Rating: 3.54
(56)

Crackin Crab Salad

September 4, 2024

Crackin’ Crab Salad is the perfect dish for seafood lovers looking for a light, fresh, and flavorful meal. This salad is a delightful combination of tender, sweet crab meat, crisp vegetables, and a tangy, creamy dressing that brings everything together. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or as part of a summer spread, this salad is sure to impress with its balance of flavors and textures.

The star of this salad is the crab meat, which can be fresh, frozen, or even imitation crab, depending on your preference and availability. The sweetness and delicate flavor of the crab are the perfect base for the other ingredients. Crisp celery, diced red onions, and crunchy cucumbers provide a refreshing contrast to the soft crab, adding both texture and a mild, fresh flavor. For a burst of color, cherry tomatoes and avocado can be added to the mix, providing a pop of juiciness and creaminess.

The dressing ties everything together, offering just the right amount of creaminess and tang. A mix of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and a squeeze of lemon juice brings the salad to life with a slight tartness that balances the richness of the crab. A touch of salt and pepper enhances the flavors, while fresh herbs like parsley or dill add brightness and aroma to the dish. For an extra kick, a dash of hot sauce or paprika can be incorporated, adding a bit of spice without overwhelming the delicate crab.

Crackin’ Crab Salad is incredibly versatile. You can serve it on a bed of greens for a lighter option or pair it with crackers or toasted bread for a more substantial meal. It’s perfect for warm-weather dining, casual gatherings, or even as a seafood option for a holiday meal. With its balance of freshness, sweetness, and savory goodness, this salad is a crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone craving more.

Crackin Crab Salad
Crackin Crab Salad
3.54 from 56 votes
Crackin' Crab Salad is the perfect dish for seafood lovers looking for a light, fresh, and flavorful meal.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 package Imitation Crab Meat large
  • 1 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 Hidden Valley Ranch Dip Mix
  • 2 stalks celery
  • 1 white onion small
  • 2 bunches Green onions
  • 1 bunch cilantro
  • 3 -4 Garlic cloves

Instructions
 

  • Finely chop all vegetables in a food processor.
  • Rinse the crab meat and cut it into bite-sized pieces. (You can use the processor for this as well.)
  • Mix all ingredients together until everything is combined.
  • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or serve immediately.
  • Enjoy with your favorite crackers, pita bread, or pasta.

Nutrition

Calories: 2363kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 6gFat: 252gSaturated Fat: 39gPolyunsaturated Fat: 150gMonounsaturated Fat: 57gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 141mgSodium: 2219mgPotassium: 622mgFiber: 5gSugar: 9gVitamin A: 1598IUVitamin C: 23mgCalcium: 130mgIron: 2mg
Author: Naniene Littles
Calories: 2363kcal
Meal Type: Brunch
Cuisine: American
Keyword: salad
Cooking Method: Nobake
Time: 30-45 Min
Level: Easy
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!
Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar corrine.cruickshank1997 says:

    1 star
    This was horrible! The mayo was way too much! Never making again.

  2. User avatar kelle.schmitt says:

    1 star
    Crackin crab salad? More like crackin bland salad. Even with the ranch mix, it lacked flavor.

    1. User avatar nichole.bradtke1956 says:

      5 stars
      I actually loved it! The ranch really adds to the flavor. Maybe you just need to spice it up more to your taste?

    2. User avatar Emily Saunders says:

      3 stars
      Bland? Nah, I think you just don’t know how to season it right. I always add a little lemon juice and it’s amazing!

  3. 2 stars
    I don’t trust imitation crab. Is this even really crab salad? More like mayo salad!

  4. User avatar branden.greenfelder1995 says:

    4 stars
    My mom used to make a crabb salad too, but she used real crabs. This is a nice alternative though.

  5. User avatar nick.littel98 says:

    2 stars
    Could’ve been better, felt like it needed something else, idk what tho.

    1. 2 stars
      Nah, it’s perfect as is! Maybe you just don’t like crab? Lol.

    2. User avatar alton.grimes6 says:

      4 stars
      I think it could use a squeeze of lemon juice! That always brightens up crab dishes.

  6. User avatar suspiciousCommentator says:

    5 stars
    Yum yum yummm!!! Will make again.

  7. User avatar anonymous_hacker says:

    5 stars
    Simple and quick! I love how easy this is. I added some jalapeños for a kick and it was bomb!

  8. 2 stars
    This is not crab salad, it’s imitation! Where’s the real stuff?

  9. 4 stars
    I made this for my potluck, and everyone went crazy! Next time, I’ll add a little spicy mayo to kick it up.

  10. User avatar sonny.kuhn94 says:

    2 stars
    Is ranch dip mix really necessary? Free country, but I wouldn’t add it.

  11. User avatar dominga.ziemann says:

    3 stars
    I dunno, it seems too much mayo for me. Maybe less next time?

  12. 3 stars
    I dunno, im not a big fan of crab, but my friends loved it.

  13. 4 stars
    i just threw everything together no processors needed lol. still tasty!

  14. User avatar Colin the Security Robot says:

    2 stars
    Why is imitation crab even a thing? Real crab is the way to go. 🤷‍♂️

  15. User avatar Ms. Louie Jerde says:

    5 stars
    Best with crackers! My kids loved helping out with chopping veggies. Fun!

  16. User avatar val.nitzsche54 says:

    2 stars
    not my fav salad, too creamy for my taste, might be good with out the ranch.

  17. User avatar shantae.rippin49 says:

    3 stars
    Ain’t nobody got time for all that chopping. Just mix it and let it be.

  18. User avatar Questular Rontok says:

    1 star
    I cant stand this!!! It taste bad 🤢

  19. User avatar shakia.dubuque77 says:

    5 stars
    This crab salad was a hit at my party! Everyone loved it.

    1. 5 stars
      That sounds amazing! I have to try this soon! 🙂

  20. User avatar kena.franecki94 says:

    2 stars
    This recipe is TOO much mayo for my liking.

  21. User avatar jenine.gaylord says:

    4 stars
    Quick and easy for lunch! Definitely making this again.

  22. 3 stars
    I wanted to love this but it was too creamy for my taste. Maybe less mayo next time?

  23. 4 stars
    Quick and flavorful! I added some lemon juice for a zest. Totally recommend!

  24. User avatar sena.zemlak says:

    4 stars
    Simplest recipe ever! I did add a lil lemon juice for zing. Yum!

    1. User avatar giovanni.littel12 says:

      5 stars
      Lemon juice sounds like a great idea! Can’t wait to try it your way.

  25. User avatar lawrence.adams says:

    3 stars
    I ate this for lunch and it was filling. But it smells weird after a day in the fridge.

    1. User avatar claude.vandervort18 says:

      4 stars
      I had the same issue! It was delicious at first, but the smell got kinda off after a day. Maybe add more lemon juice next time? 🤔

  26. User avatar oneida.kuphal19 says:

    5 stars
    I made this for the party and it was a hit!! Everybody was asking for the recipe. 😍

  27. User avatar elizebeth.bosco97 says:

    5 stars
    yum!!! best crab salad ever

    1. User avatar jacquie.stokes85 says:

      5 stars
      I’m glad you liked it! It’s super easy to make too! 😊

  28. User avatar Matt Tress says:

    4 stars
    So easy to make! The kids loved it. Thanks!

    1. User avatar Vladimir Harkonnen says:

      5 stars
      I’m so glad your kids enjoyed it! It’s a hit at my house too.

    2. User avatar MrsLucyG says:

      2 stars
      Really? This sounds kinda gross. I don’t think crab meat belongs in salad!

  29. User avatar MAGA2024.Trumpster says:

    3 stars
    I forgot the garlic, but it still turned out good. Better than my last try!

  30. 3 stars
    Can I skip the cilantro? I hate that stuff. Other than that, looks yummy! Might try it without.

  31. 2 stars
    I don’t know about using imitation crab… can it really taste good? I’m skeptical.

    1. User avatar basementDweller says:

      5 stars
      I was skeptical too at first! But it actually tasted amazing! The ranch really helps bring it all together. You should give it a try!

    2. User avatar hugo.becker17 says:

      2 stars
      Imitation crab is just not the real thing. Theres a reason it’s cheap! I wouldn’t waste my time on this. Just stick to real crab.

  32. User avatar loreta.wisozk1990 says:

    5 stars
    This salad is a hit at my family gatherings!! So good!!

  33. User avatar landon.wolff89 says:

    5 stars
    OMG this salad is a game changer! So tasty and easy to make! Love it!

  34. User avatar renate.schmidt says:

    5 stars
    This salad was amazing!! So easy and delicious. My family loved it.

  35. 4 stars
    This recipe looks simple but fancy, I will try it!

  36. 3 stars
    Did anyone else think it was a little bland? Needs more spices.

    1. 5 stars
      I totally agree! I added some cayenne pepper and it made a big difference!

  37. User avatar nelida.kshlerin7 says:

    5 stars
    This was so delicious! I didn’t have all the fancy stuff, so I just used regular crab meat. Yum!

    1. User avatar noma.ernser80 says:

      5 stars
      I’m glad you enjoyed it! Regular crab meat can still be really tasty. I think the key is in the mayo and seasoning. Can’t wait to try it your way!

  38. User avatar slyvia.hoppe30 says:

    5 stars
    I used real crab and added some lemon juice. Fresh and delicious!

  39. User avatar steve_maga says:

    2 stars
    I don’t get why people like imitation crab. It just tastes weird. Maybe I’ll try it again if I can find real crab.

    1. User avatar patrina.haley42 says:

      4 stars
      I totally get you, real crab is way better! Imitation crab just doesn’t have that same flavor. But this salad recipe looks appealing, might give it a go!

  40. 1 star
    Crab Salad? This is not what I’m used to! Where’s the real crab? 🤨

  41. 4 stars
    Yum! So easy to make and perfect for summer barbecues!

3.54 from 56 votes
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