Creamy Crab Seafood Salad: A Cool, Fresh, Flavor-Packed Classic

If you’re craving something refreshing, creamy, and packed with delicate seafood flavor, this creamy crab seafood salad will quickly become one of your favorite go-to recipes. It’s light yet satisfying, rich but not heavy, and full of bright flavors that make every bite irresistible. Whether you’re making a summer lunch, prepping quick meals for the week, building sandwiches, or setting out appetizers for a party, this salad checks every box.

What makes this salad so special is its simplicity. With just a handful of fresh ingredients — sweet crab meat, crunchy celery, tangy lemon juice, fragrant dill, and a velvety dressing — you end up with something that tastes like it came straight from a coastal seafood market.

This recipe is known for three things:
creamy texture, perfect seasoning, and that cool, ocean-fresh flavor that makes people come back for seconds.

Let’s dive into everything you need to make the best creamy crab seafood salad you’ve ever tasted.

Why You’ll Love This Seafood Salad

• Quick and easy: Ready in minutes, no cooking needed.
• Uses simple, everyday ingredients.
• Can be made with real or imitation crab.
• Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, or crackers.
• Light, refreshing, and protein-packed.
• Great for meal prep: Stays delicious for days.
• Crowd-pleasing: Always a hit at picnics, potlucks, or holiday spreads.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things classic, fresh, and clean.

Salad Ingredients

• 1 lb crab meat (real lump crab or imitation)
• 2 ribs celery, finely chopped
• ¼ cup red onion, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional)

Creamy Dressing

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt + pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prep the crab.

Gently shred or chop the crab meat into bite-sized pieces. Avoid over-mixing to keep the texture delicate.

2. Combine the vegetables.

In a large bowl, add celery, red onion, dill, and parsley.

3. Make the dressing.

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Old Bay, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

4. Toss everything together.

Pour dressing over the crab and vegetables. Fold gently until everything is coated.

5. Chill and serve.

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend. Serve cold.

Creamy Crab Seafood Salad

A cool, refreshing, and creamy seafood salad made with tender crab, crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and a tangy seasoned dressing.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Lunch, Salad

Cuisine: American, Seafood

Calories: 260

Ingredients

  

Salad Ingredients

• 1 lb crab meat real or imitation
• 2 ribs celery finely chopped
• 0.25 cup red onion minced
• 2 tbsp fresh dill chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley optional

Creamy Dressing

• 0.5 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp lemon juice fresh
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 0.5 tsp Dijon mustard
• 0.25 tsp garlic powder
• salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Cutting board
• Knife

Method

 

1. Gently shred or chop the crab into bite-sized pieces.
2. In a large bowl, combine celery, red onion, dill, and parsley.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Old Bay, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour dressing over the crab mixture and fold gently until fully coated.
5. Chill at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat crab dry to avoid watery salad. Add lemon to taste for extra brightness.

Tips for the Best Crab Seafood Salad

Use high-quality crab.

If using lump crab, drain well and check for shells.

Don’t skip the chill time.

It helps the dressing set and the flavor deepen.

Add lemon to taste.

Crab loves acidity — adjust the brightness to your preference.

Fold gently.

You want chunks, not mush.

Control moisture.

If using imitation crab, pat dry before mixing to prevent watery salad.

Variations You’ll Love

1. Spicy Crab Salad

Add sriracha, jalapeños, or cayenne.

2. Mediterranean Style

Add chopped cucumbers, olives, and a splash of olive oil.

3. Crunchy Version

Add diced bell peppers or chopped pickles.

4. Low-Carb Version

Serve in lettuce cups.

5. Hawaiian Twist

Add pineapple tidbits and green onions.

Ways to Serve Creamy Crab Seafood Salad

This salad is incredibly versatile:

• On toasted buns
• With buttery crackers
• In lettuce wraps
• In croissants
• Over mixed greens
• In rice bowls
• As a party dip
• In wraps or pita pockets

How to Store It

• Refrigerator: 3–4 days in an airtight container
• Freezing: Not recommended (mayo separates)