Name: Delicious Crab Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning; 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped; 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried); 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and black pepper to taste; Optional: 1/2 cup diced cucumber or red bell pepper for crunch; Optional: lettuce leaves or crackers for serving

A light and refreshing crab salad is exactly what I crave when I want something cool, flavorful, and satisfying without being too heavy. This salad is packed with sweet lump crab meat, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, zesty dressing that brings everything together. Whether I’m prepping for a quick lunch, a summer picnic, or looking for an easy appetizer, this dish never fails to impress.

Ingredients

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

1 pound lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

1/4 cup celery, finely chopped

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional: 1/2 cup diced cucumber or red bell pepper for crunch

Optional: lettuce leaves or crackers for serving

Directions

I start by whisking together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Old Bay seasoning in a large bowl until smooth.

Then I gently fold in the crab meat, being careful not to break up those delicious lumps.

Next, I mix in the celery, red onion, dill, and parsley. If I’m adding cucumber or bell pepper, I stir those in at this point too.

I season the mix with salt and pepper to taste and give it a gentle stir to combine everything.

I cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes so all the flavors have time to meld.

When ready to serve, I spoon the salad onto lettuce leaves, into a sandwich, or serve it with crackers.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: Approximately 210 kcal per serving

Variations

When I want a different twist, I like to:

Add a chopped hard-boiled egg for a little extra richness.

Use Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the mayo for a lighter version.

Toss in a handful of chopped avocado right before serving.

Mix in a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Swap dill and parsley for chives and tarragon for a new herb flavor.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftover crab salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Since it’s made with seafood and mayo, I make sure it stays cold and don’t leave it out at room temperature for more than an hour. I never reheat it—this salad is meant to be enjoyed chilled.

FAQs

How do I know if my crab meat is fresh?

I always check the expiration date and give it a quick sniff—fresh crab should smell clean and slightly sweet, never fishy or sour.

Can I use imitation crab instead of real crab?

Yes, I can use imitation crab, especially if I’m on a budget. It won’t have the same texture or flavor, but it works well in a pinch.

What can I serve with crab salad?

I like pairing it with crackers, on a croissant, or atop a fresh green salad. It’s also great in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Is this crab salad keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs, especially if I skip the optional veggies like red bell pepper or cucumber.

Can I make this crab salad ahead of time?

Absolutely—I find it actually tastes better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors meld. I just make sure to give it a gentle stir before serving.

Conclusion

This delicious crab salad is one of those recipes I keep coming back to—it’s quick, versatile, and full of flavor. Whether I’m serving it at a picnic, packing it for lunch, or using it as a fancy starter, it always hits the spot. Give it a try and make it your own with your favorite add-ins.

Recipe:

Delicious Crab Salad

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Author: Sophia
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A light, creamy, and refreshing crab salad made with sweet lump crab meat, crisp veggies, and a tangy, seasoned dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch, appetizer, or chilled summer meal.