If you’re craving something refreshing, creamy, and ridiculously easy to throw together, crab salad (often called seafood salad) is the answer. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a mini vacation: cool, bright, and coastal—even if you’re making it in the middle of a busy week. Serve it on buttery croissants, tuck it into wraps, pile it on crackers, or scoop it straight from the bowl (no judgment).
This classic deli-style seafood salad is typically made with imitation crab (surimi) for convenience and affordability, but you can absolutely upgrade it with real crab when you want something extra special. Either way, the goal is the same: tender bites of seafood folded into a creamy, lightly seasoned dressing with crunchy celery and a pop of fresh herbs.
This recipe keeps things simple, balanced, and flavorful—creamy without being heavy, seasoned without overpowering the delicate seafood taste. It’s also a make-ahead dream, which means it gets even better after chilling.
Focus keyword
Crab salad recipe
Why you’ll love this crab salad
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Fast and easy: 10–15 minutes of prep, no cooking required.
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Perfect for parties: Great for picnics, potlucks, and summer lunches.
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Make-ahead friendly: Chill time improves flavor and texture.
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Versatile: Serve as a sandwich filling, dip, wrap, or salad topper.
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Budget-friendly: Imitation crab delivers that classic seafood salad vibe.
Crab Salad Ingredients
Seafood
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Imitation crab (surimi), chopped or shredded – the classic choice for “seafood salad.”
Optional upgrade: real lump crab meat (see variations below).
Crunch + freshness
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Celery, finely diced (for crunch)
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Green onion or red onion, finely minced (for a mild bite)
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Fresh parsley (or dill), chopped (adds freshness and color)
Creamy dressing
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Mayonnaise (the base)
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Sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional, for lighter tang—highly recommended)
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Lemon juice (brightens everything)
Seasoning (simple but important)
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Old Bay (or a pinch of paprika + celery salt if you don’t have it)
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Salt and black pepper
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A tiny pinch of sugar (optional, balances acidity—use only if needed)
Recipe: Creamy Crab Salad (Seafood Salad)
Prep time
15 minutes
Chill time
30 minutes (recommended)
Total time
45 minutes
Servings
4–6 (depending on how you serve it)
