Name: Ultimate Crab Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb lump crab meat (drained and checked for shells); 1 cup celery, finely chopped; 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced; 1/4 cup fresh dill or parsley, chopped; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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This creamy and refreshing crab salad is packed with tender lump crab meat, crisp celery, sweet red bell peppers, and a light lemony mayo dressing. It’s the perfect chilled dish for warm days, seafood platters, or elegant appetizers. Both light and satisfying, this salad brings out the best of fresh ingredients with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Ultimate Crab Salad offers a harmonious balance of flavor and texture — rich, tender crab meat meets crisp vegetables and a zesty dressing. It’s quick to prepare, naturally gluten-free, and suitable for low-carb diets. Whether served in lettuce cups, on crostini, or as part of a seafood spread, this dish is both versatile and elegant, ideal for everything from casual lunches to dinner parties.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

lump crab meat (drained and checked for shells)
celery, finely chopped
red bell pepper, finely diced
fresh dill or parsley, chopped
mayonnaise
freshly squeezed lemon juice
salt and freshly ground black pepper

directions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the lump crab meat, chopped celery, diced red bell pepper, and fresh herbs.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and lemon juice until well blended and smooth.
Pour the dressing over the crab mixture. Gently fold everything together until the crab is evenly coated and the vegetables are well distributed.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust lemon juice or mayonnaise to achieve your preferred balance of acidity and creaminess.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill and allow the flavors to meld.
Serve cold, garnished with additional herbs if desired. Excellent in lettuce wraps, atop toasted bread, or as a refreshing side dish.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories: Approximately 220 kcal per serving

Variations

Avocado Crab Salad: Add diced avocado just before serving for a creamy, nutrient-rich twist.
Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce for heat.
Herb Blend: Mix dill and parsley, or try tarragon for a subtle anise note.
Citrus Boost: Add orange or lime zest for a refreshing citrus accent.
Greek Yogurt Option: Replace half the mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.

storage/reheating

Store any leftover crab salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir gently before serving again to redistribute the dressing. This dish should not be frozen or reheated, as it is intended to be served cold and fresh.

FAQs

What type of crab meat is best for this recipe?

Lump crab meat is ideal for its tender texture and sweet flavor. Make sure it’s well-drained and shell-free before using.

Can I use imitation crab meat?

Yes, imitation crab can be used as a more affordable alternative, though it will change the flavor and texture slightly.

How can I serve crab salad for a party?

Spoon into endive leaves, phyllo cups, or serve on toast rounds or cucumber slices for elegant bite-sized appetizers.

Can I prepare this crab salad in advance?

Yes, it can be made a day ahead. Just store it covered in the fridge and stir before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Be mindful of any bread or serving vessels used.

Can I add pasta to make it a crab pasta salad?

Certainly. Add cooked, cooled pasta like small shells or macaroni for a heartier dish.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

It works well for short-term meal prep. Store in portioned containers and enjoy within two days.

How do I ensure the crab flavor stands out?

Use high-quality lump crab and avoid over-seasoning. Let the fresh ingredients shine.

What other vegetables can I add?

Finely diced cucumber, green onions, or sweet corn can add more crunch and variety.

Can I serve it as a main dish?

Yes, serve it over a bed of greens or in a hollowed-out avocado or tomato for a satisfying, light main course.

Conclusion

Ultimate Crab Salad is a fresh, elegant dish that brings together the delicate flavor of crab with crisp vegetables and a tangy, creamy dressing. Quick to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it’s an excellent choice for entertaining, healthy meals, or simply enjoying a chilled seafood favorite at home. Serve it your way — and enjoy every refreshing bite.

Ultimate Crab Salad

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Author: Mia
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This creamy and refreshing crab salad is packed with tender lump crab meat, crisp celery, sweet red bell peppers, and a light lemony mayo dressing. It’s a perfect chilled dish for warm days, seafood platters, or elegant appetizers.

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 lb lump crab meat (drained and checked for shells)
1 cup celery, finely chopped
1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
1/4 cup fresh dill or parsley, chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the crab meat, chopped celery, red bell pepper, and fresh herbs.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and lemon juice until smooth.
Pour the dressing over the crab mixture and gently fold together until well coated.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust lemon juice or mayo for desired creaminess.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill and allow flavors to meld.
Serve cold, garnished with extra herbs if desired. Enjoy in lettuce cups, on toast, or as a side.