Best 5 Buffet Style Creamy Crab Salad Recipes

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Indulge in a delightful culinary experience with our creamy crab salad, a buffet-style extravaganza that combines the delicate sweetness of succulent crab meat with a symphony of textures and flavors. Served atop a bed of crisp lettuce, this delectable dish features a creamy, tangy dressing that complements the crab's natural brininess. Accompaniments such as crisp cucumber slices, juicy cherry tomatoes, and vibrant red onion rings add a refreshing crunch and a pop of color. Additionally, this versatile recipe offers variations to suit diverse preferences: for a classic twist, try the traditional Old Bay seasoning; for a touch of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper; or, for a creamy delight, incorporate cream cheese into the dressing. Explore the culinary possibilities and create a creamy crab salad that tantalizes taste buds and leaves guests craving more.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CREAMY CRAB SALAD



Creamy Crab Salad image

I love crab salad. This is my version.

Provided by Diane C.

Categories     Other Salads

Time 20m

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 pkg imitation crab meat (i prefer louis kemp)
1/2 c celery, diced fine
1-2 slice onion, diced fine
DRESSING
1/4 c ranch dressing, light
1/2 c mayonnaise, light (i like hellmans)
1 tsp sweet relish
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp dill, dried
5-6 dash(es) salt and pepper (to taste)

Steps:

  • 1. Rinse and drain the imitation crab meat. Flake into a medium bowl.
  • 2. Dice the celery and onion. Add to the crab meat.
  • 3. In a small bowl, combine the ranch dressing, mayo, relish, and garlic powder.
  • 4. Pour the dressing mixture over the crab meat and stir to mix. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, top with dill weed, then toss lightly to mix. Chill for one hour to blend flavors.
  • 5. Notes: You can substitute 1 T. dried minced onion for the fresh onion.

BUFFET STYLE CREAMY CRAB SALAD



Buffet Style Creamy Crab Salad image

A light creamy crab salad that I could not find A close recipe Anywhere. My grandmother used to make this to go on crackers as an appetizer or on a bed of lettuce. I have found this in one chinese buffet and several others that didnt taste right. Refrigerate til next day for best flavor!! I could eat the whole bowl myself! Mostly found made with Imitation crab but you can try with fresh.(larger recipe because it holds well refrigerated and tastes better each day) Can be halfed but you will wish you had more the third day!

Provided by Chef KateHas2

Categories     Crab

Time 20m

Yield 5 cups, 10-12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

32 ounces of flaked imitation crabmeat
16 ounces baby shrimp (optional)
one stalks celery, chopped small
half onion, chopped small (about 1/8 c.)
1/3 cup light mayonnaise
1/2 cup evaporated milk
2 tablespoons sugar
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Brake up crab into smaller opened up pieces.
  • Rinse and drain tiny shrimp.
  • Mix in celery and onion.
  • Mix together sugar with mayo and evap. milk.
  • Combine with crab mixture.
  • Salt and pepper to taste.(pepper really brings good flavor).
  • Chill for at least 4 hrs for best taste, overnight recommended.
  • (This is supposed to be wet and creamy when first made. Some Imitation crab soak up a bit of the liquid as it sits.).
  • Mix thoughly before serving.

CREAMY CRAB AND PASTA SALAD



Creamy Crab and Pasta Salad image

Crabmeat and pasta are tossed with a creamy seasoned sauce in this great chilled salad.

Provided by dakota kelly

Categories     Salad     Seafood Salad Recipes     Crab Salad Recipes

Time 27m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

1 (12 ounce) package uncooked pasta shells
½ cup light sour cream
½ cup light mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon honey mustard
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 pound cooked crabmeat
½ cup diced red bell pepper
½ cup diced green bell pepper
½ cup chopped green onions

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook pasta shells 10 to 12 minutes, until al dente, and drain.
  • In a bowl, blend the sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey mustard, and dill. Season with salt and pepper.
  • In a large bowl, toss together the cooked pasta, sour cream mixture, crabmeat, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and green onions. Cover and chill until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 295 calories, Carbohydrate 35.6 g, Cholesterol 54.3 mg, Fat 8.6 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 19.2 g, SaturatedFat 2.2 g, Sodium 504.1 mg, Sugar 3.5 g

MEL'S CRAB SALAD



Mel's Crab Salad image

I tried for years to duplicate the crab salad that was made in the seafood market i used to work for, but never could. However, I came up with this one and prefer it a whole lot more. My daughter will hide with the batch I make and eat it all. She doesn't like to share. Serve with club-style crackers.

Provided by Melissa Goff

Categories     Salad     Seafood Salad Recipes     Crab Salad Recipes

Time 8h15m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 pound imitation crabmeat, flaked
½ cup finely chopped celery, or more to taste
½ cup reduced-fat ranch dressing (such as Hidden Valley Ranch® LIght)
⅓ cup mayonnaise (such as Hellmann's®/Best Foods®)
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 teaspoon minced fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Gently mix flaked imitation crab, celery, ranch dressing, mayonnaise, sugar, and parsley in a salad bowl until thoroughly combined. Refrigerate overnight, stirring occasionally. Stir again just before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 165.4 calories, Carbohydrate 12.2 g, Cholesterol 19 mg, Fat 11 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 4.6 g, SaturatedFat 1.5 g, Sodium 686.8 mg, Sugar 6 g

CREAMY CRAB SALAD



Creamy Crab Salad image

This easy-on-the-pocket salad beautifully dresses up economical imitation crab. My husband's grandmother gladly shared the recipe. -Barb Stanton, Winona, Minnesota

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 15m

Yield 10-12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 package (16 ounces) medium shell pasta
1 package (16 ounces) imitation crabmeat, flaked
3 green onions, thinly sliced
1/2 cup chopped carrot
1/2 cup chopped cucumber
1/2 cup chopped green pepper
1 cup sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon seasoned salt
2 teaspoons cider vinegar
1-1/2 to 2 teaspoons pepper
Leaf lettuce, optional

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. Place in a large bowl; add crab, onions, carrot, cucumber and green pepper. Combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, sugar, seasoned salt, vinegar and pepper; pour over salad and toss to coat. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours. Serve in a lettuce-lined bowl if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 370 calories, Fat 19g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 24mg cholesterol, Sodium 703mg sodium, Carbohydrate 40g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 9g protein.

Tips:

  • Use fresh crab meat for the best flavor and texture.
  • If you're using canned crab, make sure to drain it well and flake it before using.
  • Add a variety of vegetables, herbs, and spices to your crab salad to create a flavorful and unique dish.
  • Don't overmix the crab salad, or it will become mushy.
  • Serve crab salad immediately, or chill it for later use.

Conclusion:

Creamy crab salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, main course, or side dish. It's also perfect for potlucks and picnics. With its creamy texture, succulent crab meat, and flavorful vegetables, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone who tries it.

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