Creamy Seafood Salad with Imitation Crab
A classic, budget-friendly salad that’s perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or a light lunch. It comes together in minutes and is always a crowd-pleaser.
Classic Creamy Seafood Salad
Yield: About 4 cups (serves 4-6)
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
· 1 lb (16 oz / 450g) imitation crab meat (surimi), flaked or chopped into bite-sized pieces
· ½ cup (75g) finely diced celery
· ⅓ cup (50g) finely diced red onion or green onion
· ¼ cup (35g) finely diced red bell pepper (optional, for color & crunch)
Dressing:
· ⅔ cup (150g) mayonnaise (real mayo for best flavor)
· 2 tablespoons sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
· 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about ½ a lemon)
· 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or ½ tsp paprika + ¼ tsp garlic powder)
· ½ teaspoon dried dill or 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
· ¼ teaspoon celery seed (optional but classic)
· Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For Serving:
· Croissants, sandwich rolls, or bread
· Crackers or lettuce cups
· Lemon wedges and fresh dill or parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Crab & Veggies
- If using stick-style imitation crab, pull it apart into thin flakes with your fingers or chop it into ½-inch pieces. Place in a large mixing bowl.
- Add the diced celery, onion, and bell pepper (if using).
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or yogurt), lemon juice, Old Bay, dill, and celery seed until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Combine & Chill
- Pour the dressing over the crab and vegetable mixture.
- Gently fold everything together until evenly coated. Be careful not to over-mix and break down the crab too much.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more lemon juice as needed.
- For best flavor: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. It can be made up to a day ahead.
Step 4: Serve
· Sandwich Style: Pile onto a croissant, sandwich roll, or bread with lettuce and tomato.
· Salad Style: Serve over a bed of lettuce or in a lettuce cup.
· Appetizer Style: Scoop onto crackers, cucumber slices, or in mini phyllo cups.
· Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley and a lemon wedge.
Popular Variations
· Seafood Pasta Salad: Fold in 2 cups of cooked small pasta shells or elbow macaroni.
· Extra Protein: Add 1-2 chopped hard-boiled eggs or a small can of drained tuna or shrimp.
· More Veggies: Add ½ cup thawed frozen peas, diced cucumber, or shredded carrot.
· Sweet & Crunchy: Add ⅓ cup diced apple or ¼ cup sweet relish.
· Lighter Version: Use light mayo and swap all sour cream for plain Greek yogurt.
Pro Tips
· Don’t Over-Chop: You want flakes and chunks, not a paste. The texture is key.
· Draining: If your veggies seem very wet (especially the onion), pat them dry with a paper towel to prevent a watery salad.
· Seasoning is Key: Taste before chilling and adjust. Imitation crab is mild, so it needs a well-seasoned dressing.
· Make it Ahead: This salad actually gets better after a few hours in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or parties.
· Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.
Enjoy this creamy, savory, and satisfying salad—a quick and delicious staple!