She Strengthens

A Taste of the West Coast: Dungeness Crab Salad with Curry Mayonnaise

Discover the sweet-saltiness of the West Coast’s favorite crustacean, Dungeness crab, in this easy-to-make and deliciously complex recipe. With a harmonious balance of flavors, this dish is sure to impress.

The Star of the Show: Fresh Dungeness Crab

At the heart of this recipe lies 1 pound of fresh, cleaned Dungeness crabmeat, drained of excess water. This prized ingredient is what sets this dish apart from others.

A Symphony of Flavors and Textures

Combine the crab with an array of fresh ingredients, including:

• 1/2 Fuji apple, peeled and diced
• 1/2 stalk celery, diced
• 1/2 European cucumber, seeded and diced, with additional slices for garnish
• 1 shallot, diced
• 1/4 bulb fennel, diced
• 1 teaspoon fennel fronds, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest, finely chopped
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 4 tablespoons curry mayonnaise (recipe below)
• Kosher salt and white pepper, to taste

The Perfect Accompaniment: Curry Mayonnaise

This elegant and easy-to-make condiment adds a rich, creamy element to the dish. Simply combine:

• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 egg yolk
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• Kosher salt and white pepper, to taste

Slowly whisk in the oil until the mixture thickens and reaches a creamy consistency. If too thick, add small amounts of cold water until spreadable.

Assembly and Serving

On a chilled plate, place the crab salad on a bed of spicy greens (such as arugula, mustard greens, or cress). Top with a spoonful of remaining curry mayonnaise and sliced European cucumbers.

Tips and Variations

• For advance preparation, make the mayonnaise ahead and store in a sealed container for several days in the refrigerator.
• Substitute Jonah crab for a similar sweetness and appearance to Dungeness crab.
• Experiment with other sweet apple varieties, but avoid tart ones like Granny Smith.
• Pair this dish with a crisp Riesling, such as the 2001 Holloran Winery “La Pavillon” Riesling or Pikes Riesling from Clare Valley, South Australia.