This refreshing seafood salad combines tender crab meat, crisp celery, and a touch of Old Bay seasoning for a light, flavorful dish. Perfect for a quick lunch or a side at any gathering, this salad is creamy, slightly tangy, and has a hint of dill for extra zest. Serve it chilled on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or with crackers for a simple and elegant treat that’s ready in minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Easy and Quick: With just a few ingredients, this salad comes together in minutes.
Versatile: Serve it on a sandwich, as a dip with crackers, or on a bed of greens.
Fresh and Flavorful: The crab meat and Old Bay seasoning give a rich, seafood flavor that’s perfectly complemented by the creamy mayonnaise and fresh celery.
Key Ingredients:
Crab Meat: Fresh or canned crab meat works well for this salad, adding a rich, savory flavor. Be sure to drain any excess liquid if using canned crab, and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Mayonnaise: The mayonnaise binds the ingredients and adds creaminess, balancing the delicate crab flavor.
Celery: Celery adds a refreshing crunch and a bit of earthiness, making the texture of the salad more interesting.
Old Bay Seasoning: A seafood classic, Old Bay seasoning provides a bit of heat and a delicious blend of spices that enhance the flavor of the crab meat.
Dill: Fresh dill adds a mild, herby flavor, while dried dill works in a pinch. Dill pairs wonderfully with seafood, enhancing the salad’s overall taste.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out the flavors of the ingredients without overpowering the dish.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
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Instructions:
Prepare the Crab Meat:
Chop the crab meat into ½-inch pieces and place it in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
Mix the Ingredients:
Add ½ cup of finely chopped celery to the crab meat.
Stir in ½ cup of mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning, ½ teaspoon of fresh dill (or dried dill, to taste), and salt and pepper to taste.
Gently mix all ingredients together until they are well combined and the crab meat is evenly coated.
Serve or Store:
Serve the crab salad immediately for a fresh taste.
Alternatively, cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For the best flavor, enjoy the salad within 2 days.
Serving Suggestions:
On a Sandwich: Serve the crab salad on a soft roll, croissant, or as a wrap with crisp lettuce for a delicious seafood sandwich.
As a Dip: Enjoy with crackers, baguette slices, or pita chips for a refreshing appetizer or snack.
Salad Topper: Serve over a bed of mixed greens or spinach with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for a light, healthy meal.
Avocado Cups: For a fun presentation, scoop the crab salad into halved avocados or hollowed-out tomatoes for an elegant appetizer.
Storage Tips:
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir well before serving, as the mayonnaise may separate slightly after refrigeration.
Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the mayonnaise and crab may change upon thawing.
Variations:
Shrimp and Crab Salad
Add chopped cooked shrimp for a combination of flavors and textures. Replace half of the crab meat with shrimp, or mix in a few pieces for a heartier salad.
Spicy Crab Salad
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick. You can also add a small amount of horseradish for extra heat.
Lemon-Dill Crab Salad
Add a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice and an extra teaspoon of dill for a bright, zesty flavor. Lemon complements the seafood and lightens the mayonnaise dressing.
Greek Yogurt Twist
For a lighter version, replace half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. This adds a bit of tanginess while keeping the salad creamy and delicious.
Conclusion:
This Seafood Salad is a quick, versatile recipe that brings all the best flavors of the sea to your table. It’s creamy, refreshing, and easy to customize, making it perfect for any meal or occasion. Whether served as a light lunch, a fancy appetizer, or a satisfying salad topper, this dish is sure to become a favorite for seafood lovers. Enjoy!
Seafood Salad
Ingredients
- 14 oz crab meat chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1-2 stalks celery finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 tsp dill fresh or dried, to taste
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- Chop the crab meat into ½-inch pieces and place it in a medium-sized mixing bowl.
- Add ½ cup of finely chopped celery to the crab meat. Stir in ½ cup of mayonnaise, ½ teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning, ½ teaspoon of dill, and salt and pepper to taste. Gently mix until well combined and evenly coated.
- Serve immediately for a fresh taste, or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. For the best flavor, enjoy within 2 days.