Servings: 6

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 1/2 cups snow peas
• 250 g rice vermicelli
• 1 red pepper, sliced thin
• 1/2 English cucumber, sliced thin
• 6 oz cooked shrimp
• 130 g crabmeat
• 1 tablespoon fine chopped fresh ginger
• 1 chopped garlic clove
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 3 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Wash and trim the snow peas. Place them in a bowl and pour enough boiling water to cover them. Let stand for 10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
2. Cook the rice vermicelli in plenty of boiling water for 3 to 4 minutes. Drain in a colander, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked vermicelli, snow peas, red pepper, cucumber, shrimp, and crabmeat.
4. In a small bowl, combine the chopped ginger, garlic, sesame oil, black pepper, salt, vegetable oil, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar. Mix well to make the dressing.
5. Pour the dressing over the other ingredients in the large bowl and mix thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
6. Chill the salad in the refrigerator before serving to allow the flavors to blend.
7. Serve the chilled shrimp and crab vermicelli salad as a refreshing and flavorful dish.

Here are some variations of the Shrimp and Crab Vermicelli Salad recipe:

1. Thai-inspired: Add sliced Thai basil, chopped mint leaves, and chopped cilantro to the salad for a fresh and vibrant twist. For the dressing, use a combination of lime juice, fish sauce, soy sauce, and a touch of honey or brown sugar.
2. Mango and Avocado: Add diced ripe mango and sliced avocado to the salad for a tropical and creamy addition. For the dressing, combine lime juice, olive oil, honey, and a pinch of chili flakes.
3. Asian Sesame: Add shredded carrots, sliced green onions, and toasted sesame seeds to the salad. For the dressing, use a mixture of sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
4. Mediterranean Twist: Add sliced cherry tomatoes, chopped Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh basil to the salad. For the dressing, use a blend of extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and dried oregano.
5. Spicy Cajun: Add sliced bell peppers, diced celery, and chopped green onions to the salad. Season the dressing with Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a spicy kick.
6. Citrus and Herb: Add segmented orange or grapefruit, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped fresh herbs like parsley and dill to the salad. Use a dressing made with citrus juice (orange, lemon, or lime), olive oil, honey, and a pinch of salt.
7. Greek: Add chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese to the salad. For the dressing, use a mixture of lemon juice, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper.
8. Asian-inspired: Add julienned carrots, sliced radishes, edamame beans, and chopped cilantro to the salad. For the dressing, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, sesame oil, grated ginger, and a touch of chili garlic sauce.