Summer Crab and Tomato Salad

Donald Link

Herbsaint Restaurant and Bar, Cochon, Cochon Butcher, Calcasieu, Pêche Seafood Grill, and La Boulangerie, New Orleans

“The acidity of ripe tomatoes is a natural combination with the crab’s clean seafood flavor and a rich, creamy dressing,” writes Link. He adds that peppery watercress, simply dressed with oil and vinegar, makes a great addition on the side.

Yield

4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 jalapeño pepper, stemmed, seeded, and finely chopped
  • Zest and juice of 1 lime
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 12 mint leaves, finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Generous pinch of cayenne pepper
  • 1 pound non-pasteurized jumbo lump crabmeat, carefully picked over for shells and cartilage
  • 2 large ripe tomatoes
  • Sea salt

Method

Combine the jalapeño, lime zest and juice, and vinegar in the bowl of a food processor and purée until smooth. Transfer to a medium bowl and fold in the mayonnaise, mint, salt, red pepper flakes, and cayenne.

Add the crab to the dressing and gently fold together. Slice the tomatoes a little shy of 1/2-inch thick. Divide the tomatoes among 4 salad plates and season with salt. Top tomatoes with equal portions of the crab salad and serve immediately.


https://www.jamesbeard.org/recipes/summer-crab-and-tomato-salad