Crab Salad (Seafood Salad) is a light, refreshing dish that combines the sweetness of crab with a creamy dressing and crunchy vegetables. It’s perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or even a light meal on its own. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Crab Salad:
Ingredients:
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8 oz crab meat (you can use fresh, frozen, or canned crab meat—lump or imitation crab also works)
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a little tang)
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1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
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1/4 cup celery, finely diced
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1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely diced (optional)
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2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional for extra flavor)
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1/4 cup cucumber, finely diced (optional for crunch)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Crab Meat:
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If using fresh or frozen crab meat, thaw and drain it well. Remove any shells or cartilage if present.
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For imitation crab, shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Prepare the Veggies:
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Dice the celery, red bell pepper, and cucumber (if using).
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Chop the green onions and fresh parsley for garnish.
3. Make the Dressing:
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In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth and creamy.
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Season the dressing with salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
4. Combine the Salad:
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In a large bowl, add the crab meat, celery, red bell pepper, green onions, and cucumber (if using).
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Pour the dressing over the crab mixture and gently stir to combine, making sure everything is evenly coated.
5. Chill and Serve:
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For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate the crab salad for about 30 minutes to 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
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Garnish with a little fresh parsley or a sprinkle of Old Bay seasoning before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
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Serve crab salad on a bed of leafy greens like lettuce or spinach for an added touch of freshness.
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You can also serve it as a topping for avocado halves, or use it to stuff tomato cups or avocado halves for a fancy appetizer.
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For a heartier meal, serve the salad with crusty bread, crackers, or in a wrap or sandwich.
Tips and Variations:
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Add more seafood: You can mix in other types of seafood like shrimp, lobster, or scallops to make it a seafood salad.
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Make it spicy: Add a touch of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños for a little kick.
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Greek yogurt substitute: If you want a lighter version, substitute some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lower-calorie dressing.
This Crab Salad is a simple, flavorful, and versatile dish that can be customized to suit your preferences. Whether you’re serving it at a summer BBQ or enjoying it as a light lunch, it’s sure to be a hit!