Deli-Style Crab Salad

This delicious Deli-Style Crab Salad is easy to make and better than the store-bought kind! A mixture of imitation crab, veggies, and homemade dressing!

Deli-Style Crab Salad

No-fuss, no muss … this deli-style crab salad recipe is a quick and easy way to get some seafood into your life. If you’ve always wondered how to make crab salad without breaking the bank (or taste-testing a million variations), this is your recipe!!

I’ve said before that seafood is not exactly my thing and that I didn’t grow up eating it too much. My husband isn’t a huge fan, either. So I don’t make seafood dishes too often … but when I do, it’s usually this deli-style crab salad. It’s the kind of recipe that’ll make a seafood believer out of you! It certainly did for me!

In this recipe, the best kind of crab to use is imitation crab – it’s cheaper, and, honestly, to me, the flavor is the same as the real thing. I know some seafood-lovers out there are gasping in horror right now, but forgive me! You can use the real thing if you so choose, and the recipe will still end up the same. Just – for me personally … since imitation crab is usually made of fish, it’s all the same. Again, I totally understand your gasps of horror!

But, y’all, don’t think this recipe isn’t amazing just because I’m not a crab expert. I’ve served it up to seafood fans and seafood haters alike, and they’ve all loved it!! It’s all that deli-style flavor with even more freshness added.

Recipe for Crab Salad

• imitation crab meat, flaked style
• celery
• red onion
• fresh dill
• fresh lemon juice
• mayonnaise
• paprika
• Salt and pepper

Note: Double or triple the recipe if you have a big gathering going on!

How to make Crab Salad

1. In a large bowl, combine/stir together crab meat, celery, red onions, dill, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add in the mayonnaise and lemon juice; stir to combine well.
3. Cover and refrigerate for up to 1 hour before serving.
4. Just before serving, garnish with more chopped dill if you desire.

Crab Salad: FAQ

If any questions popped up while you were reading this post, here’s some additional info about this recipe that you’ll want to keep in mind!

• How long can you keep this in the fridge?

It’ll stay in the fridge for about 2 days … if you can resist it that long before eating it all, that is!

• Is dried dill a good substitute for fresh dill?

Personally, I think the flavor of fresh dill is way better in this dish, so I’d say no!

• Do you have to use imitation crab?

Oh, absolutely not! Real crab works just as well if you have it around. It’s just cheaper to get the “fake” stuff … and it tastes about the same to me, too. ?

• How do you suggest serving this?

It’s great on crackers, a tortilla, or in a sandwich, or also just served on a plate over lettuce!

• Do you have any suggestions for additions?

Oh, lots! Experiment with these if you feel the recipe leaves something to be desired, or if you want some additional flavor/texture:

• • Cucumber
  • Avocado
  • Fresh garlic
  • Green onions
  • Broccoli
  • Bell peppers
  • Tomatoes
  • Shredded carrot
  • Rosemary
  • Pasta
  • Shrimp
  • Egg
  • Of course … you may just find the recipe awesome as-is! (I know I do!!)

How did you like this recipe?

Many people have a love-hate relationship with seafood, but this is definitely a recipe that’s going to swing you over to the side of love!! Comment down below with your thoughts on the flavor and prep. Did you make any additions? Leave anything out? Was something confusing for you? Let me know, and I’d be happy to help!

Other recipes you may enjoy

• Grilled Shrimp
• Salmon Patties
• California Rolls
• Spanish Tilapia
• Shrimp Scampi with Pasta