Creamy Crab Salad (Easy, Chilled & Seriously Addictive!)
Thank you so much for being here! I get so excited to share recipes like this one—especially the kind that are quick to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for everything from weekday lunches to summer potlucks. This Creamy Crab Salad is all that and more. 🦀💛
Right after I made it the first time, I thought, Why haven’t I had this in my fridge all summer?! It’s creamy, tangy, a little sweet, and full of that delicious seafood flavor—without needing any fancy ingredients. Plus, it’s super versatile: serve it in lettuce wraps, on crackers, or as a cold sandwich filling. I promised you easy, and here’s proof!
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Creamy Crab Salad
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
A cool, creamy seafood salad made with imitation crab, crisp veggies, and a light mayo dressing—perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or lettuce wraps on warm days!
Ingredients
- 1 lb imitation crab meat, chopped or shredded
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sour cream (optional)
- ½ cup celery, finely chopped
- ¼ cup red onion or green onions, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh dill, Old Bay seasoning, or a dash of hot sauce
Instructions
- Chop or shred the imitation crab meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Finely dice the celery and onion.
- In a mixing bowl, stir together mayonnaise, sour cream (if using), lemon juice, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Add the crab, celery, and onion to the bowl and gently stir to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Notes
For extra flavor, add fresh dill or a pinch of Old Bay. Tastes even better the next day and is great in sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or with crackers!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salads
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: crab salad, creamy salad, seafood, chilled salad, easy lunch
What Is Creamy Crab Salad?
Creamy Crab Salad is a chilled, mayo-based seafood salad made with imitation crab meat (or real crab if you want to splurge!), diced celery, onion, and a light seasoning blend. It’s creamy, slightly sweet, with a hint of tang from lemon juice or vinegar. Think seafood meets deli salad—cool, comforting, and totally scoopable.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Crab Salad
🦀 Quick to make – 10 minutes from start to finish!
🥗 Chilled & refreshing – Perfect for hot days or make-ahead lunches.
🍞 Versatile – Serve it on sandwiches, with crackers, or in lettuce cups.
🛒 Budget-friendly – Uses imitation crab (surimi), which is affordable and easy to find.
🧅 Balanced flavor – Creamy, crunchy, sweet, and tangy in every bite.
What Does Creamy Crab Salad Taste Like?
It’s smooth and creamy with light seafood flavor, balanced by a little crunch from celery and onion, and rounded out with a slightly sweet-tangy finish. The mayonnaise gives it richness, while the lemon juice or vinegar brightens it up. If you’ve ever had seafood pasta salad or shrimp salad, this is in the same flavor family—just a bit more spreadable and scoopable.
Benefits of This Recipe
High in protein
Low carb & keto-friendly (if served on lettuce or by itself)
Meal-prep approved – Tastes even better the next day!
Customizable – Add spice, herbs, or veggies to suit your taste.
No cooking required – Just chop, mix, and chill!
Ingredients for Creamy Crab Salad
Here’s what you’ll need for 4–6 servings:
1 lb imitation crab meat, chopped or shredded
½ cup mayonnaise (add more or less to taste)
1 tablespoon sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
½ cup celery, finely chopped
¼ cup red onion or green onions, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice (or white vinegar)
1 teaspoon sugar (just enough to balance the tang)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: fresh dill, Old Bay seasoning, or a dash of hot sauce
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
🦞 Real crab: Swap in fresh lump crab for a luxury upgrade.
🥒 Diced pickles or relish: For a briny kick.
🌿 Fresh herbs: Dill, parsley, or tarragon brighten it up beautifully.
🌶 Jalapeño or hot sauce: For a spicy twist.
🧄 Garlic powder: Adds depth without overpowering.
🥑 Avocado: Stir in chopped avocado right before serving for a creamy twist.
Tools You’ll Need
Mixing bowl
Sharp knife & cutting board
Spoon or spatula
Optional: food processor if you prefer a smoother texture
How to Make Creamy Crab Salad (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare the crab
Chop or shred the imitation crab meat into bite-sized pieces. Some people like it finely shredded for a spreadable texture; others prefer chunks.
Step 2: Chop the veggies
Finely dice your celery and onions. The smaller you chop them, the more balanced the bites will be.
Step 3: Mix the base
In a large bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sour cream (if using), lemon juice, sugar, and a little salt and pepper.
Step 4: Combine
Add the crab, celery, and onion to the mayo mixture. Stir gently to combine everything without breaking up the crab too much.
Step 5: Chill
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors time to meld (and it’s even better the next day!).
What to Serve with Creamy Crab Salad
🥬 Lettuce wraps – Use butter lettuce or romaine for a low-carb option.
🥖 Croissants or sandwich rolls – Classic deli-style lunch!
🍘 Crackers or pita chips – Great for scooping.
🥪 Stuffed in a tomato or avocado half – Fresh and fancy!
🍝 Cold pasta – Mix into cooked, chilled pasta for an easy seafood pasta salad.
Tips for the Best Crab Salad
Use good mayo – Since it’s the base of the dressing, go for a brand you love.
Don’t skip the acid – Lemon juice or vinegar keeps it from tasting flat.
Chop everything finely – You want flavor in every bite, and smaller pieces blend better.
Let it chill – Even 30 minutes in the fridge makes a big difference in taste and texture.
Taste and tweak – Everyone likes different levels of salt, sweetness, and creaminess—adjust it to your liking!
Storage Instructions
🧊 In the Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
Stir before serving in case any liquid separates.
Best enjoyed cold—do not microwave.
🚫 Freezer Warning:
Do not freeze. Mayonnaise-based salads don’t freeze well and can separate when thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use real crab meat instead of imitation?
Yes! Lump crab or claw meat works beautifully. Just be gentle when mixing to avoid breaking it apart.
Is this keto-friendly?
Yes! Just skip the sugar or use a keto sweetener. Serve it on lettuce wraps or eat it straight with a fork.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! In fact, it tastes better after chilling overnight. Just give it a quick stir before serving.
Can I use Miracle Whip instead of mayo?
You can, but it’ll add a tangier, sweeter flavor. Adjust the lemon juice and sugar accordingly.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Crab Salad is one of those magical recipes that feels fancy but comes together in minutes. It’s cool, comforting, and oh-so-creamy—everything you want in a chilled seafood salad. Whether you’re packing it for lunch, scooping it onto crackers, or turning it into a sandwich, this one deserves a regular spot in your recipe rotation. 🦀💛
I promised you something easy, creamy, and crowd-pleasing—and this delivers every time.
More Cold & Creamy Recipes to Try:
Classic Tuna Salad with Pickle Relish
Deviled Egg Salad
Chilled Shrimp & Avocado Salad
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad with Grapes
Share Your Twist!
Tried this Creamy Crab Salad? Snap a photo and tag it on Pinterest—or leave a comment below with your favorite mix-ins! I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. 💬🧂
Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
Calories: 210
Protein: 12g
Fat: 17g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Sugar: 1g
Fiber: 0g