Creamy Crab Seafood Salad – A Delicious Summer Favorite

If you’re looking for a light yet flavorful seafood dish that’s perfect for summer lunches, potlucks, or even an elegant appetizer, Creamy Crab Seafood Salad is your answer. This recipe combines fresh crab meat, tender shrimp, and a rich, creamy dressing that’s both tangy and satisfying. Quick to prepare yet impressively elegant, this salad is versatile enough to serve on a bed of greens, stuffed into avocados, or simply enjoyed with crackers.

Whether you’re a seafood lover or trying this for the first time, this creamy crab salad recipe offers a balance of flavors and textures that make it irresistible. From the crisp celery and bell peppers to the delicate crab and shrimp, every bite is a perfect mix of creamy, crunchy, and refreshing notes.

Ingredients

• Seafood:
  • 1 lb lump crab meat, picked over for shells
  • 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
• Vegetables & Herbs:
  • 2 celery stalks, finely diced
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • Optional: 1 tsp chives, finely chopped
• Dressing:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• Garnish:
  • Lemon wedges
  • Fresh parsley or dill sprigs

Instructions

1. Prepare the seafood:
   Gently pick over the lump crab meat to remove any shells. Chop the cooked shrimp into bite-sized pieces.
2. Chop the vegetables:
   Dice the celery and red bell pepper, slice the green onions, and finely chop the dill.
3. Make the dressing:
   In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine salad ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the crab meat, shrimp, celery, bell pepper, green onions, and dill. Pour the dressing over the mixture.
5. Mix gently:
   Using a spatula, fold the dressing into the seafood mixture until evenly coated. Be careful not to break up the crab too much.
6. Chill before serving:
   Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
7. Serve:
   Spoon the creamy crab seafood salad onto individual plates, serve on a bed of lettuce, or scoop into halved avocados. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs for a bright finish.

Tips & Tricks

• Fresh crab meat makes a difference: Avoid canned crab if possible. Fresh lump crab or high-quality frozen crab meat enhances flavor and texture.
• Make-ahead: Prepare the salad up to 24 hours in advance. Keep it chilled to maintain freshness.
• Add crunch: Toasted almonds or walnuts can be sprinkled on top for added texture.
• Adjust creaminess: Use more Greek yogurt or mayonnaise depending on your preferred consistency.

Creamy Crab Seafood Salad

A light, flavorful seafood salad combining fresh crab, shrimp, and a creamy dressing perfect for summer meals or elegant appetizers.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Lunch, Snack

Cuisine: American, Seafood

Calories: 280

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Seafood

• 1 lb lump crab meat picked over for shells
• 1 cup cooked shrimp chopped

Vegetables & Herbs

• 2 stalks celery finely diced
• 0.5 red bell pepper finely diced
• 3 green onions thinly sliced
• 2 tbsp fresh dill chopped
• 1 tsp chives optional, finely chopped

Dressing

• 0.5 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• to taste salt and pepper

Garnish

• as needed lemon wedges
• as needed fresh parsley or dill sprigs

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Spatula

Method

 

1. Gently pick over the lump crab meat to remove any shells. Chop the cooked shrimp into bite-sized pieces.
2. Dice the celery and red bell pepper, slice the green onions, and finely chop the dill.
3. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. In a large mixing bowl, combine crab meat, shrimp, celery, bell pepper, green onions, and dill. Pour the dressing over the mixture.
5. Using a spatula, fold the dressing into the seafood mixture until evenly coated.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
7. Serve on a bed of lettuce, in avocado halves, or with crackers. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh herbs.

Notes

Best served chilled. Adjust mayonnaise or yogurt for creaminess. Can be made a day ahead.

Variations

• Tropical Twist: Add diced mango or pineapple for a sweet contrast.
• Avocado Crab Salad: Mix the salad directly into diced avocado for a creamy, keto-friendly option.
• Spicy Version: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a few chopped jalapeños for a kick.
• Mediterranean Style: Incorporate chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and a splash of olive oil.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve as a light lunch with whole-grain crackers or toasted bread.
• Stuff into mini pita pockets for a party appetizer.
• Use as a sandwich filling or top a croissant for a decadent brunch option.
• Pair with chilled white wine, sparkling water with citrus, or light iced tea.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

Crab salads have long been popular in coastal cuisines worldwide, from the East Coast of the United States to Southeast Asia. The combination of fresh crab with creamy dressing likely originated as a way to enjoy fresh seafood without heavy cooking, keeping the delicate flavor intact. In some regions, the addition of mayonnaise and fresh herbs makes it a picnic staple during warm months, while variations often include shrimp, crab, or lobster depending on availability.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in under 30 minutes (plus chilling)
• Healthy, low-carb, and packed with protein
• Versatile and elegant for casual or formal meals
• Easily customizable with spices, herbs, and extra veggies

Whether it’s for a family lunch, picnic, or holiday appetizer, this Creamy Crab Seafood Salad will impress and satisfy every seafood lover at the table.