Crab Salad Recipe (VIDEO) (2024)

Published: by Dina

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This Crab Salad Recipe is a perfect seafood salad that is easy to make and full of amazing flavors you’ll love! Creamy and delicious, the subtle taste of this dish makes it perfect for any gathering.

If you love seafood appetizers, be adventurous and give my sushi bake and sushi bowl a try!

Crab Salad Recipe (VIDEO) (1)
Table Of Contents
  • Crab Salad Recipe Details
  • What you’ll need
  • How to Make Crab Salad
  • Recipe Tips
  • Add-ins and Substitutions
  • FAQs
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Make This Crab Salad in Advance
  • More Tasty Seafood Dishes!
  • Watch Recipe VIDEO Here
  • Full Recipe Instructions

Crab Salad Recipe Details

I love this Crab Salad recipe because it has so much flavor and takes very little work. Seafood salads look elegant, too, so it’s perfect for bringing to family holidays and get-togethers.

  • TASTE: The unique mix of crab and shrimp with a tasty dill dressing and vegetables is delicious.
  • TEXTURE: Creamy dressing, tender seafood, and boiled egg make a satisfying and filling combo.
  • TIME: This Crab Salad recipe is so easy to make. It’s perfect for bringing to a last-minute party.
  • EASE: This dish is a huge timesaver! No cooking required and done in 30 minutes.

What you’ll need

  • Seafood- Imitation crab meat (flake-style) and Cooked shrimp
  • Vegetables- Green onions, Petite peas (frozen), and Petite white corn (frozen)
  • Eggs- hard-boiled
  • Herbs- fresh Dill
  • Dressing- Sour cream, Mayonnaise, Salt, and Pepper
Crab Salad Recipe (VIDEO) (2)

How to Make Crab Salad

  • Chop up the seafood, eggs, and vegetables. Chop the crab and shrimp and place them in a large bowl. Now do the same for the hard-boiled eggs, green onion, and fresh dill. Then add in the corn and peas.
  • Make the dressing. In a small bowl, mix the sour cream and mayonnaise together.
  • Combine. Add the crab salad dressing to the large bowl and season to taste with salt and pepper. Stir to combine and serve chilled.

Pro Tip:Speed up chopping time for the eggs by using an egg slicer!

Crab Salad Recipe (VIDEO) (3)

Recipe Tips

  • Use imitation crab- There is a textural difference between imitation crab and real crab that makes the imitation better suited to this type of salad. It’s also much less expensive.
  • Choose fresh dill– Using fresh dill imparts so much more flavor into the crab salad than dried herbs do. This will make a huge difference in taste.
  • Chill the crab salad before serving- This recipe is perfect for summer and serving it cool is not only more pleasant, but also tastier. Not to mention, seafood should always be kept at a safe temperature, so put it on ice if you’ll be offering it at a buffet table.

Add-ins and Substitutions

  • Add bacon- Shrimp and crab taste great with bacon, so chop up a few cooked strips for added flavor.
  • Add some citrus- The dressing for this Crab Salad could be even more bright with some lemon or lime juice added in. Citrus and seafood are always a winning combination.
  • Substitute other vegetables- You can also enjoy this with other ingredients, such as chopped onion, celery, carrots, or potatoes.
  • Give your dressing a flavor boost- Substitute Old Bay seasoning, paprika, or fresh tarragon. Add some white wine vinegar or Dijon mustard as well.
Crab Salad Recipe (VIDEO) (4)

FAQs

What’s the difference between imitation crab and real crab meat?

Imitation crab is made by combining minced fish with starch, egg whites, sugar, salt and other ingredients to mimic the flavor, color, and texture of real crab meat.

Is crab salad healthy for you?

Seafood and vegetables are generally healthier options than others, such as beef. If you are looking for a lighter version of this Crab Salad, then try substituting Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise in the dressing, and using reduced-fat or light sour cream.

Serving Suggestions

This Crab Salad can be served in so many ways and goes great with lots of dishes. Here are a few serving ideas to try:

  • Sandwich: Add this to a roll or sandwich bread, or baked inside puff pastry.
  • Salad: Try this crab salad over a bed of greens or with this Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad or Spinach Salad.
  • Pasta: Serve it alongside this Tri Color Pasta Salad, Pesto Pasta Salad (VIDEO), or mix it into the chilled pasta of your choice.
  • Bread: Crackers, Focaccia Bread, or any toast would be great to dip into this Crab Salad.
  • Vegetables- Sliced cucumbers, avocado, or lettuce cups would work, too.
Crab Salad Recipe (VIDEO) (5)

Make This Crab Salad in Advance

Make ahead: This Crab Salad can be made up to 3 days ahead of serving. Enjoy it straight from the fridge or plate it for a party.

Storing: Store Crab Salad in an airtight container or covered with plastic wrap in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Discard it if it’s been sitting out for more than 2 hours.

Freeze: Because this salad is mayonnaise-based, it’s not a good idea to freeze it. However, you can keep the imitation crab, shrimp, corn, and peas frozen until you are ready to assemble this Crab Salad.

More Tasty Seafood Dishes!

  • Garlic and Ginger Shrimp Recipe
  • Cilantro Lime Salmon
  • Smoked Salmon Appetizer
  • Crab and Artichoke Dip
  • Potato Salad with Baked Salmon

Watch Recipe VIDEO Here

Full Recipe Instructions

Crab Salad Recipe (VIDEO) (6)

Crab Salad Recipe

This Imitation Crab Salad with Shrimp Recipe is a perfect seafood salad that is easy to make and full of amazing flavors you will love!

4.94 from 16 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Appetizer, Salad

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 10

Calories: 290kcal

Author: Dina

Ingredients

  • 1 lb flake style imitation crab meat
  • 1 lb cooked shrimp
  • 6 hard boiled eggs
  • 3-4 green onions
  • 2 tbsp chopped dill
  • 3/4 cup petite peas frozen
  • 1/2 cup petite white corn frozen
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Notes

FAQs answered in the post above

  • How to make it healthier?
  • Add-ins and substitutions
  • Can I make it ahead of time?

Nutrition

Calories: 290kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 16g | Fat: 18g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 244mg | Sodium: 761mg | Potassium: 146mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 365IU | Vitamin C: 7.5mg | Calcium: 100mg | Iron: 1.6mg

Did you make this recipe? Snap a photo of it and tag me on Instagram @simplyhomecooked or use the hashtag #simplyhomecooked so I can see it and feature it!

This recipe was originally posted on November 25, 2015, we’ve tweaked it a bit since then.

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Hi, I’m Dina, so glad you stopped by! I believe life is too short for bad coffee and boring meals. With my easy to follow step-by-step recipes, you’ll be surprised at how quickly a wholesome and delicious meal can come together. I hope you find something you enjoy!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

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  1. Cherrie says

    Crab Salad Recipe (VIDEO) (9)
    I added some finely chopped parsley as well. Beautiful 😻

    Reply

    • Dina says

      Thank you for the feedback Cherrie!

      Reply

  2. Heidi says

    Crab Salad Recipe (VIDEO) (10)
    Just simply delicious!

    The perfect balance of flavor is joined together by all ingredients. Fresh dill absolutely made a beautiful enhancement.

    Reply

    • Dina says

      That’s awesome Heidi! I am thrilled to hear that you loved this crab salad so much. Thank you for the kind feedback 🙂

      Reply

  3. Yelena Cantwell says

    Crab Salad Recipe (VIDEO) (11)
    I substituted 1can of sweet peas instead of frozen and cucumber instead of corn. It was a big hit. I would make it again. Delicious.

    Reply

    • Dina says

      Hi Yelena 🙂 Glad to hear you loved this crab salad! Awesome that those substitutions worked out for you! Thank you for your feedback and support! 🙂

      Reply

  4. Lara says

    Could I substitute plain greek yogurt instead of the Mayo? How would I adjust the recipe to do this? Thanks.

    Reply

    • Dina says

      Hi Lara 🙂 I am not too sure how that will taste. Since the mayo has more of a salty flavor and the plain greek yogurt has a tart or sour flavor. If you give it a try let me know how it goes! 🙂

      Reply

  5. Ray says

    Crab Salad Recipe (VIDEO) (12)
    I love this stuff!

    Reply

    • Dina says

      Thank you Ray!

      Reply

  6. Melissa says

    Hi, I was wondering if here is a substitute for the dill? I really don’t like it! Or just leave it out? Thank you in advance..

    Reply

    • simplyhomecooked says

      Hi Melissa, you can totally leave out the dill and it will still taste great! 🙂

      Reply

  7. MONIQUE says

    Bonjour Dina , je suis française et votre recette me plaît énormément et j’aimerai bien la faire , mais par quoi je peux remplacer la crème sure car en France on a pas ce genre de crème, nous avons de la crème entière épaisse , ou bien est-ce-que je peux utiliser que de la mayonnaise ? Vos photos sont magnifiques et la salade donne vraiment envie de la manger . Je sais qu’il y a le décalage horaire , mais j’espère avoir votre réponse . Merci .

    Reply

    • simplyhomecooked says

      Salut Monique 🙂 Tellement heureuse que tu sois tombée sur ma recette! Je recommanderais d’utiliser la crème fraiche. Cependant, vous devrez peut-être ajouter un peu de sel supplémentaire ou un tout petit peu de jus de citron. Il s’agit d’ajouter un peu d’acidité pour se rapprocher de la crème sure. J’espère que cela aide et j’espère que vous aimez cette salade de crabe! Faites-moi savoir comment ça se passe 🙂

      Reply

  8. Anya says

    Question regarding peas and corn: are these canned or frozen? If frozen do you cook them first? The frozen bags says “needs to be fully cooked”. Where do you buy the “petite” kind? Thanks!

    Reply

    • simplyhomecooked says

      Hi Anya 🙂 I use frozen. Canned will have a different taste. No, you don’t have to cook them first. They can be eaten as is. You don’t have to only get the petite corn. You can use any frozen corn 🙂 I hope you love this crab and shrimp salad! Let me know how it goes 🙂

      Reply

  9. DM says

    Crab Salad Recipe (VIDEO) (13)
    Thumbs up 👍

    Reply

    • simplyhomecooked says

      So happy that you loved this crab salad! Thank you for your feedback 🙂

      Reply

  10. Linda says

    Crab Salad Recipe (VIDEO) (14)
    Great recipe I used lump crab meat. And let me say it was a huge hit. I’m sure it’s good using the imitation crab meat.

    Reply

    • simplyhomecooked says

      Thank you for the feedback Linda! I will have to try it with lump crab meat too.

      Reply

  11. Lyuda says

    Crab Salad Recipe (VIDEO) (15)
    This is a delicious salad!
    I replaced the peas with diced pickles!

    Reply

    • simplyhomecooked says

      Hi Lyuda, thank you for taking the time to leave such kind feedback! I am glad that you enjoyed this recipe!

      Reply

« Older Comments

Crab Salad Recipe (VIDEO) (2024)

FAQs

How many days is crab salad good for? ›

Make ahead: The crab salad can be made one to two days in advance, but crab tastes best when it's fresh. Given this recipe's quick prep time, you'll reap the most rewards if you make it just before eating. Storage: The crab salad will keep for about 3 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Can you freeze imitation crab meat? ›

If you cannot eat it within that time frame, store the leftovers in a freezer at 0 degrees Fahrenheit for up to six months. When freezing the imitation crab meat, be aware that its texture will change when it's defrosted.

How long does imitation crab last? ›

Imitation crab sold in loose form in trays in fish cases will keep in the refrigerator Three to five days. When frozen, they should be used within six months. Signs of spoiled imitation crab are similar to those of fish, Kishimoto said--foul fishy smell, slimy surface and sour taste.

What is imitation crab made of? ›

Imitation crab is made with surimi, a paste made out of finely shredded or pulverized fish. After the fish is minced, it is heated and pressed into shapes that resemble meat from a crab leg. The resulting imitation crab looks similar to the original crab in its coloring and texture.

Can you eat 5 day old crab? ›

The shelf-life in a fridge is 3 to 5 days and in the freezer is 6 to 9 months. Whole cooked crab that is frozen can last from 9 to 12 months. Cooked crab that has been sitting on a plate at a dinner table should be consumed within 2 hours.

Does imitation crab go bad in the fridge? ›

If you have a leftover opened package of imitation crab meat, store it in a refrigerator set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). When it's properly stored in the fridge, it should be eaten within three days just like other varieties of fish, per the USDA.

How do you know if imitation crab has gone bad? ›

Imitation crab has gone bad if it has a strong fishy or sour smell, a slimy or discolored appearance, or if it's past the printed expiration date. These are all signs the product is no longer safe to consume. Always remember that when in doubt, it's better to be safe and throw it out.

Can you eat imitation crab past the expiration date? ›

Eating expired food, especially seafood like imitation crab meat, can be dangerous and is not recommended. Expiration dates are there to indicate the freshness and safety of a product. Consuming food that has passed its expiration date can pose health risks, including foodborne illnesses.

Is artificial crab meat good for you? ›

Imitation crab is a highly processed food made by combining minced fish with starch, egg whites, sugar, salt, and additives to mimic the flavor, color, and texture of real crab meat. While it's significantly less expensive than real crab, it's also less nutritious.

Can I eat imitation crab raw? ›

Can you eat imitation crab raw? Yes. It is pre-cooked, so you are able to eat it straight from the package. Many people use it as part of a larger recipe though, adding it to cream of crab soup, crab Rangoon or crab salad.

What kind of fish is imitation crab made of? ›

What Is Imitation Crab? The key to that flavor is surimi, a seafood paste made from white fish, artificial and natural flavors, starch, sugar, and sodium. And the preferred white fish in this amalgam is Alaskan Pollock—the same variety most commonly utilized in frozen fish sticks and fast-food seafood sandwiches.

Is imitation crab bad for cholesterol? ›

Imitation crab has low calorie, fat, and cholesterol content. This makes it a good choice for those who are trying to lose or maintain weight and are looking for low-cholesterol foods. If you're worried about the additives in such crab substitutes, there are also healthier, additive-free versions.

Why is crab so expensive? ›

The Cost of Catching and Processing Crab Meat. One of the main reasons why crab meat is expensive is due to the high cost of catching and processing the crabs. Crabbing is a labor-intensive process that requires skilled workers to operate specialized equipment such as crab traps and crab pots.

Can dogs eat imitation crab? ›

Though it may not be toxic, this combination of ingredients isn't a healthy food to offer your dog. It's best to avoid offering your pup anything labeled as imitation crab or containing imitation crab.

Does crab salad go bad? ›

Crab salad will last up to 3 days, stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.

Can you eat cooked crab after 3 days? ›

Information. Cooked fish and other seafood can be safely stored in the refrigerator 3 to 4 days. Refrigeration slows but does not prevent bacterial growth. Therefore, it's important to use food within recommended time before it spoils or becomes dangerous.

Can you eat crab after 4 days? ›

Crabs Longevity in Refrigerator

Then, to ensure freshness for consumption, will give you another 3-5 days in very cold frig. before they get "chancy to eat". If the crab legs you bought were not on ice, then, we would recommend only keeping them in the refrigerator for only 3-4 days.

How long is seafood salad good in fridge? ›

The amount of time that seafood salad can be kept in the fridge depends on the ingredients and storage conditions. If it contains perishable dressings like mayonnaise, it is best to consume the salad within the next day or so to avoid the risk of bacterial growth.

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