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
