Oh, let me tell you about my absolute favorite summer dish: crab salad seafood salad! It’s the kind of dish that just screams sunshine and good times. I remember the first time I made it for a picnic with friends—everyone was raving about it, and I felt like a culinary rock star! This crab salad is not only refreshing and loaded with delicious seafood flavors, but it’s also super simple to whip up. The combination of sweet crab meat with crisp celery and zesty dressing is just heavenly. Plus, it’s a low-fat option that still feels indulgent! You can serve it on a crisp bed of lettuce, and trust me, it’ll be a hit at your next gathering or even just a cozy night in. Let’s dive into how to make this delightful dish!

Ingredients List

1 pound lump crab meat
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup diced celery
1/4 cup diced red onion
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

How to Prepare Crab Salad Seafood Salad

Alright, let’s get our hands a little messy and dive into making this amazing crab salad seafood salad! It’s a breeze to prepare, and I promise you’ll love how quickly it comes together. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dish ready to impress!

Step 1: Combine Crab Mixture

In a large bowl, gently combine the 1 pound of lump crab meat, 1/4 cup of diced celery, and 1/4 cup of diced red onion. I like to use my hands for this part because it feels more personal, but you can also use a spatula if you prefer. Just be careful not to break up the crab too much—those big chunks are what make this salad special!

Step 2: Prepare Dressing

Now, let’s make that zesty dressing! In a separate bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. I like to whisk it together until it’s nice and smooth. The lemon juice adds such a fresh pop, and the Dijon gives it a delightful kick!

Step 3: Toss Salad

Pour that creamy dressing over your crab mixture and gently toss everything together. This is where you’ll want to be super gentle—nobody wants mushy crab! Just fold everything together until it’s evenly coated. It’s like a big seafood hug!

Step 4: Add Parsley

Next, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley. This not only adds a lovely pop of color but also brightens the flavors. Mix it in gently, and you’ll see how it elevates the dish!

Step 5: Chill Before Serving

Finally, cover your bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial because it allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully. Trust me, the wait is worth it! Once chilled, it’s ready to serve, and you’ll be amazed at how refreshing it tastes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy preparation—ready in just 15 minutes!
Refreshing flavors that scream summer and sunshine.
Low-fat option that feels indulgent without the guilt.
Perfect for gatherings, picnics, or a cozy night in.
Loaded with protein from the crab, making it satisfying and healthy.
Versatile enough to serve as a light lunch or a classy appetizer.
Can be made ahead of time, allowing for stress-free entertaining!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s talk about the nutritional goodness packed into this delicious crab salad seafood salad! Each serving is around 1 cup, and here’s the estimated breakdown:

Calories: 250
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 400mg
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Protein: 20g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates, but they give you a great idea of how satisfying and nutritious this salad is! It’s a guilt-free way to enjoy a seafood favorite while still keeping things light and healthy. Perfect for those sunny days when you just want something fresh and flavorful!

Tips for Success

Alright, let’s make sure your crab salad seafood salad turns out absolutely perfect! Here are some pro tips that I swear by:

Choose Fresh Crab Meat: If possible, go for fresh lump crab meat instead of canned. The flavor and texture will be so much better! If you do use canned, make sure to drain it well and remove any shell pieces.
Be Gentle When Mixing: When combining the ingredients, handle the crab with care. Over-mixing can break up those lovely chunks, which is what makes this salad so special. Think of it like a delicate dance!
Tweak the Dressing: Feel free to adjust the dressing to your taste! If you love a little extra zing, add more lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce for a kick. Don’t be shy to make it your own!
Let It Chill: Don’t skip the chilling step! Allowing the salad to sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes not only helps the flavors blend but also enhances the overall freshness.
Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley adds a wonderful pop of flavor, but you could also experiment with dill or chives for a different twist. Fresh herbs really elevate the dish!
Serve It Right: For a classy presentation, serve your crab salad in avocado halves or on cucumber boats. It looks stunning and adds an extra layer of freshness!

With these tips in hand, you’re all set to create a crab salad seafood salad that will impress everyone at the table. Happy cooking!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to enjoying your crab salad seafood salad, the serving options are as delightful as the dish itself! Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

On a Bed of Lettuce: This is my go-to! Serve the salad on a crisp bed of romaine or butter lettuce for a refreshing crunch. It not only looks beautiful but adds a nice texture contrast.
With Crusty Bread: Pair it with some freshly baked crusty bread or baguette slices. The bread is perfect for scooping up the salad, and it makes for a satisfying meal!
In Avocado Halves: For an elegant touch, serve the crab salad in halved avocados. The creaminess of the avocado complements the salad so well, and it’s a fantastic way to impress your guests!
As a Sandwich: Why not turn it into a sandwich? Spread the crab salad between two slices of your favorite bread or in a wrap for a delicious lunch option. It’s quick, easy, and oh-so-satisfying!
On Cucumber Boats: For a fun appetizer, hollow out some cucumber slices and fill them with the crab salad. They’re super refreshing and make for a great finger food at parties!

No matter how you choose to serve your crab salad seafood salad, I promise it’ll be a hit! Each option brings its own flair, making your meal feel special every time. Enjoy experimenting with these ideas!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

So, you’ve made this delicious crab salad seafood salad, and now you’re wondering how to store those tempting leftovers? No worries, it’s super simple! Just transfer any uneaten salad into an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 2 days. Trust me, that zesty flavor gets even better as it sits!

Just a quick note: I wouldn’t recommend reheating this salad, as it’s best enjoyed chilled. So, when you’re ready to dive back into it, just grab it from the fridge, give it a gentle stir, and serve it up again! If it looks a bit thick, you can always add a touch more mayonnaise or lemon juice to freshen it up. Enjoy those scrumptious leftovers!

FAQ Section

Can I use imitation crab meat instead of real crab?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, imitation crab meat works just fine. It may not have the same sweet flavor as lump crab, but it still delivers a tasty seafood salad experience. Just chop it up and use it just like you would with real crab!

How long does the crab salad seafood salad last in the fridge?
This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container to keep it fresh. After that, the flavors might start to fade, and you wouldn’t want that!

Can I make crab salad seafood salad ahead of time?
Definitely! This salad is perfect for making ahead. Just prepare it a few hours in advance or even the night before, and let it chill in the fridge. The flavors will meld beautifully, making it even tastier when you’re ready to serve!

What can I add to the salad for extra flavor?
Feel free to get creative! Adding chopped bell peppers, diced pickles, or even a splash of hot sauce can really amp up the flavor. Fresh herbs like dill or cilantro also bring a delightful twist. Customize it to suit your taste!

Is this crab salad seafood salad gluten-free?
Yes! The ingredients in this crab salad seafood salad are naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for anyone with gluten sensitivities. Just double-check your mayonnaise and Dijon mustard to ensure they’re gluten-free as well!

Crab Salad Seafood Salad: 5 Irresistible Summer Delights

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing crab salad loaded with seafood flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound crab meat
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup diced celery
1/4 cup diced red onion
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine crab meat, celery, and red onion.
In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the crab mixture and toss gently.
Sprinkle with parsley and mix again.
Chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve on a bed of lettuce.
Can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 250
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: crab salad, seafood salad

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