Deli-Style Crab Salad
This easy Deli-Style Crab Salad is creamy, flavorful, and even better than the grocery store deli version. Made with imitation crab, crunchy celery, fresh dill, and a simple homemade dressing, it's perfect for sandwiches, crackers, croissants, or a light lunch.
Servings: 5 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound imitation crab meat flake style
- ½ cup celery finely chopped
- 4 tablespoons red onion finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the imitation crab, celery, red onion, fresh dill, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir gently until evenly mixed.1 pound imitation crab meat, ½ cup celery, 4 tablespoons red onion, 1 tablespoon fresh dill, ½ teaspoon paprika, salt and pepper
- Add the mayonnaise and lemon juice. Stir until everything is evenly coated.½ cup mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.
- Garnish with additional chopped fresh dill, if desired.
Notes
🥡 Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir before serving if any dressing separates.
♨️ Reheating
- This recipe is served cold and should not be reheated.
❄️ Freezing
- Freezing is not recommended. The mayonnaise dressing will likely separate and become watery after thawing.
💡 Tips for best results
- Chill the salad for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Finely chop the vegetables so every bite has balanced flavor.
- Stir gently to keep the imitation crab in larger flakes.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning after chilling.
- Fresh dill provides the best flavor.
🍳 Alternate cooking methods
- No alternate cooking methods are recommended since this is a no-cook recipe.
♻️ Leftovers
Leftover crab salad is delicious served:- On croissants
- In sandwich wraps
- Stuffed into tomatoes
- With crackers
- Over a bed of lettuce
- In lettuce cups for a lighter lunch
📝 Notes
- Flake-style imitation crab produces the most authentic deli texture.
- The salad tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld in the refrigerator.
- Garnish with additional fresh dill just before serving for the freshest appearance.
Nutrition
Calories: 248kcal | Carbohydrates: 17g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 10g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.04g | Cholesterol: 19mg | Sodium: 661mg | Potassium: 50mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 165IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 0.1mg
