Succulent Crab Salad Recipe for Seafood Lovers
Hold on tight, my friends! I’m about to share with you the simply best crab salad recipe that will send your taste buds into outer space. This is an easy-to-follow recipe that will get even better with time because the flavors love each other and can’t wait to party together in your bowl.
This salad recipe video is all about combining the easiest crab salad made of real lump crab meat with a creamy dressing full of bright flavors from lemon juice, capers, and sherry wine vinegar, and then mixing everything up with crunchy celery, sweet tomatoes, bell pepper, shallot, and garlic clove.
You can make this salad in no time, and it’s versatile enough to accompany almost everything you’re serving – from seafood pasta salad (or frutti di mare) to shrimp salad or mixed seafood to macaroni salad or even king crab legs. You name it – this crab salad fits right in!
Grab the best imitation or real lump crab meat you can find and whip up the easiest and simply best crab salad ever. Trust me; you don’t need fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. All you need is love for crab salads!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Picture this: you’re throwing a summer party with your closest family and friends, and you’ve got food, drinks, and games all set up. But what’s missing? Something light, refreshing, and bursting with flavors that everyone will love. That’s where the Simply the Best Crab Salad Recipe comes in.
This crab salad recipe is like no other. It’s made with real lump crab meat or the best imitation crab there is, combined with crunchy celery, juicy tomatoes, tangy shallots, and the subtle kick of garlic clove. And let’s not forget about the sweetness of mango that gives it the perfect balance of flavors.
But what really sets this crab salad apart is the creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, lemon juice, sherry wine vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil. It brings everything together in a perfect blend of tangy and sweet. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make!
Whether you’re looking for an appetizer or a main dish for your party or just craving a light seafood salad on any given day, this recipe never fails to impress. The old bay seasoning adds just the right amount of flair while keeping things simple.
So why will you love this recipe? Because it’s simply the best crab salad recipe out there. The flavors you love in a seafood salad come together perfectly in this easiest crab salad ever. And don’t just take my word for it – be sure to watch the recipe video for an up-close look at how it’s made.
In short, if you’re looking for a simple yet incredibly flavorful recipe that will impress even the toughest seafood critics, look no further than this mouth-watering Simply the Best Crab Salad Recipe.
Ingredient List
If you’re ready to get serious about making this simply the Best Crab Salad Recipe, you’ll need to make sure you have all the right ingredients. Here is the list of what you’ll need:
Crab Meat
Your salad isn’t a crab salad without, well, CRAB. You can use either real lump crab meat or imitation crab meat. Of course, the preference would be the former but if budgetary constraints limit your choice, feel free to use the best imitation crab.
Fresh Veggies and Fruits
The recipe calls for a variety of vegetables and fruits which will give your salad a crunchy texture and refreshing flavors. You will need one mango, two Roma tomatoes, one shallot, two garlic cloves, three celery stalks for that nice crunch, and optional (but highly recommended) are avocado chunks .
Dressing Ingredients
For the creamy dressing that binds all these wonderful ingredients together, we’ll need to have extra-virgin olive oil, sherry wine vinegar, mayonnaise mixed with fresh lemon juice and capers for a subtle tangy taste. To add some further depth in flavours, sprinkle in some old bay seasoning.
Optional Ingredients for Variety
You can opt for many things like red onion or bell pepper as per your taste buds in place of shallot or avocado chunks respectively.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get into the good stuff. Here’s how to make the “Simply the Best Crab Salad” recipe.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Finely chop 1 shallot and 1 garlic clove.
- Dice 1 mango, 2 tomatoes, ½ red onion, 2 stalks of celery, and ½ bell pepper.
- Zest and juice 1 lemon.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a bowl or mason jar, mix together the following:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons sherry wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Old Bay Seasoning to taste (start with about 1 teaspoon)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients for Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine the following ingredients:
- 16 oz. of crab meat (real lump or imitation crab)
- Chopped shallot and garlic
- Diced mango and vegetables
- Dressing (save some for later)
Mix until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least an hour to let all the flavors meld together.
When ready to serve, dish out your salad and drizzle with remaining dressing as desired.
Enjoy!
PRO TIP: This salad will taste even better if you use fresh lump crab meat from your local seafood market. If you can’t find fresh crab, don’t worry – the recipe still comes out fantastic with imitation crab meat!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to making crab salad, there’s no shortage of options you can try to customize the recipe according to your liking. Whether you’re looking to substitute some ingredients or add your own unique twist to the dish, there are plenty of variations to explore!
One ingredient that you can swap out is the crab meat. While the recipe calls for lump crab meat or imitation crab, you can experiment with other seafood such as shrimp or mixed seafood like frutti di mare. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, you can even use king crab legs for a more luxurious version.
If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise-based dressings, you can make a light and refreshing seafood pasta salad by substituting pasta for the crab meat and tossing it with extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, and sherry wine vinegar. Another variation is making a crunchy avocado salad by adding diced avocado, red onion, and bell pepper to the mix.
For those who want to add more flavors they love to their crab salad, you can include finely chopped mango or tomatoes for a sweet twist or minced garlic clove and shallot for some added depth. Seasoning-wise, if Old Bay seasoning isn’t your thing, you can replace it with other seasonings such as creole seasoning or Cajun spice.
When it comes to variations and substitutions with crab salads, there’s really no limit. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients until you find a combination that suits your tastes best. Remember – the joy of cooking is all about creativity!
Serving and Pairing
If you decide to whip up a batch of this simply the best crab salad recipe, then why not make your meal an extravagant feast? For starters, you can pair this delightful seafood salad with a nice cold beer or iced tea to refresh your palate. If you want to elevate the flavors in the salad further, try serving it with some white wine, such as a crisp Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.
If you’re in the mood for something savory and warm, then why not try serving up some garlic buttered bread or grilled corn on the cob? The garlic buttered bread will complement the flavor profile of the crab salad perfectly and create a satisfying combination of textures. Grilled corn on the cob is another great option here, as it adds bold flavors to your seafood meal while being light and refreshing at the same time.
Another great way to present this dish is by including some fresh fruits like papaya or mango on the side. The sweetness of these tropical fruits makes for an excellent contrast with the salty and savory aspects of this crab salad recipe.
As far as presentation goes, you can serve this crab salad made with real lump crab meat in various ways. You can scoop it into lettuce cups for a low-carb option, use it as a pasta topping for a seafood pasta salad (also known as frutti di mare), or add shrimp and mixed seafood to transform it into a delicious seafood medley. You can also add it to macaroni salad or even serve it alongside king crab or crab legs if you want to go all out.
No matter which route you choose to go down concerning pairing and presentation, rest assured that the dish will speak for itself once tasted. It is one of my personal favorite mayonnaise-based salad recipes that will have your family raving about how incredible your recipes are!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Listen closely, because I’m going to reveal a secret that will save you time and trouble: this Simply the Best Crab Salad Recipe is a great make-ahead dish for any party or gathering. That’s right, you can actually prepare this salad recipe one day before serving, keep it refrigerated and still maintain its freshness and flavor.
When you’re ready to store it, simply transfer it into an airtight container, cover it tightly with a plastic wrap, and chill it in the fridge until it’s ready to be served. This make-ahead technique will allow the creaminess of the dressing to blend with the flavors of the crab meat and other ingredients. Trust me, your guests will appreciate you for that.
Now, let’s say you have some leftovers. Don’t worry; this salad recipe is still perfect for lunch or snack after the party. Keep the leftover crab salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. But wait! Before serving again, make sure to stir the salad first and check if the dressing hasn’t separated due to cold temperature. Once you’re satisfied with its texture, add a bit more lemon juice and olive oil (if needed) to refresh its flavor.
When reheating this salad recipe, don’t ever put it inside a microwave! You don’t want to ruin everything you’ve worked hard on just by nuking it. Instead, let the crab salad sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy crab salad all over again!
Tips for Perfect Results
I know you want to make the best crab salad recipe that will impress every guest at your party, so here are my top tips to achieve perfect results.
1. Use the freshest ingredients: The key to a great crab salad is fresh, high-quality ingredients. Make sure your crab meat is fresh, and your vegetables are crisp and bright in color.
2. Drain the crab meat well: Whether you’re using real lump crab or imitation crab meat, it’s essential to drain any excess liquid before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will prevent your salad from becoming watery.
3. Add Old Bay seasoning gradually: Old Bay seasoning adds a delicious flavor to your crab salad, but it can be overpowering if you use too much. Add it gradually, tasting as you go, until you’ve reached the desired level of spiciness.
4. Chill the salad before serving: Crab salad tastes best when it’s cold and refreshing. Once you’ve mixed all of the ingredients together, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving.
5. Don’t overmix the dressing: When making the creamy dressing for your crab salad, be careful not to overmix it. Overmixing can cause the mayonnaise to break down and become thin and runny.
6. Use a variety of textures: A great crab salad should have a variety of textures to keep things interesting. Try adding some crunchy celery or sliced bell peppers for extra texture.
7. Consider adding fruit: For a twist on traditional crab salad, try adding diced mango or sliced tomatoes for a fresh burst of flavor.
Follow these tips and create simply the best crab salad recipe ever that everyone will talk about for years to come!
FAQ
Now that you have mastered the art of making the simply best crab salad, you might be having some questions about the recipe. Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered in this FAQ section. Here, I will be answering some of the most asked queries about the salad, including ingredient swaps, cooking times, and serving suggestions. So, let’s get started!
What does crab salad contain?
When it comes to creating a delicious Crab Salad that will knock your guests’ socks off, simplicity is key. All you need are some high-quality lump crab meat and diced celery, tossed together in a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, a hint of Dijon mustard, freshly squeezed lemon juice, capers, and fresh parsley. Trust me, this Crab Salad is loaded with flavor and will be a hit at your next gathering.
What goes good with crab salad?
This recipe complements well with dense whole grain bread, crispy crackers, or a medley of fresh greens. For a refreshing touch, adorn with sliced cucumbers and diced tomatoes.
How many days can you keep crab salad in the refrigerator?
To keep your crab salad fresh and tasty for up to four days, make sure to store it in an airtight container in your refrigerator. This will help preserve its flavors and prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in. Just be sure to remember when you made it, so you can enjoy it while it’s still at its best.
What is imitation crab salad made of?
Have you ever wondered how imitation crab is made? Well, it’s no secret that surimi, a type of paste derived from fish, is the key ingredient. The fish is first minced into tiny pieces and then heated and molded into shapes that closely resemble the texture and appearance of crab meat. That’s how we get imitation crab, which is perfect for adding a seafood twist to your party dishes.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Simply the Best Crab Salad Recipe is a must-try for seafood lovers who want to whip up an easy, yet flavorful dish that will leave their guests satisfied and impressed. With its creamy dressing, crunchy celery and zesty lemon juice and capers, it’s the perfect combination of flavors that love crab.
Whether you use real lump crab meat or the best imitation crab, this salad recipe video is incredibly easy to make and serve. You can even experiment with serving it with different sides or pairing it with different beverages such as a crisp white wine or a refreshing cocktail.
So why not give this easy creamy crab salad a try? Trust me, your taste buds will be thanking you for it!
Simply the Best Crab Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 shallot
- 1 medium tomatoes, peeled and seeded
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons sherry wine vinegar
- salt and pepper
- 1 lb crabmeat
- 1 mango, peeled and cubed
Instructions
- Make the dressing: Combine the garlic, shallot, tomato, basil, oil and vinegar in a blender and puree.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- You can make this dressing 2 to 3 days in advance.
- Add enough of the dressing to the crab to moisten it (you will probably not need all of it: use the rest within a day or two as a salad dressing.
- Taste and correct seasoning, if necessary. (You may prepare the recipe in advance up to this point; refrigerate in a covered container for up to 1 day.).
- Serve the crab with the mango on top.
- See above (recipe description) for other serving suggestions.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!