Servings | Total Time | Difficulty | Calories
Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Calories: Approximately 240 per serving
Introduction
This Creamy Seafood Salad is cool, refreshing, and loaded with flavor. Tender imitation crab is combined with crisp celery, green onions, fresh dill, and a creamy lemon dressing to create a deli-style seafood salad that’s even better homemade. Perfect for summer gatherings, meal prep lunches, sandwiches, wraps, or served with crackers as an appetizer.
Look at the Recipe
- Quick 15-minute preparation
- No cooking required
- Perfect make-ahead dish
- Creamy and refreshing
- Great for parties and potlucks
- Budget-friendly seafood recipe
- Versatile serving options
Ingredients
Seafood Base
- 1 pound imitation crab (surimi), chopped into bite-sized pieces
Optional Seafood Add-In
- ½ cup cooked bay shrimp
Vegetables
- 2 large celery stalks, finely diced
- 3–4 green onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp red bell pepper, finely diced (optional)
Creamy Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning (optional)
How to Make
Step 1: Prepare the Seafood
Roughly chop the imitation crab into bite-sized pieces.
Place in a large mixing bowl.
If using shrimp, add it now.
Step 2: Add the Vegetables
Add:
- Celery
- Green onions
- Red bell pepper (if using)
Mix gently.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Lemon juice
- Dill
- Salt
- Pepper
- Old Bay seasoning
Mix until smooth.
Step 4: Combine
Pour the dressing over the seafood mixture.
Gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
Step 5: Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
For the best flavor, chill for 1–2 hours before serving.
Tips for Best Results
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
- Pat the imitation crab dry if it seems watery.
- Fold gently to keep the crab pieces intact.
- Allow time for chilling to develop flavor.
- Add extra dill if you love fresh herb flavor.
Variations & Substitutions
Shrimp Seafood Salad
Replace half the imitation crab with cooked shrimp.
Lighter Version
Use:
- Light mayonnaise
- Fat-free Greek yogurt
Spicy Seafood Salad
Add:
- Jalapeños
- Cayenne pepper
- Hot sauce
Classic Coastal Version
Increase Old Bay seasoning to 1 teaspoon.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Serving Ideas
Serve:
- On butter lettuce leaves
- In croissants
- On sandwich rolls
- With crackers
- In wraps
- Over mixed greens
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Do not freeze.
Make Ahead
This salad tastes even better after several hours in the refrigerator.
Prepare up to 24 hours in advance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overmixing the crab
- Skipping the chilling time
- Using bottled lemon juice
- Overseasoning before chilling
- Using watery vegetables
FAQs
Can I use real crab meat?
Yes. Lump crab meat makes an excellent upgrade.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?
Absolutely. Greek yogurt adds protein and a lighter texture.
How long does seafood salad last?
It stays fresh for up to 3 days when refrigerated properly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. It actually tastes better after chilling.
Is imitation crab fully cooked?
Yes. Imitation crab is fully cooked and ready to eat.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving (Approximate)
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Seafood Salad is a simple yet impressive recipe that combines fresh ingredients with a creamy, flavorful dressing. Whether served as a light lunch, party side dish, sandwich filling, or appetizer, it’s always a crowd favorite. The combination of tender seafood, crunchy vegetables, and bright lemon-dill dressing makes every bite refreshing and satisfying.
