Meta Information
Servings: 6 servings | Total Time: 40 minutes | Difficulty: Easy | Calories: Approximately 240 per serving
Macros (Approximate Per Serving):
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fat: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
Introduction
This Creamy Seafood Salad is a refreshing, protein-packed dish that’s perfect for lunches, summer gatherings, meal prep, or light dinners. Made with tender seafood, crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and a flavorful creamy dressing, every bite is cool, satisfying, and full of flavor.
One of the best things about this seafood salad recipe is its versatility. You can use shrimp, imitation crab, or a combination of your favorite seafood to create a delicious salad that works equally well as a sandwich filling, lettuce wrap, or stand-alone meal.
The combination of lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and seafood seasoning gives the dressing a bright, savory flavor while the celery and red onion add the perfect amount of crunch. It’s simple, delicious, and surprisingly easy to make.
Look at the Recipe
- Creamy, refreshing, and loaded with seafood flavor
- High-protein recipe perfect for lunches and meal prep
- Delicious served alone, in sandwiches, or lettuce wraps
Ingredients Needed
For the Seafood Salad
- 1 pound cooked mixed seafood (imitation crab, shrimp, or a blend), chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (optional)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup celery, finely diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley or dill, chopped
How to Make Our Creamy Seafood Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Seafood
If using shrimp, ensure they are fully cooked, peeled, and deveined.
Chop the seafood into bite-sized pieces.
Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients
Add the chopped seafood, celery, red onion, and fresh herbs to the bowl.
Step 4: Combine
Using a spatula, gently fold everything together until evenly coated in the dressing.
Step 5: Chill
Cover the bowl tightly.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
This allows the flavors to develop and blend together.
Step 6: Serve
Stir gently before serving.
Enjoy chilled as a salad, sandwich filling, wrap, or appetizer.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Do not freeze, as the dressing may separate after thawing.
- Serve in lettuce cups for a low-carb option.
- Use as a sandwich or croissant filling.
- Pair with crackers, cucumber slices, or a fresh green salad.
Tips & FAQs
What seafood works best?
Shrimp, imitation crab, lobster-style seafood, or a combination all work wonderfully.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, the flavor improves after a few hours of chilling.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
You can substitute part or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Why should the seafood be dried first?
Removing excess moisture helps keep the dressing thick and creamy.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Absolutely. Chopped cucumber, bell peppers, or green onions make excellent additions.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving (Approximate)
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fat: 17g
- Fiber: 0g
Nutrition values may vary depending on ingredient brands and serving sizes.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Seafood Salad is a classic recipe that’s easy to prepare yet elegant enough for entertaining. The tender seafood, crisp vegetables, fresh herbs, and creamy seasoned dressing come together to create a light and flavorful dish that’s perfect year-round. Whether served as a sandwich, appetizer, or light meal, this seafood salad is sure to become a favorite recipe you’ll make again and again.
SEO Enhancements
Main Keyword: Creamy Seafood Salad
Semantic Variations: seafood salad recipe, shrimp seafood salad, imitation crab salad, cold seafood salad, seafood sandwich filling, high-protein seafood salad, easy seafood lunch recipe
Internal Link Suggestions: Shrimp Pasta Salad | Classic Crab Salad | Mediterranean Tuna Salad | 7-Day Meal Plan
