-calorie profile and nutrient-dense ingredients, it’s a nutritious option that won’t sacrifice flavor or satisfaction.

🛒 What You Need to Prepare Surimi Salad ❓

• 1 lb surimi, flaked
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• 1/2 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

The beauty of this surimi salad is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of surimi, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, tangy dressing creates the Japanese-inspired flavor profile that has made seafood salad recipes perennially popular.

📝 How to Make Surimi Salad Step-by-Step ❓

• Step 1: In a large bowl, gently combine the flaked surimi, diced celery, diced cucumber, diced red onion, and chopped fresh parsley.
• Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until well combined.
• Step 3: Pour the dressing over the surimi and vegetable mixture, and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
• Step 4: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Step 5: Cover and refrigerate the surimi salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

⏱️ Timing Overview

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Chilling time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes

Compared to traditional seafood salads that can take up to an hour to prepare, this surimi salad saves you 25% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors and a refreshing, vibrant result.

👩🏻‍⚕️ Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 160
• Protein: 13g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 480mg

These surimi salad servings provide approximately 26% of your daily protein requirements and 20% of your daily vitamin C needs, making them not just delicious but nutritionally valuable as well.

🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

• Reduced-fat option: Use low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt and reduced-fat mayonnaise to cut down on the overall fat content.
• Lower-carb version: Omit the cucumber and reduce the amount of onion to lower the carbohydrate count.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Replace the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative, such as almond or coconut yogurt.
• Added protein: Mix in cooked and chilled shrimp or diced chicken for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or shredded carrots for additional nutrients and crunch.

These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the surimi salad.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve chilled surimi salad on a bed of mixed greens for a light and refreshing lunch.
• Pair with whole-grain crackers or toasted bread for a heartier snack or appetizer.
• Complement the salad with a side of fresh fruit, such as grapes or mandarin orange segments, for a complete and balanced meal.
• For a family-style gathering, create a surimi salad platter with additional toppings like sliced avocado, chopped hard-boiled eggs, and crushed nuts or seeds.

❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the surimi: Surimi is pre-cooked, so there’s no need to cook it further. Overhandling or overcooking can make the surimi tough and dry.
• Letting the salad sit too long: While the flavors will continue to develop the longer the salad sits, leaving it in the fridge for more than 3-4 days can cause the vegetables to become soggy and the dressing to separate.
• Using a heavy hand with the dressing: The dressing should lightly coat the salad, not drown it. Start with a smaller amount of dressing and add more as needed to achieve the desired consistency.

🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe

These surimi salads retain their quality remarkably well:

• Refrigeration: Store the prepared surimi salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Surimi salad can be frozen for up to 2 months. To freeze, portion the salad into individual servings, place in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

❓ FAQs

Can I make surimi salad in advance?

Absolutely! Surimi salad is an excellent make-ahead option. Prepare the salad, cover, and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors will continue to develop, and the salad will be ready to serve whenever you need it.

Can I substitute imitation crab for surimi?

Yes, you can use imitation crab (also known as surimi) in place of the surimi in this recipe. The flavor and texture will be very similar, and the substitution is a 1:1 ratio.

Is surimi salad gluten-free?

Yes, this surimi salad recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free ingredients, such as a gluten-free Dijon mustard. The main components – surimi, vegetables, and the yogurt-based dressing – are all gluten-free.

What can I do if my surimi salad is too dry?

If your surimi salad seems a bit dry, simply add a tablespoon or two of additional mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to the dressing and toss gently to coat the salad. You can also add a splash of lemon juice or white wine vinegar to brighten up the flavors.

Can I add other ingredients to the surimi salad?

Absolutely! This recipe is highly versatile, and you can customize it with a variety of additional ingredients. Try adding diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, or chopped hard-boiled eggs. Just be sure to adjust the dressing quantity as needed to coat all the added ingredients.

Conclusion

These surimi salads represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a light lunch, a refreshing appetizer, or a side dish for a summer gathering, they’re sure to impress with their bright, vibrant colors and delightful flavors.

The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this surimi salad demonstrates that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the assembly.

So why not give this delightful surimi salad a try? It’s sure to become a new staple in your recipe repertoire, offering a tasty and nutritious way to enjoy the bounty of the sea.