Month-of-Mediterranean: "Crab" Salad Lettuce Wraps

While most of the country is gorging on various kinds of chicken wings and pizza during the Super Bowl today, you can offer your guests a tasty AND more healthful alternative snack or lunch dish.

I always indulge in lobster or crab roll when I am on the East Coast. Love the gooey chewiness of the fish next to that buttered roll! Yum! But it is an indulgence that I've learned to mimic in a more healthful way with imitation crab made from surimi.

Surimi is a fish paste (from pollock or other fish) that is shaped into crab look-alikes. It’s a way to make a tolerable version of crab rolls when you are far from the ocean/ unable to find crab meat. Or, as in this case, a way to make a lighter version by using lettuce leaves instead of a buttered and toasted bun.

And at way less than 200 calories in ½ cup along with 12 grams of protein, you’ve got a lunch that won’t weigh you down, but that will hold you until dinner. Quick, easy, healthful—what could be better? I served this with a few crackers and some fruit. Great lunch!

“Crab” Salad Lettuce Wraps (serves 4)

½ pound imitation crab meat

1/3 cup sandwich spread (includes pickle relish)

1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning

2 celery stalks, diced

2 green onions, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

4-8 iceberg or buttercrunch lettuce leaves

Shred imitation crab and set aside.

In a small bowl combine sandwich spread, Old Bay Seasoning, celery, onions, and lemon juice. Mix well.

Add in imitation crab and coat the fish well. Refrigerate at least an hour.

When ready to eat, distribute “crab” salad among the lettuce leaves and let people wrap them up burrito-style to eat.

DH’s Rating: Five Tongues Up

“I feel so healthy! Fish for lunch that’s not fried or battered! It’s so fresh tasting, too.”