Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions expressed are solely my own. #40DaysOfFlavor
For many families, Lent is a time for reflection, tradition, and culinary creativity. Growing up, I cherished the moments spent observing my abuela and my mom in the kitchen, their hands deftly preparing a diverse array of seafood dishes. Lent wasn’t just a religious observance; it was a vibrant celebration of our heritage, expressed through an exquisite spread of dishes like savory bacalao con arroz blanco, refreshing ensalada de pulpo, and comforting sopa de marisco. These meals were more than just food; they were a testament to love, family, and the power of shared experience. Now, in my own kitchen, my husband Franklyn and I strive to keep these rich traditions alive, infusing them with our unique touch. This year, we’re excited to share our recipe for a vibrant Crab Coleslaw Salad with a zesty, Spicy Clamato® Tomato Cocktail dressing – a perfect blend of fresh flavors and a nod to our family’s beloved Lenten feasts.
My abuela’s kitchen was always the heart of our home, especially during Lent. She approached seafood with an artistry that made every dish a masterpiece, from flaky cod to tender octopus and robust seafood soups. These days, Franklyn and I find immense joy in carrying on this spirit of culinary adventure. He brings a wonderful Dominican flair to our seafood creations, often adding that distinct, refreshing splash of Clamato Tomato Cocktail, which we conveniently pick up during our regular trips to Walmart. It’s an ingredient that truly brightens and elevates so many of our meals. Last year, we experimented with a unique shrimp ceviche lasagna, pushing the boundaries of traditional Lenten fare. This year, our focus is on something equally delightful but perhaps a little lighter: a delicious Crab Coleslaw Salad paired with a homemade spicy Clamato dressing. This dish perfectly embodies our desire to honor tradition while also embracing fresh, exciting flavors that our whole family can enjoy. It’s a versatile recipe, ideal as a light main course or a refreshing side dish for any gathering.
For more inspiring recipe ideas featuring Clamato Tomato Cocktail, be sure to click here and explore!
The Art of Convivir: Food as a Unifying Force
One of the most profound lessons I learned from my abuela was the unspoken power of food to bring people together. I was always fascinated by how her cooking could effortlessly gather our entire family around the table, fostering a sense of harmony and shared joy. This, to me, perfectly encapsulates the meaning of convivir: to live among others in harmony. Food transcends cultural barriers and differences, creating a common ground where laughter flows easily and memories are made. It has a natural ability to connect people from all walks of life, forging bonds that last a lifetime.
During our family’s Lenten celebrations, while the food was abundant and delicious, the atmosphere was also steeped in a particular reverence. Strict observance meant no loud music – only the soulful strains of baladas vieja, or old ballads, were permitted. Any boisterousness or excessive merriment would often be met with gentle scolding, a reminder of the solemnity of the season. Now, as a mother myself, I find a beautiful balance. While I might not enforce the same strict rules on music or volume, I deeply value and strive to incorporate those core traditions and values into our family life. This includes gathering my own loved ones to celebrate Lent, sharing meals that are both delicious and meaningful. And yes, I’ve even grown to appreciate those very same ballads! Dishes like this fresh and flavorful Crab Coleslaw Salad with spicy Clamato dressing are a wonderful way to honor the past while creating new, cherished memories with my children and husband. It’s about celebrating togetherness and the simple joy of a shared meal, just as my abuela taught me.
Crafting the Perfect Lenten Dish: Crab Coleslaw Salad with Spicy Clamato Dressing
This Crab Coleslaw Salad isn’t just a recipe; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. It’s designed to be both refreshing and satisfying, making it an ideal choice for Lenten meals or any time you crave a light yet flavorful seafood dish. The combination of succulent crab meat, crisp vegetables, and a vibrant, spicy dressing makes every bite an explosion of taste and texture. The beauty of this salad lies in its balance: the sweetness of the crab, the crunch of the coleslaw, and the invigorating kick from our special Clamato dressing. It’s a dish that feels both comforting and exciting, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
The Secret Ingredient: Clamato Tomato Cocktail
At the heart of our spicy dressing is Clamato Tomato Cocktail, an ingredient that has become a staple in our kitchen. Its unique blend of tomato juice and clam broth provides a savory depth and a zesty tang that plain tomato juice simply cannot replicate. Franklyn, with his knack for adding a touch of Dominican flavor, instinctively reaches for Clamato when preparing many of our seafood dishes. It’s incredibly versatile, acting as a superb base for marinades, cocktails, and, of course, the star of our Lenten salad dressing. We find that the 32-ounce or even the larger 64-ounce bottles available at Walmart are perfect for ensuring we always have enough on hand, especially when we’re serving a larger crowd. The richness of Clamato enhances the freshness of the crab and vegetables, tying all the flavors together beautifully. It’s more than just a mixer; it’s an essential flavor enhancer that brings a distinctive character to our cooking.
Crab Coleslaw Salad & Spicy Clamato Dressing Recipe
Yields: 6-8 servings (depending on size)
Prep time: 15 minutes
Chill time: 30 minutes (recommended)
Ingredients:
For the Crab Coleslaw Salad
- 1 pound fresh or good quality imitation crab meat, flaked or shredded
- 1 bag (approx. 10-14 oz) pre-shredded red cabbage coleslaw mix
- 1 bag (approx. 10-14 oz) pre-shredded green cabbage coleslaw mix (or use one large bag of mixed coleslaw)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced or finely diced
- 2 cups shredded carrots (if not included in coleslaw mix)
- 2 stalks of celery, finely chopped
- 1 head of romaine lettuce, leaves separated, for serving
For the Spicy Clamato Dressing
- 32 ounces of Clamato® Tomato Cocktail (Use the 64oz bottle if serving a very large gathering to ensure plenty of dressing for all!)
- Juice from 1 large lemon (approx. 3-4 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons ginger powder (for a warm, aromatic kick)
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your preferred spice level, or add more for extra heat!)
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Base: In a generously sized mixing bowl, combine the shredded red cabbage, green cabbage, shredded carrots, and finely chopped celery. Toss gently to ensure all vegetables are well mixed. If using fresh crab, ensure it’s flaked into bite-sized pieces.
2. Whisk the Dressing: In a separate medium-sized bowl, pour in the Clamato Tomato Cocktail. Add the fresh lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, ginger powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Whisk all the ingredients together vigorously until the spices are fully incorporated and the dressing is smooth. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Feel free to add more cayenne pepper if you desire an extra spicy kick!
3. Combine Salad and Dressing: Add the flaked crab meat to the bowl with the prepared vegetables. Pour approximately half of the freshly made Clamato dressing over the crab and coleslaw mixture. Toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring the crab and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing. You want a good, moist coating without drowning the salad.
4. Chill for Best Flavor: For optimal flavor development and a refreshing crispness, cover the bowl and refrigerate the crab coleslaw salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the vegetables to absorb some of that delicious dressing.
5. Plate and Garnish: To serve, arrange fresh romaine lettuce leaves on individual plates, creating a vibrant green base. Spoon a generous portion of the chilled crab coleslaw salad onto the romaine leaves. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of the thinly sliced red onions for an extra burst of color and a mild onion bite.
6. Serving the Dressing: You have a couple of options for the remaining dressing. You can either drizzle it directly over the individual plated salads just before serving, or, for those who prefer to control their dressing amount, serve it on the side in a small pitcher or bowl. This allows guests to add as much or as little of the spicy Clamato goodness as they like!
Tips for Serving and Customization
This Crab Coleslaw Salad with Spicy Clamato Dressing is wonderfully versatile. It makes an excellent light lunch, a flavorful side dish for a larger Lenten feast, or a fantastic appetizer when served in smaller portions or even in lettuce cups. For an added layer of flavor and texture, consider incorporating diced avocado, sweet bell peppers, or fresh cilantro into the salad mix. If you prefer a less spicy dressing, simply reduce the amount of cayenne pepper. For an extra citrusy kick, a squeeze of fresh lime juice can also be a delightful addition. The key is to make it your own and enjoy the process of creating a meal that resonates with your family’s tastes.
Embracing Modern Lenten Celebrations
Lent is a beautiful opportunity to reconnect with family, reflect on cherished traditions, and create new memories around the dinner table. While the strictures of the past may evolve, the spirit of togetherness and shared meals remains timeless. This Crab Coleslaw Salad with Spicy Clamato Dressing offers a modern, vibrant way to celebrate Lent, blending traditional seafood elements with fresh, contemporary flavors. It’s an invitation to gather your loved ones, share stories, and simply enjoy good food in good company. Whether you’re adhering to strict Lenten dietary guidelines or simply looking for a delicious and healthy seafood meal, this recipe is sure to become a cherished addition to your culinary repertoire. We hope you enjoy preparing and sharing this delightful dish as much as we do.
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We’d love to hear from you! For those of you who celebrate Lent, what delicious and meaningful dishes do you typically serve your family during this special season?