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Crab salad recipe with fresh vegetables and creamy dressing

Crab Salad Recipe – The Ultimate Guide to a Fresh, Creamy Dish


  • Author: Julia
  • Total Time: 15 minutes

Description

A fresh, flavorful crab salad that’s creamy, tangy, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a light side. Tender chunks of crab blend with crisp vegetables, a hint of cream cheese or Greek yogurt, and zesty herbs for a dish that’s easy to prepare and impossible to resist.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup fresh lump crab meat (or 1 cup imitation crab)

  • 1/4 cup cream cheese (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)

  • 1/2 cup diced celery

  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (red or yellow)

  • 1/4 cup diced red onion

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

  • 1/2 tsp paprika

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Fresh parsley or dill for garnish


Instructions

Prep the Crab: Gently pick through crab meat to remove shells. Tear imitation crab into bite-sized pieces if needed.

Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, fold crab, diced vegetables, and cream cheese (or Greek yogurt) together until evenly coated.

Add Seasonings: Mix in lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Chill (Optional): Refrigerate for 15–30 minutes to let flavors meld.

Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or dill. Enjoy on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, or as a side dish.

Notes

Use fresh crab meat for the sweetest flavor; imitation crab works for a budget-friendly option.

Fold ingredients gently to keep the crab meat chunky.

For a lighter version, substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt.

Add a dash of Old Bay seasoning for a subtle, classic seafood flavor.

Make ahead: prep vegetables and crab separately, then combine just before serving.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes (if using pre-cooked crab)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4