Creamy Crab Salad is a refreshing fusion of seafood sweetness and garden-fresh crunch, wrapped in a velvety dressing that brings it all together. This chilled salad is perfect for sunny picnics, light lunches, or as a starter for elegant dinner spreads. With imitation crab meat as its base, the salad balances buttery ocean flavor with crisp celery and aromatic dill. The creamy blend of mayonnaise and sour cream adds richness without heaviness, making every bite smooth and satisfying.
This dish is also incredibly versatile—it can be served in lettuce cups, piled onto crusty baguette slices, or tucked inside a wrap for a gourmet lunch-on-the-go. It’s easy to customize with your favorite herbs, spices, or vegetables. Whether you’re preparing a quick weekday meal or hosting a get-together, this crab salad offers a touch of decadence without demanding much effort.
🍽 INGREDIENTS:
- 1 lb imitation crab meat, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 2–3 stalks celery, finely chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- Diced red onion
- Chopped bell peppers or cucumbers
- A pinch of Old Bay seasoning or paprika
📝 INSTRUCTIONS:
- Prep the Crab Meat Begin by chopping your imitation crab into small, uniform chunks. You want enough surface area for the dressing to cling to, but not so small that it loses texture.
- Chop Vegetables Wash and finely chop celery. If using red onion or bell pepper, dice them small for subtle bursts of flavor without overpowering the crab.
- Create the Dressing In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, and dill until smooth. This combination delivers creaminess and a touch of tang.
- Combine & Toss Place crab and vegetables into a large mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the top. Use a rubber spatula or large spoon to gently fold everything together, making sure the crab meat holds its structure.
- Season Thoughtfully Taste the salad and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. A pinch of Old Bay or paprika can add subtle warmth if desired.
- Chill to Perfection Cover the bowl with cling film or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Final Stir & Serve Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing. Spoon into bowls, onto crisp lettuce leaves, or serve alongside crackers or flatbread.
🍋 Serving Suggestions & Variations:
- Spoon into halved avocados or hollowed-out tomatoes for an elegant plated option.
- Add a sprinkle of chili flakes for heat or replace dill with parsley or coriander for a herby twist.
- Swap imitation crab with fresh lump crab or flaked white fish for a gourmet upgrade.