This recipe creates a classic and easy creamy salad using imitation crab meat. It’s a budget-friendly and versatile salad that’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, crackers, or enjoying on its own. The imitation crab is combined with celery, a creamy dressing, and fresh dill for a refreshing and flavorful dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound imitation crab meat, flaked or chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (or plain yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- Optional: 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- Optional: Lettuce leaves or crackers, for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare Crab and Vegetables: Flake or chop the imitation crab meat into bite-sized pieces. Chop the celery. If using, finely chop the red onion.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a medium bowl, gently combine the flaked or chopped imitation crab meat, chopped celery, and chopped red onion (if using).
- Prepare Creamy Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or plain yogurt), chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the creamy dressing over the crab and vegetable mixture in the bowl. Gently stir everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill (Optional): For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve the creamy imitation crab salad chilled on lettuce leaves, with crackers, in sandwiches or wraps, or enjoy it on its own.
Tips and Notes:
- Imitation Crab: You can find imitation crab meat in the refrigerated seafood section of most grocery stores.
- Vegetable Variations: You can add other finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or cucumber.
- Herb Variations: Feel free to use other fresh herbs like parsley or chives instead of dill.
- Dressing Consistency: Adjust the amount of mayonnaise or sour cream/yogurt to achieve your desired dressing consistency.
- Tanginess: Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your preference for tanginess.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Serving Suggestions: Get creative with how you serve this salad! It’s great in lettuce wraps, stuffed in avocado halves, or as a topping for baked potatoes.
Enjoy this quick and easy creamy imitation crab salad!