quinoa seafood salad recipe

Longevity & Protein

As we age, prioritizing protein isn’t just about nutrition—it’s about longevity. To support our bodies and maintain vital muscle mass, increasing our protein intake becomes a non-negotiable part of the Power of 5 wellness formula.

While we all make personal choices regarding our eating habits for various reasons, our journeys often evolve. For over eight years, Dr. B and I thrived on a strictly vegan lifestyle. However, we’ve recently listened to our bodies’ changing nutritional needs. While we remain committed to a primarily plant-based lifestyle, we have reintroduced fish and eggs into our routine to ensure we hit our protein goals while still completely eliminating dairy.

Protein & Weight

We found that while it is possible to get significant protein from beans and legumes, the high carbohydrate and calorie counts made it challenging to maintain an ideal weight. By adding high-quality fish and eggs, it helps us to reach our goal of 80-100 grams of protein per day. We pair these sources with the essential fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants found in the whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts (eliminating ultra-processed foods), that have always been the bedrock of our kitchen.

This Quinoa Seafood Salad is a perfect reflection of this balance—nutrient-dense, satisfying, and designed to power your healthspan.

To Healthy Cooking & Eating!

Melissa
Healthy Lifestyle Advocate, Author and Chef 

Quinoa Seafood Salad

A great lunch, dinner or side to another main dish
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 16 minutes
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4 Servings
Calories 224 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Canned crabmeat You may use imitation crab if desired or substitute crab with plant-based proteins such as tofu.
  • 2 Green onions (scallions) Chopped thinly including the green
  • 1/4 cup Olive oil mayo Or mayo of your choice
  • 1-2 stalks Celery Chopped thinly across the grain
  • 1 cup Cooked quinoa Any type, follow cooking instructions on package
  • 1 tsp Chopped dill More to taste
  • Salt & pepper To taste
  • Bed of mixed greens and/or arugula Layer Quinoa Seafood Salad over the greens
  • 1/2 whole Avocado

Notes

Melissa’s Modifications

This salad is an effortless, nutrient-dense powerhouse—high in protein, vitamins, and minerals while remaining low in fat and carbohydrates. It is incredibly versatile: serve it for lunch or dinner, as a side or the main course.
Add other chopped veggies to your salad: sweet peppers, shredded carrots, or others of your choice.
For those who follow a pure plant-based lifestyle, omit the seafood, add more veggies and/or replace the seafood with cubed baked tofu.
My personal favorite way to enjoy this is served over a bed of chopped arugula and super greens, or stuffed into a fresh avocado half. 
A Note on Ingredients:
As an alternative to fresh or canned lump crab meat, you can use surimi (crab sticks). While it is a more affordable and tasty substitute, keep in mind it is a processed Japanese fish paste—typically minced white fish like pollock blended with starches and flavorings. It’s the same product often found in California rolls and crab cakes.
Regardless of which protein you choose, this dish is a winner—packed with lean protein and healthy fats. It’s a recipe you’ll find yourself returning to again and again!
To Healthy Cooking & Eating!
Melissa

Nutrition

Serving: 14ozCalories: 224kcalCarbohydrates: 14.2gProtein: 21.3gFat: 7.5gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 64.5mgSodium: 727.2mgFiber: 3.4gSugar: 0.8g
Keyword crabmeat, quinoa, seafood salad
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