Crab Salad (Seafood Salad) is a refreshing and tasty dish that’s perfect for a light meal or as a side dish for gatherings. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for Crab Salad:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb imitation crab meat (or fresh crab meat, if preferred)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional, for creaminess)
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for a slight tang)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Crab Meat:
- If using imitation crab meat, chop it into bite-sized pieces. If using fresh crab meat, pick through it to remove any shells and break it into chunks or shred it gently.
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Prepare the Veggies:
- Finely chop the celery and red bell pepper (if using).
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Make the Dressing:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and Old Bay seasoning. Stir well until everything is fully incorporated.
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Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the chopped crab meat, celery, and bell pepper to the bowl with the dressing. Stir gently to combine, making sure the crab is evenly coated with the dressing.
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Taste and Adjust:
- Taste the salad and add salt, pepper, or more lemon juice to adjust the seasoning to your liking.
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Chill:
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the crab salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
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Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired before serving.
- Serve chilled on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, or with crackers as an appetizer.
Tips:
- Variations: You can add diced cucumber, chopped green onions, or even boiled eggs for added texture and flavor.
- For extra crunch: Try adding a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or slivered almonds.
- Serving Suggestions: Crab salad can be served on a toasted bun for a seafood sandwich, over a bed of mixed greens, or as a side dish alongside your main course.
Enjoy your fresh and creamy Crab Salad (Seafood Salad)! It’s a crowd-pleaser and can be easily customized to suit your preferences.