Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 1 lb (450 g) imitation crab meat (or cooked lump crab meat), chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
• 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped (optional but recommended)

For the Dressing

• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1

Dice the imitation crab into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2

Finely chop the celery, onion, green onions, dill, and eggs.

Step 3

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Paprika
• Salt and pepper

Step 4

Add the seafood, vegetables, herbs, and eggs to a large mixing bowl.

Step 5

Pour the dressing over everything and gently fold together until evenly coated.

Step 6

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

• On croissants
• In lettuce wraps
• As a sandwich
• With crackers
• Stuffed into tomatoes or avocados
• Over mixed greens

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Per serving (1 of 6):

Nutrition will vary depending on the brand of imitation crab and mayonnaise used.

Helpful Tips

• Chill before serving for the best flavor.
• Dice the celery small so every bite has crunch.
• Fresh lemon juice gives a brighter flavor than bottled.
• Fold gently to keep the seafood in larger pieces.
• Add extra dill if you enjoy a stronger herb flavor.

Variations

Low-Carb

Skip the imitation crab and use real crab meat.

Spicy

Add:

• 1 teaspoon Sriracha
• ½ teaspoon cayenne
• Chopped jalapeños

Seafood Deluxe

Mix:

• Crab
• Cooked shrimp
• Lobster meat

Extra Crunch

Add:

• Diced cucumber
• Bell peppers
• Radishes

Sweeter Version

Mix in:

• ¼ cup sweet relish
• ½ teaspoon sugar

Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer: Not recommended. The mayonnaise dressing can separate and become watery after thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use real crab instead of imitation crab?

Yes. Lump crab meat, claw meat, or canned crab all work well. Real crab provides a richer flavor.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes. It actually tastes better after chilling for several hours or overnight.

Is imitation crab already cooked?

Yes. Imitation crab is fully cooked and ready to eat.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Yes. Plain Greek yogurt is a good substitute and adds extra protein.

What goes well with seafood salad?

• Crackers
• Croissants
• Toasted bread
• Dinner rolls
• Pasta salad
• Fresh fruit
• Potato chips
• Green salad

How do I keep it from becoming watery?

Pat vegetables dry after washing, avoid overmixing, and keep the salad refrigerated until serving.

Can I add pasta?

Absolutely. Stir in 2–3 cups of cooked, cooled macaroni or small shell pasta to make a seafood pasta salad.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not usually. Most imitation crab contains wheat. Use real crab meat or certified gluten-free imitation crab if needed.

Can I use canned crab?

Yes. Drain it thoroughly and gently fold it into the dressing to preserve the texture.

Recipe Yield

• Makes about 6 cups
• Serves 6 as a main dish or 8–10 as a side dish