This recipe creates a classic and easy creamy seafood salad, likely made with imitation crab meat or a mix of seafood. It’s a versatile and refreshing salad perfect for serving as a light lunch, an appetizer with crackers, or as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. The creamy dressing coats the seafood and chopped vegetables, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound imitation crab meat (or cooked shrimp, lobster, or a combination), flaked or chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion (optional)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (or plain yogurt)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or other fresh herbs like parsley or chives)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- Crackers, for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare Seafood and Vegetables: Flake or chop the imitation crab meat (or other seafood) 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 seafood, 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 (or other herbs), lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the creamy dressing over the seafood 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 seafood salad chilled with crackers on the side.
Tips and Notes:
- Seafood Variations: Feel free to use any cooked and cooled seafood you enjoy.
- Vegetable Variations: You can add other finely chopped vegetables like bell peppers or cucumber.
- Herb Variations: Experiment with different fresh herbs to customize the flavor.
- 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: This salad is also delicious in sandwiches, wraps, or served over lettuce.
Enjoy this simple and tasty creamy seafood salad with crackers!