Creamy Crab-Style Seafood Salad
A refreshing, crowd-pleasing classic made with imitation crab, crisp vegetables, and a perfectly balanced creamy dressing.
Creamy Crab-Style Seafood Salad is exactly what you need. Cool, creamy, and bursting with fresh flavor,
this salad is a timeless favorite for warm-weather meals, quick lunches, potlucks, and elegant appetizers.
Made with tender imitation crab, crunchy celery, sweet corn, and a tangy lemon-Dijon dressing, this recipe delivers
restaurant-quality results using simple, affordable ingredients. Whether served on crisp lettuce, tucked into a sandwich,
or enjoyed straight from the bowl, this seafood salad is always a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Seafood Salad
- Quick & easy: Ready in under 15 minutes with no cooking required.
- Light but filling: Creamy without being heavy.
- Perfect for any occasion: Lunches, picnics, parties, or meal prep.
- Customizable: Easily adjust herbs, vegetables, or seasoning.
- Budget-friendly: Uses imitation crab for maximum flavor at a lower cost.
Ingredients and Their Roles
- Imitation crab (1 lb): The star of the dish—mild, slightly sweet, and tender.
- Mayonnaise (1 cup): Creates the creamy, luxurious base of the dressing.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tbsp): Brightens the salad and balances richness.
- Dijon mustard (1 tsp): Adds subtle tang and depth of flavor.
- Celery (½ cup, diced): Provides crunch and freshness.
- Red onion (¼ cup, minced): Adds sharpness and color.
- Corn kernels (½ cup): Brings a touch of sweetness and texture.
- Salt & black pepper: Enhances all flavors.
- Fresh dill (1 tbsp, optional): Adds a clean, herbaceous finish.
- Lettuce leaves: For serving and presentation.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, and
Dijon mustard until smooth and creamy. This forms the flavorful foundation of the salad.
Step 2: Add the Crab
Gently shred or break the imitation crab into bite-sized pieces. Fold it carefully into the dressing,
making sure the crab is evenly coated without breaking it down too much.
Step 3: Mix in Vegetables
Add the celery, red onion, and corn kernels. Stir gently to distribute
the vegetables evenly throughout the salad.
Step 4: Season and Chill
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add fresh dill if using.
For best flavor, cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Seafood Salad
- Use cold ingredients: Keeps the salad fresh and crisp.
- Don’t overmix: Gentle folding preserves the texture of the crab.
- Add-ins welcome: Try cucumber, avocado, or a pinch of paprika.
- Lighten it up: Replace half the mayo with Greek yogurt if desired.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve on crisp lettuce leaves for a light meal.
- Spoon into croissants or sandwich rolls.
- Enjoy with crackers or toasted bread as an appetizer.
- Use as a filling for wraps or stuffed avocados.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Crab-Style Seafood Salad proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavor.
Cool, creamy, and endlessly versatile, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
Perfect for busy days or elegant entertaining, this dish delivers maximum taste with minimal effort—exactly
what a great recipe should do.