Our quick and easy Crab Salad is the perfect light lunch or easy weeknight dinner! Made with flaky crab meat, a creamy base, fresh herbs, and seasonings that bring all the best flavors. This seafood salad recipe has been a crowd favorite for years!
The Best Crab Salad Recipe
This easy crab salad recipe is savory, yet decadent but so simple to make! During the warm, summer season we definitely don’t want to be inside cooking, enter this light & refreshing summer salad that can be made quickly or prepped ahead of time. Any seafood recipe is a huge hit around our house and this one is next level! Whether you use real crab meat or imitation crab, this delicious salad will be a crowd-pleaser that people will be requesting again and again.
Looking for More Crab Recipes?
If you love them as much as we do, you definitely need to try our Crab Roll or Crab Pasta Salad!
What You Will Need
Be sure to see the recipe card below for a full listing of ingredients, instructions, and estimated nutritional information.
- fresh lemon juice & lemon zest – these combine for a little bit of acidity that helps amplify all the great flavor!
- mayonnaise & sour cream – Greek yogurt would make a great alternative for the mayo, if you want. They are the perfect light, yet creamy base for this imitation crab salad.
- celery & red onion – some fresh ingredients to bring the best crunch!
- celery salt, Old Bay seasoning, kosher salt, & black pepper – simple seasonings that combine to really bring the flavor.
- lump crab meat – feel free to cook some crab legs, crack them open, and use the fresh crab meat inside or pick-up some imitation crab meat at your local grocery store.
- dijon mustard – a great addition for some delicious flavor!
- fresh chives & fresh dill – we love these fresh herbs to really lighten and brighten this main dish, fresh parsley would also be great.
How To Make Crab Salad
Step 1: Place all of these ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Taste and make any seasoning adjustments, as needed.
Best Crab for Crab Salad: Fresh vs. Imitation Crab
Wondering what type of crab to use? The good news is that both fresh crab meat and imitation crab work well in this crab salad recipe, so you can choose the option that best fits your budget and the occasion.
- Fresh lump crab meat has a sweet, delicate flavor and is perfect for entertaining or when you want to let the seafood shine. Feel free to use our Baked Crab Legs recipe, Grilled Crab Legs or Boiled Crab Legs recipes!
- Imitation crab (also called surimi) is more affordable, easy to find at most grocery stores, and makes a delicious everyday crab salad with a slightly firmer texture. No matter which you choose, this creamy crab salad is flavorful, easy to make, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Best Ways To Serve Crab Salad
- As-is: This simple crab salad can be enjoyed in a bowl all by itself!
- Lettuce Wrap: Or feel free to serve in some butter lettuce or romaine lettuce to make lettuce wraps.
- Sandwich: They would also be delicious as crab salad sandwiches on fresh hoagie rolls, brioche bun, or on your favorite bread!
- Garnish Ideas: For a little garnish on top, you can add some chopped green onions, chives, more red onion, fresh dill or some lemon wedges for a fresh squeeze of lemon juice.
- Spice: Or add a little kick of heat with a drizzle of hot sauce!
What Do You Serve With Crab Salad
There are so many great side dish options to serve with this easy weeknight dinner! A few of our favorites are:
- slices of grilled bread
- corn on the cob
- grilled asparagus
- fresh vegetables on the side
Other Crab Recipes You Might Like
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Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1/4 cup celery, sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
- 1 lb. crab meat, imitation or regular
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon red onion, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, sliced
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh dill, roughly chopped
- kosher salt & ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a large bowl and mix to fully combine.
- Taste and add more fresh dill, chives, salt or pepper, to taste.
- Serve any way you want!
Notes
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Storage: store in airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Fresh Crab: You can substitute fresh, cooked (and cooled) crab leg meat instead of imitation. Feel free to use our Baked Crab Legs recipe, Grilled Crab Legs or Boiled Crab Legs recipes to make some at home or buy some pre-cooked.
Nutrition
Other Seafood Recipes You Might Like
Originally published April 16, 2016. Recipe has been retested and revised with new photos.
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