Crab Salad

Made with mayo, imitation crab, and a few seasonings, this Creamy Crab Salad recipe is quick and easy to prepare and tastes better than what you can get at the store. Serve on croissants, lettuce wraps, and more.

Crab salad is one of my favorite things to grab at the grocery store deli. But it turns out that making it at home is just as easy and, honestly, cheaper. All you need is imitation crab, mayo, and a few other ingredients and, in my opinion, it tastes way better than the store version.

Why You’ll Love This Crab Salad Recipe

Here are a few reasons why I love this recipe so much.

• Quick and easy. You can prep this crab salad in as little as 5 minutes. Perfect for busy weekdays when you need a fast lunch or snack.
• Creamy texture. This is a mayo-based salad which means it’s super creamy, though celery and other ingredients do add other textures as well.
• Many ways to serve it. I typically serve crab salad on croissants but you can serve it on lettuce wraps, with crackers, and more. I added lots of suggestions below!

What You’ll Need

You’ll just need imitation crab, mayo, and a few other basic ingredients to make this recipe. Scroll down to the recipe card below for measurements.

• Imitation crab – I buy the kind already flaked and pull it apart into smaller pieces as necessary. You can buy the sticks and cut them up too.
• Celery – Finely diced to add texture.
• Onion powder – You can also use red onion but be sure to finely dice it to avoid big chunks in the salad.
• Old Bay Seasoning – I add only 1/2 teaspoon for just a bit of flavor. Feel free to omit it or increase the amount as desired.
• Lemon juice – Fresh if possible!
• Mayo – I used regular but low fat will work too.
• Herbs – Fresh dill goes in the salad and I like to add some parsley before serving.
• Croissants – My favorite way to serve imitation crab salad.

Can I Use Real Crab Meat?

Crab salad is usually made with imitation crab meat as it’s cheap and available year-round. However, you can absolutely make this with lump canned crab meat or fresh crab meat as well.

Recipe Variations

Here are a few ways to customize your imitation crab salad.

• Add other seafood. Add in some cooked shrimp or lobster to turn this into a simple seafood salad. Just keep the quantity of seafood the same or add a bit more mayo.
• Add some veggies. Stir in some diced green onion, jalapeno, or bell peppers for added flavor and crunch.
• Spice it up. Like things spicy? Use Cajun seasoning instead of Old Bay or add some hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or paprika.

How To Make Crab Salad

I am always amazed at how easy this imitation crab salad recipe is to make. Here’s all you need to do:

• Prep the crab. Add the crab meat to a bowl, breaking the flakes apart.
• Combine. Add the remaining ingredients and gently combine with a spatula.
• Serve. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until serving.

Ways To Serve It

I love to serve this crab salad on croissants. I just think the buttery croissant pairs so well with the rest of the flavors. But there are lots of ways to serve it! Here are some ideas:

• On other bread or rolls
• On lettuce wraps
• With crackers
• In an avocado
• On cucumber slices
• With a fork straight from the bowl

Proper Storage

Crab salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

More Easy Salad Recipes To Try

• Tuna Pasta Salad
• Cornbread Salad
• Best Egg Salad
• Salmon Salad
• Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
• Deviled Egg Potato Salad