If you love seafood that’s light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor, this Crab + Seafood Salad is your next kitchen star. It’s a vibrant mix of sweet crab, tender shrimp, crunchy veggies, and a creamy dressing that ties everything together. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch, a picnic, or a fancy starter for dinner guests, this dish delivers elegance without the fuss.
Table of Contents
🥗 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Comes together in less than 20 minutes.
- Versatile: Serve in lettuce cups, over greens, or with crackers.
- Healthy Twist: Swap mayo for Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Flavor Explosion: Sweet seafood, crisp vegetables, and zesty dressing in every bite.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
Protein
- 1 cup cooked crab meat (fresh, canned, or imitation)
- 1/2 cup cooked shrimp (peeled and chopped)
- 1/2 cup imitation crab sticks (optional, sliced)
Veggies
- 1/2 cup celery (finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper (diced)
- 1/4 cup cucumber (deseeded & diced)
- 2 tablespoons red onion (optional, finely diced)
Fruits (Optional for Sweetness)
- 1/4 cup mango (diced) or apple (diced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon or lime juice
Dressing
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a healthier version)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Herbs & Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley (chopped)
- Lettuce cups or mixed greens (for serving)
- Avocado slices (optional)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prep the Seafood
Make sure your crab and shrimp are cooked, peeled, and chopped into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using canned or imitation crab, drain well to avoid excess water in the salad.
Step 2 – Chop the Veggies & Fruit
Finely dice celery, bell pepper, cucumber, and optional red onion. If you’re adding mango or apple, cut them into small cubes for a pop of sweetness.
Step 3 – Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, lemon/lime juice, and honey/maple syrup if desired. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4 – Combine Everything
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the crab, shrimp, veggies, and fruit. Pour the dressing over and gently mix until everything is evenly coated.
Step 5 – Serve & Garnish
Spoon the salad into lettuce cups, serve over mixed greens, or enjoy with crusty bread. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley and optional avocado slices.
📊 Nutrition & Calories Table
| Ingredient | Quantity | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| Crab meat | 1 cup | 80 |
| Shrimp (cooked) | 1/2 cup | 60 |
| Imitation crab sticks | 1/2 cup | 50 |
| Celery | 1/2 cup | 8 |
| Red bell pepper | 1/4 cup | 12 |
| Cucumber | 1/4 cup | 4 |
| Red onion | 2 tbsp | 8 |
| Mango/Apple | 1/4 cup | 25 |
| Mayonnaise | 1/3 cup | 240 |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tbsp | 15 |
| Honey/Maple syrup | 1 tsp | 21 |
| Total (approx.) | — | 523 |
(Calories are approximate and vary based on specific brands and substitutions.)
🌟 Pro Tips for the Perfect Seafood Salad
- Chill Before Serving: Let the salad rest in the fridge for 15–20 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Boost the Protein: Add diced hard-boiled eggs or flaked salmon.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve in lettuce cups instead of bread.
- Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeño to the dressing.
💡 Serving Ideas
- Lettuce Wraps: Fresh and crunchy – perfect for low-carb lovers.
- On Toasted Bread: Like an elevated seafood sandwich.
- With Crackers: A great party appetizer.
- Over Quinoa or Rice: For a heartier meal.
This Crab + Seafood Salad is light, creamy, and full of flavor — a perfect blend of freshness and indulgence. Whether you make it for lunch, dinner, or a gathering, it’s bound to impress.
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