This classic crab salad is a refreshing and creamy dish perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or enjoying on its own. It features sweet crab meat (or imitation crab), crisp celery, and a tangy dressing.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound crab meat (lump crab meat or imitation crab, flaked)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped red onion or green onion
Instructions:
- Prepare the Crab: If using lump crab meat, gently pick through it to remove any shell pieces. If using imitation crab, flake it into bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, chopped celery, dill, and red onion or green onion (if using).
- Add Crab: Gently fold the crab meat into the mayonnaise mixture, being careful not to break up the crab too much.
- Season: Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve the crab salad on its own, in sandwiches, on crackers, or as a topping for salads.
Tips and Variations:
- Fresh Herbs: Use other fresh herbs like parsley or chives instead of or in addition to dill.
- Spice: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick.
- Sweetness: Add a touch of sweetness with a teaspoon of sugar or honey.
- Texture: Add some crunch with finely chopped bell peppers or water chestnuts.
- Avocado: For a richer and creamier version, add diced avocado.
- Greek Yogurt: For a lighter version, substitute some of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Enjoy your delicious Classic Crab Salad!