Keto Crab Salad with Avocado
North Sea brown shrimp (Crangon crangon, known in Germany as Nordseekrabben or Granat) are a regional classic that fits keto perfectly: 0 g carbs, 19 g protein and 1 g fat per 100 g. Combined with avocado, sour cream and dill, you get a creamy salad in 10 minutes, no cooking required, ideal as a light lunch or snack. Per serving: 3 g net carbs, 26 g protein, 30 g fat.
Key facts at a glance
- Prep time: approx. 10 minutes, no cooking required.
- Approx. 3 g net carbs and 30 g fat per serving.
- Ingredients: North Sea brown shrimp, avocado, sour cream, dill, lemon, pepper.
- A northern German classic in keto form; perfect as a snack or light lunch.
Ingredients
One serving is sized as a main meal; as a starter it stretches to two people.
| Amount | Ingredient | Note | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| North Sea brown shrimp | cooked, peeled | |||
| cooked, peeled | ||||
| Avocado | half a ripe avocado | |||
| half a ripe avocado | ||||
| Sour cream | - | |||
| Fresh dill | - | |||
| Lemon juice | approx. 5 g; 1 tsp | |||
| approx. 5 g; 1 tsp | ||||
| Salt | to taste | |||
| to taste | ||||
| Pepper | to taste | |||
| to taste | ||||
Preparation
Halve the avocado, remove the pit and dice the flesh. Drizzle with lemon juice. Stir the sour cream together with chopped dill, salt and pepper. Fold in the brown shrimp and avocado cubes, let the salad rest briefly, then serve.
Why crab salad fits keto
North Sea brown shrimp (Crangon crangon) are one of the most protein-dense, lowest-carb foods around: 100 g deliver 19 g protein, 0 g carbs and just 1 g fat. The salad gets its keto-friendly fat profile from the avocado (half a fruit = 15 g fat, 2 g net carbs) and the sour cream (40 g = 9 g fat, 1 g carbs). Dill is virtually carb-free and brings the unmistakable northern German aroma. Lemon juice (1 tsp) adds well under 0.3 g of carbs.
Source: BLE - Fisheries and Aquaculture , USDA FoodData Central - Shrimp, brown (crangon)
How do I serve the crab salad?
Layered in a glass as a starter, on keto bread as an open sandwich, or as a topping over leafy greens. The traditional northern German pairing is a hard-boiled egg on the side, which works beautifully with the keto version too.
Which shrimp should you choose?
Fresh North Sea brown shrimp from the fish counter offer the most flavor. Frozen brown shrimp work too, but should be drained well, otherwise the salad turns watery. Warm-water shrimp (such as Vannamei) have a different flavor profile, but can serve as a backup option.
Tips for the perfect crab salad
- Drain the shrimp thoroughly before adding them to the salad; residual water dilutes the dressing.
- Dice the avocado just before serving so it does not brown; lemon juice helps.
- Use fresh dill rather than dried; dried dill loses the signature aroma.
- Do not let the salad rest too long or the shrimp turn soft. Five minutes is enough.
Nutrition values
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per serving | Keto context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | approx. 175 kcal | approx. 410 kcal | Moderate main meal or large snack. |
| Moderate main meal or large snack. | |||
| Fat | approx. 12.8 g | approx. 30 g | Avocado and sour cream as primary sources. |
| Avocado and sour cream as primary sources. | |||
| Net carbs | approx. 1.3 g | approx. 3 g | Low - from avocado and sour cream. |
| Low - from avocado and sour cream. | |||
| Protein | approx. 11.1 g | approx. 26 g | Main share from the shrimp. |
| Main share from the shrimp. | |||
| Salt | approx. 0.9 g | approx. 2 g | Shrimp are naturally salty; no extra salt needed. |
| Shrimp are naturally salty; no extra salt needed. | |||
Note: Nutrition values are estimated averages per 100 g and per serving and may vary depending on ingredients, brands, portion size, and preparation. They do not replace individual nutrition or medical advice.
FAQ
Are North Sea brown shrimp keto-friendly?
Yes. With 0 g carbs and 19 g protein per 100 g, they are one of the best keto foods coming out of European waters.
How do brown shrimp differ from regular shrimp or prawns?
North Sea brown shrimp (Crangon crangon) are very small and sold already cooked and peeled. Larger shrimp and prawns are usually sold raw. For this salad, the classic small brown shrimp are the right choice.
Can I prepare the salad in advance?
Up to an hour ahead is fine; the lemon juice keeps the avocado fresh. For longer storage, keep the avocado separate and fold it in only just before serving.