Crab Salad Recipe
Introduction
This crab salad is a light and refreshing dish perfect for warm days or as a tasty appetizer. Made with tender crab meat and crunchy celery, it’s easy to prepare and versatile to serve.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds crab meat (or imitation crab meat)
- 2 stalks celery
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2/3 cup Best Foods mayonnaise (or Hellmann’s)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Fresh dill, optional, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Break imitation crab meat into small pieces with your hands or coarsely chop with a knife. You can also pulse gently in a blender or food processor if preferred.
- Step 2: Finely chop the celery for a subtle crunch. In a large bowl, toss the crab meat, celery, salt, and pepper together until evenly mixed.
- Step 3: Stir in the mayonnaise and lemon juice until the crab mixture is evenly coated. Add fresh dill if using and mix gently.
- Step 4: Serve the crab salad immediately, or refrigerate until ready. It’s delicious served as-is, in lettuce cups, or with crackers for dipping.
Tips & Variations
- Use lump crab meat for a more luxurious texture and flavor if you prefer fresh crab.
- Add finely diced red onion or green onion for extra bite.
- For a zesty twist, mix in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard with the mayonnaise.
- Fresh dill is optional but adds a lovely herbal note that complements the crab.
Storage
Store the crab salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture and flavor, consume within this time. If refrigerated, stir gently before serving. It is best served chilled and should not be frozen.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen crab meat for this salad?
Yes, frozen crab meat works well. Make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture before mixing to prevent a watery salad.
Is it okay to substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt?
You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, but the texture and flavor will be tangier and less creamy.
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Crab Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A light and refreshing Crab Salad made with tender crab meat, crunchy celery, and a creamy mayonnaise dressing infused with fresh lemon juice and optional dill. Perfect as a quick meal, appetizer, or served with crackers or lettuce cups for a delightful seafood treat.
Ingredients
Crab Salad Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds crab meat (or imitation crab meat)
- 2 stalks celery
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2/3 cup Best Foods mayonnaise (or Hellmann’s)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Fresh dill, optional, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Crab Meat: Break imitation crab meat into small pieces using your hands or coarsely chop with a knife. Alternatively, pulse coarsely in a blender or food processor ensuring not to overprocess, to maintain texture.
- Chop Celery: Finely chop the celery stalks to add a slight crunch without overpowering the salad’s texture.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the crab meat, chopped celery, salt, and pepper until well distributed.
- Add Dressing: Stir in mayonnaise and lemon juice, mixing thoroughly until the crab mixture is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Optional Seasoning: Add fresh dill to taste if desired, gently folding it into the salad for enhanced flavor.
- Serve and Store: Serve the crab salad immediately on its own, in lettuce cups, or with crackers for dipping. Alternatively, refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to serve, best consumed within 1-2 days.
Notes
- Use fresh lump crab meat for the best flavor, or imitation crab meat as a budget-friendly alternative.
- Adjust mayonnaise quantity to preference for creaminess.
- Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor; bottled lemon juice can be substituted but fresh is recommended.
- Add fresh dill sparingly if using, as it has a strong flavor.
- Keep refrigerated and consume within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.
- This crab salad is versatile and can be served in sandwiches, wraps, or atop greens.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: crab salad, seafood salad, easy crab recipe, no cook salad, crab meat salad, quick lunch, mayonnaise crab salad
