Crab Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crab Salad is the ideal combination of creamy, crunchy, and savory flavors. The sweetness of the crab meat pairs beautifully with the crunch of fresh vegetables like celery and cucumber, while the dressing adds a smooth, tangy richness. It’s a perfect dish for a light lunch or as a starter at a dinner party. Plus, it’s easily customizable and can be served on its own, in a sandwich, or in lettuce wraps for a healthy, low-carb option.

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh crab meat (or canned crab meat or imitation crab)

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or any seafood seasoning)

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)

• 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped

• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

• 1/4 cup cucumber, finely chopped (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Lettuce leaves or crackers (for serving, optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the crab meat:

• If using fresh crab meat, gently pick through the crab to remove any remaining shell bits. If using canned or imitation crab, chop it into bite-sized pieces.

2. Make the dressing:

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, and freshly chopped parsley until smooth and well combined.

3. Combine the ingredients:

• Add the crab meat, chopped celery, red onion, and cucumber (if using) to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together until well mixed. Be careful not to break up the crab meat too much—keep it chunky for the best texture.

4. Season and adjust:

• Taste the crab salad and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. You can add more lemon juice if you like it tangier, or more Old Bay seasoning for extra flavor.

5. Serve:

• Serve the crab salad chilled. You can serve it on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich or wrap, or with crackers on the side. Garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired.

6. Enjoy:

• Enjoy the creamy, refreshing crab salad on its own or as part of a light meal or appetizer.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 10 minutes

Variations

• Add avocado: For an extra creamy and rich texture, add diced avocado to the salad.

• Spicy crab salad: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the salad some heat.

• Make it crunchy: Add ingredients like chopped bell peppers, shredded carrots, or even toasted nuts (like sliced almonds) for added crunch and texture.

• Greek yogurt dressing: For a lighter version, substitute half or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangy, creamy dressing.

Storage/Reheating

Leftover Crab Salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best enjoyed chilled, and the flavors will meld even more after a few hours in the fridge. However, this salad does not freeze well, as the texture of the crab and vegetables can be compromised.

FAQs

Can I use imitation crab for this recipe?

Yes, imitation crab (surimi) works perfectly fine in this recipe. It’s a more affordable option, and while the flavor is slightly different, it still gives the salad the necessary crab-like texture.

Can I use cooked shrimp instead of crab?

Yes! If you prefer shrimp, you can easily substitute it for the crab in this salad. Just chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces, and follow the same instructions.

Can I make Crab Salad ahead of time?

Yes, Crab Salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few hours or overnight. The flavors will develop and deepen, but you may want to give it a quick stir before serving.

How do I make this salad gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free crackers or in lettuce wraps instead of regular bread.

What can I serve Crab Salad with?

You can serve Crab Salad with a variety of sides such as leafy greens, crackers, toasted baguette slices, or as a topping for a salad bowl or rice. It also pairs beautifully with fresh fruit or vegetable sides like a cucumber salad or avocado slices.

Conclusion

Crab Salad is an incredibly versatile and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy dressing, sweet crab, and crunchy vegetables, this salad is both refreshing and satisfying. Whether you serve it on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, or with crackers, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress your guests or become a go-to meal for yourself. Quick to make and packed with flavor, this Crab Salad is a must-try for any seafood lover!

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