Ingredients

• 2 ripe avocados, halved and pitted
• 8 oz lump crab meat (fresh is best, but canned works in a pinch!)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (I use avocado oil mayo for extra healthy fats)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 tablespoon finely diced red bell pepper
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: dash of hot sauce (I’m a spice fiend, so I always add this!)

Instructions

1. Scoop out about 1 tablespoon from each avocado half to make a larger well for the crab mixture. Don’t throw away that avocado gold! Save it for the filling.
2. In a medium bowl, gently combine the crab meat, mayonnaise, lemon juice, cilantro, bell pepper, Dijon, garlic powder, and the reserved avocado. Fold everything together – don’t mash it up!
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you’re feeling spicy, add that dash of hot sauce.
4. Spoon the crab mixture generously into each avocado half. I like to mound it up a bit for that “wow” factor.
5. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges and a sprinkle of extra cilantro if you’re feeling fancy!

Pro tip: Make sure your avocados are ripe but still firm enough to hold their shape. Too soft and they’ll turn to mush when you try to stuff them!

Why I’m Obsessed With This Recipe

I discovered this recipe when I first started my keto journey and was desperately searching for something that didn’t make me feel like I was “on a diet.” This dish has been my saving grace at countless dinner parties where I’d otherwise be longingly staring at the bread basket!

The combination of healthy fats from the avocado and protein from the crab keeps me full for hours. Plus, it’s so pretty on a plate that nobody realizes it’s “diet food” – they just think I’m fancy!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Pro tip: This recipe is packed with potassium from the avocado, which can help with the dreaded “keto flu” when you’re first starting out!

Why This is Perfect for Keto

This recipe is a keto dream come true! With just 3g net carbs per serving, it fits perfectly into even the strictest keto macros. The avocado brings all those amazing healthy fats to the party (about 15g per half!), while the crab adds lean protein without any carbs. It’s the perfect macronutrient balance to keep you in ketosis.

Unlike many keto recipes that require weird ingredients or complicated cooking techniques, this one uses simple, whole foods that you can find at any grocery store. No need to order special flours or sweeteners online!

Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and dairy-free (if you use the right mayo), making it perfect for people with multiple dietary restrictions.

Seasonal Variations to Keep Things Fresh

Spring Refresh

When spring rolls around, I love swapping the cilantro for fresh mint and adding a little grapefruit zest instead of lemon. The brightness pairs perfectly with the first warm days of the year. A few chopped pistachios on top add a lovely green crunch!

Summer Fiesta

Summer calls for a tropical twist! I mix in a small amount of finely diced mango (yes, in small amounts it can be keto-friendly!) and some minced jalapeño for a sweet-heat combo that’s killer on hot days. Serve with a wedge of lime instead of lemon.

Fall Harvest

When the leaves start changing, I love adding finely diced apple (just a small amount to keep carbs low) and a pinch of curry powder to the mix. The warm spices and hint of sweetness are perfect for cooler weather. Sometimes I’ll even warm the crab mixture slightly before spooning it into the avocados.

Winter Warmth

During the chilly winter months, I swap the raw bell pepper for roasted red peppers and add a pinch of smoked paprika. The smoky flavor makes this feel like comfort food without adding any carbs. A sprinkle of crispy pancetta on top takes it to a whole new level!

Pro tip: Make extra crab mixture and store it separately from the avocados in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 2 days, so you can quickly stuff a fresh avocado when hunger strikes!

Common Questions About This Recipe

Can I make this ahead of time?

The crab mixture can be made up to a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. However, I don’t recommend cutting and stuffing the avocados until you’re ready to serve, as they’ll brown quickly once cut (even with the lemon juice).

Is this recipe expensive to make?

Crab meat can be pricey, especially if you use fresh lump crab. To make it more budget-friendly, you can use canned crab meat or even substitute cooked shrimp or chicken. I’ve even made a vegetarian version with hearts of palm that mimics the texture of crab pretty well!

How do I pick the perfect avocado?

Look for avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure but aren’t mushy. For this recipe, slightly firmer avocados actually work better than super ripe ones, as they’ll hold their shape better when stuffed.

Can I use guacamole instead of plain avocado?

I wouldn’t recommend it for this particular recipe. The crab mixture has its own delicate flavor that would be overpowered by guacamole’s stronger taste. Plus, guacamole is usually too soft to hold the crab mixture well.

Let’s Talk About These Ingredients

Avocado: The Keto Superfood

Avocados aren’t just delicious – they’re packed with nutrients that are perfect for a keto lifestyle. They’re loaded with heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber (which doesn’t count toward net carbs!), potassium, and vitamins K, C, and B. All this nutrition helps keep your energy levels stable while you’re in ketosis.

Crab: Protein Powerhouse

Crab meat is an often-overlooked protein source that’s perfect for keto. It’s super low in carbs, high in protein, and contains virtually no fat, making it an excellent complement to the fatty avocado. It’s also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help fight inflammation.

Fresh Herbs: Flavor Without Carbs

One thing I love about this recipe is how the fresh cilantro adds so much flavor without adding carbs. When you’re on keto, finding ways to make food exciting without relying on sugary sauces or high-carb ingredients is key, and fresh herbs are my secret weapon!

Serving Suggestions

While this dish is perfect on its own as an appetizer or light lunch, here are some ways I like to serve it:

• On a bed of mixed greens with a simple olive oil and lemon dressing
• Alongside some keto-friendly cheese crisps for scooping
• As part of a keto appetizer spread with olives, cheese, and low-carb veggies
• For a heartier meal, serve with a side of cauliflower rice seasoned with lime and cilantro

In Conclusion

This Avocado Stuffed with Crab Meat recipe has been my keto secret weapon for years. It’s proof that eating low-carb doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or feeling deprived. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just treating yourself to a special lunch, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort and carbs.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below with your results or any creative variations you tried. And if you’re looking for more keto-friendly recipes that don’t taste like “diet food,” be sure to subscribe to my newsletter for weekly inspiration delivered straight to your inbox.

Happy eating!