Easy Crab Salad

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Creamy, tangy, and packed with tender imitation crab, this Easy Crab Salad is the perfect no-cook recipe for warm weather lunches or light, satisfying dinners. With crisp celery, zesty red onion, and a smooth seasoned dressing, it comes together in minutes and delivers a flavor that’s nostalgic and fresh all at once.

Whether you’re piling it high on crackers, scooping it into lettuce cups, or tucking it into a sandwich, this crab salad is one of those dishes you’ll come back to again and again. It’s budget-friendly, easy to make ahead, and endlessly customizable depending on your mood or what’s in the fridge.

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What Kind of Crab Should I Use?

For this recipe, imitation crab (also known as surimi) is the go-to. It’s affordable, easy to find in grocery stores, and has the perfect flake for mixing with creamy dressing. If you’re feeling fancy, you can swap it out for real lump crab meat—just be extra gentle when mixing to preserve its delicate texture.

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Ingredients for the Easy Crab Salad

• Imitation Crab Meat: The star of the show, offering a mild seafood taste and satisfying texture without the cost of real crab.
• Celery: Adds crispness and a subtle earthy flavor to balance the creamy base.
• Red Onion: Sharp and sweet, red onion gives the salad a bold bite and a bit of color.
• Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy dressing that binds everything together.
• Sour Cream: Lightens the mayo and adds a tangy twist.
• Dijon Mustard: A small amount gives depth and a slight zing.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens the salad with acidity and complements the seafood.
• Fresh Dill: Offers a fragrant, herby note that ties everything together.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for bringing out the flavors.

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How To Make the Easy Crab Salad

Step 1: Shred the Crab

Use your hands or a fork to gently shred the imitation crab into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using real crab, flake it delicately to avoid breaking it down too much.

Step 2: Prep the Veggies

Finely dice your celery and red onion. You want small pieces so that every bite has a bit of crunch without overwhelming the crab.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, stir together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the shredded crab, chopped veggies, and fresh dill to the bowl of dressing. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled with crackers, in a sandwich, or over a bed of greens.

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How to Serve and Store Easy Crab Salad

Serve this chilled for the ultimate refreshing bite. It’s ideal as a dip with buttery crackers, spooned into lettuce cups for a low-carb snack, or layered into a toasted croissant for a decadent sandwich. Leftovers keep beautifully—store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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What to Serve With Easy Crab Salad?

Fresh Fruit Platter

Juicy watermelon, grapes, or pineapple contrast beautifully with the creamy salad.

Crisp Green Salad

A simple romaine or arugula salad with vinaigrette balances out the richness.

Roasted Potatoes

Try these Roasted Parmesan Potatoes and Broccoli for a warm, comforting side.

Grilled Corn on the Cob

Sweet and smoky, it pairs perfectly with the tangy dressing.

Lemon Orzo Pasta

A light citrusy pasta can be a bright side or even a base for the salad.

Buttery Croissants

Serve the salad inside a croissant for a delicious seafood sandwich.

Potato Chips or Crackers

Perfect for scooping up every creamy bite.

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Want More Salad Ideas?

If this Easy Crab Salad is your thing, here are some other satisfying salads to try:

• The Ultimate Italian Grinder Salad for a meaty crunch.
• Strawberry Spinach Salad with sweet and savory contrast.
• Classic Chicken Salad Recipe if you’re craving creamy nostalgia.
• The Ultimate Rotel Chicken Salad Dip for a zesty Tex-Mex twist.
• Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup as a cozy companion.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest salad or seafood board so you can find it anytime.

Let me know how yours turned out! Did you use real crab or stick with the classic imitation? Maybe you added a little hot sauce for kick?

I love seeing your creative twists. Drop your version in the comments or tag me on Pinterest at ChefAlchemy.

For more crave-worthy recipes that bring comfort and joy to your kitchen, explore ChefAlchemy’s full collection of homemade classics and weeknight winners!

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