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Mango, Papaya, Shrimp, and Crab Salad in Honeydew Cups

This refreshing seafood salad is inspired by one I had at an outdoor café in Yucatán, where the cuisine is influenced by Mayan, Caribbean, Mexican, French, and Middle Eastern cultures. Mango and papaya add unexpected sweetness and a tropical twist. I make it for brunch with friends, and serve it with tall glasses of guava iced tea.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4 to 6

Ingredients

6 tablespoons mayonnaise
1/4 cup (packed) light brown sugar
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar
1 tablespoon minced seeded jalapeño chile
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon bottled hot sauce (such as Huichol)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 cups diced papaya (from 1 small papaya)
2 cups diced mango (from 2 large mangoes)
1 pound cooked shrimp, shelled, deveined, and diced
8 ounces lump crabmeat, picked over to remove any shell and cartilage
2 to 3 small honeydew melons (see Tip)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Combine the mayonnaise, brown sugar, cilantro, mustard, vinegar, jalapeño, lime juice, and hot sauce in a medium bowl and stir well. Season the dressing to taste with salt and pepper.

    Step 2

    Put the papaya, mango, shrimp, and crabmeat in a large bowl. Add the dressing and toss gently to combine.

    Step 3

    Halve the melons and scoop out the seeds. Spoon the salad into the honeydew cups, and serve.

  2. tip

    Step 4

    The bottoms of the honeydew halves may need to be partly sliced off so they don’t roll around. An average honeydew is about the size of a small bowl on the inside.

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