Crab Salad Melts

This crab and asparagus melt is delicious for a light spring dinner or lunch. You can use any type of crabmeat—including more affordable options available in pouches or cans near other canned fish or in tubs in the seafood department. Serve with a tossed salad.

Makes 4 servings

ACTIVE TIME: 25 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 25 minutes

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

3 asparagus spears or 12 snow peas, trimmed and thinly sliced (about 1/3 cup)
8 ounces crabmeat, any shells or cartilage removed
1/3 cup finely chopped celery
1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
1 scallion, finely chopped
4 teaspoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon low-fat mayonnaise
1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
2-5 dashes hot sauce
Freshly ground pepper to taste
4 whole-wheat English muffins, split and toasted
1/2 cup shredded Swiss cheese

1. Place rack in the upper third of the oven; preheat broiler.
2. Place asparagus (or snow peas) in a medium microwave-safe bowl with 1 teaspoon water. Cover and microwave until tender, about 30 seconds. Add crab, celery, bell pepper, scallion, lemon juice, mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, hot sauce to taste and pepper; stir to combine.
3. Place English muffin halves, cut-side up, on a large baking sheet. Spread a generous 1/4 cup of the crab salad on each muffin half and sprinkle each with 1 tablespoon cheese. Broil until the cheese is melted, 3 to 6 minutes.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 251 calories; 6 g fat (3 g sat, 1 g mono); 52 mg cholesterol; 30 g carbohydrate; 22 g protein; 5 g fiber; 629 mg sodium; 234 mg potassium.
Nutrition bonus: Calcium (33% daily value), Vitamin C (20% dv), Folate & Magnesium (15% dv).
1 1/2 Carbohydrate Servings
Exchanges: 2 starch, 1/2 vegetable, 2 lean meat