MSG Free Crab & Avocado Salad with Citrus Herb Dressing
Fresh, vibrant, and genuinely satisfying, this crab and avocado salad is the kind of dish that looks like it came from a nice coastal restaurant but comes together in your own kitchen with zero fuss. The dressing is a bright, golden blend of olive oil, apple cider vinegar, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, turmeric, and ginger — every ingredient is clean and whole, so there's no hidden flavor enhancers or processed shortcuts to worry about. That matters more than people realize with seafood salads, where store-bought dressings and imitation crab products are common culprits for sneaking in unwanted additives. Using real lump crab meat keeps this dish honest and delicious. The avocado gets folded in gently at the end so it stays in satisfying, creamy cubes rather than disappearing into the mix, and the cucumber, celery, and fresh herbs give every bite a crisp, garden-fresh contrast. It's light enough to serve as a starter but substantial enough to anchor a warm-weather lunch. Finish it with a squeeze of lemon and a scatter of cilantro if you have it — simple touches that make the whole bowl sing.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the salad
- 1 lb lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 2 ripe avocados, pitted, peeled, and cut into ¾-inch cubes
- 1 english cucumber, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
- 3 stalks celery, thinly sliced
- 4 scallions (green tops only), thinly sliced
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
For the dressing
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp ground turmeric
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
For serving
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (optional)
- lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, lemon zest, turmeric, ginger, and 1/2 tsp salt until the dressing is smooth and uniform in color.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the crab meat, cucumber, celery, scallion greens, parsley, and chives. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!