Creamy Crab Salad with Imitation Crab
This creamy crab salad with imitation crab is one of those easy, no-fuss recipes that comes together in minutes! Don’t let “imitation crab” fool you! It’s absolutely delicious when combined with crisp celery, green onion, and a perfectly seasoned mayo dressing. This is the kind of simple dish you can whip up anytime when you don’t feel like cooking!
If you don’t feel like cooking, you can also try this easy homemade ham salad or this delicious avocado chicken salad. Both come together in just minutes!
Recipe Ingredients: Crab Salad with Imitation Crab
Ingredient Notes, Additions & Substitutions
Imitation crab meat: I like using “flake style” imitation crab meat because not only does it come already cut into pieces, it’s also very affordable! If you want to splurge, you can absolutely use regular lump crab meat, too.
Mayo: There are so few ingredients in this recipe, so every ingredient shines! For the best results, use a good-quality, full-fat mayo.
Green onion: You can swap red onion for the green onion — super delish!
Add fresh herbs: Add a little freshness with some chopped fresh dill or parsley.
Add crunch: You can also add finely chopped bell pepper or cucumber for some added crunch.
Add spice: To make a spicy crabmeat salad, add some cayenne pepper or some sriracha sauce!
Casey’s Tips
- Chill: For the best flavor, allow the crab salad to chill for about 30 minutes before serving.
- Use for “dipping:” I love this crab salad as a “dip” or spread for crackers. If that’s your plan, it’s best to finely chop the crab meat. I like big chunks for sandwiches, though!
- Fresh crab meat: You can absolutely use lump crab meat in place of the imitation crab meat. Just be sure to drain it well and pat it dry so the liquid doesn’t dilute the dressing.
- Storage: This salad is great stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 3 days. Freshen it up with a little lemon juice and stir it well to allow all the flavors to come together again.
How to serve
Crab salad sandwich: This classic crab salad is perfect on a soft roll, croissant, or toasted sourdough. Pair your sandwich with a bowl of claw chowder!
With crackers or pita chips: This is my favorite way to enjoy this salad! Finely chop the crab and serve it as a dip-style appetizer or quick snack. You can also use cucumber slices to dip, too!
Lettuce cups: Pile it into iceberg lettuce cups for a crisp and crunchy lower carb option that’s perfect for a summer lunch.
Did you try this recipe?
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Thank you! ~ Casey
Creamy Crab Salad with Imitation Crab
Ingredients
- 14-16 oz. imitation crab meat look for "flake style" crab meat
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup good-quality mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tsp. Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 tsp. coarse salt (sea salt, kosher salt)
- 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prep the crab: Separate the crab meat and add to a large mixing bowl. If you are using this as a dip or spread, finely chop the crab meat.
- Add: To the crab, add the celery and onion.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, add the mayonnaise, lemon, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well blended.
- Finish and chill: Add the dressing to the crab and mix until everything is well-combined. Chill for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor.
Notes
Casey’s Tips
- Chill: For the best flavor, allow the crab salad to chill for about 30 minutes before serving.
- Use for “dipping:” I love this crab salad as a “dip” or spread for crackers. If that’s your plan, it’s best to finely chop the crab meat. I like big chunks if using it for sandwiches, though!
- Fresh crab meat: You can absolutely use lump crab meat in place of the imitation crab meat. Just be sure to drain it well and pat it dry so the liquid doesn’t water down the dressing.
- Storage: This salad is great stored in the fridge in an airtight container for 3 days. Freshen it up with a little lemon juice and stir it well to allow all the flavors to come together again.
This salad is SO quick, easy and flavorful! It’s perfect for those days you just don’t feel like cooking. I hope you love it! XO ~ Casey
Can’t wait to try this recipe! It looks amazing!😋