This easy Crab Salad is full of fresh, crisp veggies and tender crab meat tossed in a creamy homemade dressing. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or an easy side, this delicious salad comes together in just minutes.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love This Crab Salad Recipe
• 🛒 Ingredients for Crab Salad
• 🔪 How to Make Easy Crab Salad
• 💡 Tips for Making Crab Salad
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 🍴 Delicious Ways to Serve Creamy Crab Salad
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• Can I Use Frozen Crab Meat?
• How Do I Keep the Salad From Getting Soggy?
• Can I Serve Crab Salad Warm?
• Can I Prepare the Dressing in Advance?
• 🍽️ More Tasty Salad Recipes

❤️ Why You'll Love This Crab Salad Recipe

• Tender crab meat
• Crisp celery and red onion
• Perfect contrast in textures
• Dill and chives add freshness
• Tossed in an easy homemade creamy dressing
• Quick and easy to make in under 20 minutes
• Low carb and family friendly

This Crab Salad is a quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for a light, refreshing meal or side. Imitation crab meat pairs beautifully with crisp celery, red onion, and a creamy, bright dressing. Serve it as a sandwich filling, over a bed of greens, or grab a spoon and enjoy it straight from the bowl.

The mix of creamy textures and zesty flavors makes this salad a must-try. A sprinkle of fresh dill and a hint of smoked paprika add just the right touch to every bite. Whether it’s for lunch, a potluck, or a casual get-together, this recipe is always a hit.

For another quick and easy seafood salad, be sure to check out this beautiful Niçoise Salad made with flaky tuna and a delicious combination of vibrant vegetables.

🛒 Ingredients for Crab Salad

• Crab meat ( I used imitation)
• Mayonnaise
• Celery
• Sour cream
• Red onion
• Lemon
• Dill
• Chives
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Ground black pepper

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Mixing bowls
• Whisk

🔪 How to Make Easy Crab Salad

Add the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, salt and ground black pepper to a small mixing bowl.

Whisk to combine, then set side while you prepare the salad.

Chop the crab meat into bite size pieces.  I used the flaked and cut each piece into thirds and found it was the perfect size.

Add the crab to a large mixing bowl.

Add in the chopped celery, red onion, chopped dill and chives.

Pour the reserved dressing over the top.

Gently toss to combine and it’s ready to serve. 

You can also refrigerate it for 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

💡 Tips for Making Crab Salad

• Imitation crab meat is not an ingredient I typically use but in this crab salad recipe, it just works. You can certainly use fresh crab meat instead if you'd like.
• Pat the imitation crab meat dry with a paper towel to remove any extra moisture.
• Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best and brightest flavor.
• Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
• Serve the salad cold for the best flavor and texture.
• Toss the salad gently to avoid breaking up the crab meat too much.

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☑️ Storage Instructions

Fridge: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Stir before serving.

Freezer: I do not recommend freezing it because the creamy dressing and crab do not freeze well.

🍴 Delicious Ways to Serve Creamy Crab Salad

• Crab Salad Sandwiches: Pile it onto soft Homemade Rolls, sliced Homemade Bread or croissants, with crisp lettuce for a satisfying lunch.

• Stuffed Avocados: Spoon the creamy crab salad into halved avocados for an elegant, low-carb meal.

• Crab Salad Wraps: Wrap it in large lettuce leaves or Homemade Tortillas for an easy on-the-go meal.

• Seafood Pasta Salad: Mix it with chilled pasta and extra veggies like cucumber or cherry tomatoes for a refreshing seafood twist.

• Crab Salad Appetizers: Serve small portions on cucumber rounds or Homemade Crackers for a simple and tasty appetizer.

• Bed of Greens: Serve it over a fresh green salad with a drizzle of lemon vinaigrette. Check out my Lemon Arugula Salad for a perfect pairing!

• Stuffed Tomatoes: Hollow out ripe tomatoes and fill them with crab salad for a colorful, summery side dish.

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Other veggies: Mix in chopped cucumbers, olives or tomatoes for extra flavor and textures.

• Pasta: Add a handful of cooked, chilled short pasta to turn this into a crab pasta salad.

• Crab: Use real lump crab meat for an even more luxurious salad. You can even swap the crab for cooked, diced chicken or cooked shrimp.

• Heat: A dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper gives the salad a little heat.

• Dressing: Swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter option.

• Herbs: Sprinkle on extra fresh dill or chives before serving for added color and flavor.

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Can I Use Frozen Crab Meat?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw and drain the crab meat to avoid excess moisture in the salad.

How Do I Keep the Salad From Getting Soggy?

Make sure all the vegetables and crab meat are patted dry before mixing, and avoid overmixing the dressing. That should help a lot.

Can I Serve Crab Salad Warm?

While it’s traditionally served cold, you can lightly heat the crab salad in a skillet over low heat and serve it on toasted bread or as a warm dip.

Can I Prepare the Dressing in Advance?

Absolutely! Make the dressing up to 2 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

🍽️ More Tasty Salad Recipes

• Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
• Greek Quinoa Salad
• Pickled Beet Salad
• Greek Pasta Salad
• Easy Italian Pasta Salad