Best 6 Easy Crab Salad Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

Indulge in the delightful medley of flavors and textures that is crab salad, a timeless classic that offers a symphony of sweet, savory, and refreshing notes in every bite. This versatile dish, often served as a salad, sandwich filling, or appetizer, can be easily customized to suit your preferences, making it a true crowd-pleaser. From the delicate sweetness of crab meat to the crisp crunch of celery and the tangy zest of lemon, each ingredient in crab salad plays a harmonious role, creating a balanced and satisfying culinary experience.

The recipes featured in this article present a diverse range of crab salad variations, each with its own unique twist. From the classic simplicity of a mayonnaise-based crab salad to the piquant charm of a mustard-spiked version, there's a recipe here to tantalize every palate. Whether you prefer a creamy, smooth texture or a salad with a bit more bite, these recipes have you covered.

For those seeking a traditional take on crab salad, the classic recipe offers a straightforward approach, allowing the natural flavors of the crab to shine through. With just a few simple ingredients like mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs, this recipe captures the essence of this timeless dish.

For those who enjoy a bit of spice, the mustard-spiked crab salad adds a zesty kick to the mix. Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, and a hint of cayenne pepper elevate the flavor profile, creating a salad that is both refreshing and invigorating.

If you're looking for a lighter, healthier option, the avocado and crab salad offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures. Creamy avocado, fresh cilantro, and a tangy lime dressing create a vibrant and refreshing salad that is perfect for a summer lunch or light dinner.

And for those who love the convenience of a make-ahead meal, the crab salad lettuce cups provide a quick and easy appetizer or lunch option. Simply fill lettuce cups with your favorite crab salad, top with crumbled bacon and a drizzle of dressing, and you'll have a delicious and satisfying meal in minutes.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

EASY CRAB PASTA SALAD



Easy Crab Pasta Salad image

This creamy pasta salad is always a must at family gatherings. It is simple to make because there are only a few ingredients.

Provided by fishinwidow

Categories     Salad     Seafood Salad Recipes     Crab Salad Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 12

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (12 ounce) package rotini pasta
1 (10 ounce) package frozen peas, thawed
1 (8 ounce) can water chestnuts, chopped
1 (8 ounce) package imitation crabmeat, coarsely chopped - or more to taste
1 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil; cook the rotini at a boil until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes; drain and rinse under cold water.
  • Combine peas, water chestnuts, imitation crabmeat, mayonnaise, chives, and dill in a large bowl; stir until evenly mixed. Add cooled pasta and mix until coated.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 177.6 calories, Carbohydrate 33.6 g, Cholesterol 3.7 mg, Fat 2 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 6.2 g, SaturatedFat 0.1 g, Sodium 372.6 mg, Sugar 7.8 g

EASY CRAB PASTA SALAD



Easy Crab Pasta Salad image

My mother shared this recipe with me. It's one of my standby meals for a light summer lunch.

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch

Time 25m

Yield 2 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 9

2/3 cup uncooked spiral pasta
1/2 cup crabmeat, drained, flaked and cartilage removed or 1 cup imitation crabmeat
1/3 cup broccoli florets
3 tablespoons chopped seeded tomato
2 tablespoons chopped green pepper
1 tablespoon sliced green onion
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon prepared Italian salad dressing
1/4 teaspoon grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse in cold water. In a bowl, combine the pasta, crab, broccoli, tomato, green pepper and green onion. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, salad dressing and Parmesan cheese. Pour over salad mixture; toss gently to coat.

Nutrition Facts :

EASY AND ELEGANT CRAB SALAD IN ENDIVE BOATS



Easy and Elegant Crab Salad in Endive Boats image

WOW, when I can get crab on sale and in season, I love to make this delish appetizer for our friends and family. It is tasty and elegant. Serve on a pretty platter for great presentation. Can be made ahead and chilled.

Provided by kiwidutch

Categories     Crab

Time 15m

Yield 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 lb crabmeat
1 red onion, finely diced
1 red bell pepper, finely diced
4 ounces roasted garlic, chopped
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 bunch parsley, chopped
1 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon hot sauce (to taste)
4 -5 bunches Belgian endive
salt and pepper

Steps:

  • Separate endive leaves, rinse and set aside.
  • In large bowl, combine and toss crab meat, red onion, red bell pepper, roasted garlic and parsley. Mix well.
  • Add Worcestershire, hot sauce and half of the mayonnaise, mix well.
  • When desired consistency is reached, finish with salt and pepper. If too dry, add the rest of the mayonnaise and re-season.
  • Scoop about one tablespoon of crab salad into separated endive leaves and serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 190.2, Fat 8.6, SaturatedFat 1.3, Cholesterol 25.1, Sodium 612.3, Carbohydrate 18.3, Fiber 7, Sugar 3.2, Protein 12.1

FAMILY FAVORITE CRAB PASTA SALAD (QUICK & EASY)



Family Favorite Crab Pasta Salad (Quick & Easy) image

This is a wonderful, tasty, semi-homemade, go-to salad recipe that I use often in the spring and summer. Delicious as a side salad, light lunch or potluck dish when you are asked to bring a salad. Can be made as a light, healthy, low-cal dish by simply swapping out the full-fat mayo with light or fat-free mayo. Feel free to add...

Provided by Family Favorites

Categories     Salads

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 7

8 oz. uncooked medium pasta shells
1 lb. your favorite prepared creamy coleslaw (or your own recipe)
1/2 cup mayonaise
1 tbsp. chopped onion
1 tsp. dill weed
dash of salt & pepper (depending on how salty your coleslaw is)
2 cups crab meat, imitation crab meat or small, cooked shrimp

Steps:

  • 1. So easy! Cook pasta according to package instructions. In large bowl, combine coleslaw, mayo, onion, dill and salt and pepper (if using). Gently stir in crab meat.
  • 2. Drain pasta and rinse in cold water. Add to coleslaw mixture. Toss to coat. Chill until ready to serve.

EASY CHAMORRO CRAB SALAD



Easy Chamorro Crab Salad image

Make and share this Easy Chamorro Crab Salad recipe from Food.com.

Provided by ChamoritaMomma

Categories     Crab

Time 33m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 lb imitation crabmeat
1 medium broccoli
1 large cucumber, peeled and seeded
1/2-1 cup Hellmann's mayonnaise
1/4-1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste
1/2 teaspoon pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • In a large pot, get some water boiling. Prepare the broccoli by cutting most of the tender stalk and florets into bite sized chunks. Blanch the florets and tender parts of stalk about 3-4 minutes, without over cooking. It should still have a bit of crunch. Drain, and set aside to cool.
  • Peel and seed a large cucumber, and cut into diced pieces, set aside.
  • Meanwhile, using your fingers, shred the crabmeat into pieces. leaving a few chunky ones.
  • In a bowl, combine the crab, cucumber, and broccoli. Add a little of the mayonnaise at a time; you don't want to over do it. It shouldn't be swimming in mayonnaise. Add the salt and pepper to taste. Combine well. Cover and set in refrigerator until ready to serve.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 294, Fat 11.9, SaturatedFat 1.8, Cholesterol 30.3, Sodium 1360.5, Carbohydrate 31.6, Fiber 4.4, Sugar 5.7, Protein 18.7

CRAB SALAD (EASY)



Crab Salad (Easy) image

Cape Cod has wonderful and easy recipes for seafood, and this is one of them, so easy and yummy !

Provided by Carol Junkins

Categories     Other Side Dishes

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 c rock crab meat
1 c chopped celery
1/2 c chopped green pepper
3/4 c sliced mushrooms
1/4 c chopped onion
3 chopped tomatoes
salt and pepper to taste
DRESSING:
2 tsp vinegar
1/4 tsp sugar
1/4 c mayonnaise

Steps:

  • 1. Combine all ingredients. Toss to mix well. Chill thoroughly. Serve on lettuce. Serves 6

Tips:

  • Choose high-quality crab meat. Fresh or frozen crab meat is best, but canned crab meat can also be used in a pinch.
  • Flake the crab meat gently. This will help to keep it tender and prevent it from becoming mushy.
  • Use a variety of vegetables in your crab salad. This will add flavor and texture to the dish.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment with different dressings. Mayonnaise is a classic, but you can also use Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a vinaigrette.
  • Serve crab salad immediately or chill it for later. It can be served on sandwiches, crackers, or lettuce leaves.

Conclusion:

Crab salad is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. With its delicate flavor and abundance of nutrients, crab salad is a great option for a light lunch or dinner. Whether you're looking for a classic recipe or something a little more creative, you're sure to find a crab salad recipe that you'll love. So next time you're looking for a seafood dish that's both delicious and healthy, give crab salad a try!

Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »

Related Topics