Crab Salad

This crab salad is a quick and refreshing dish perfect for summer lunches, picnics, or light dinners. It combines flaky crab, crisp celery, and shallots with a creamy, zesty dressing seasoned with herbs and a hint of spice. Easy to make in just 10 minutes, it can be served on sandwiches, crackers, lettuce, or simply as a side dish.

Ingredients

• 1 lb imitation crab, flaked
• 1/3 cup celery, finely diced
• 2 tbsp shallot, finely diced
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp dried dill
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions

• Flake the crab into a large bowl using a fork.
• Add diced celery and shallots to the crab.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, pepper, dill, parsley, and cayenne pepper if using.
• Pour the dressing over the crab mixture and stir until well combined.
• Serve immediately or cover and chill until ready to use.
• Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired.
• Enjoy on a bun, with crackers, on lettuce, or in a croissant.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve crab salad chilled for the best flavor and texture. It works well on sandwiches, crackers, croissants, or over a bed of fresh lettuce. Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Avoid freezing, as it can alter the texture and make the crab rubbery.

Variations

• Real Crab Meat: Replace imitation crab with fresh or canned crab meat for a richer, more authentic flavor.
• Lightened Version: Substitute half or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lower-fat option.
• Extra Crunch: Add diced red bell peppers, cucumber, or radishes for additional texture and freshness.
• Spicy Kick: Increase cayenne pepper or add a few dashes of hot sauce for a spicy version.
• Herb Twist: Use fresh dill, parsley, or chives instead of dried herbs for a more vibrant flavor.
• Avocado Addition: Mix in diced avocado for creaminess and a nutrient boost.

FAQs

1. Can I use real crab instead of imitation crab? Yes, fresh or canned crab works perfectly.
2. How long does crab salad last? Up to three days in the refrigerator.
3. Can I make it ahead of time? Yes, it can be prepared a few hours in advance and chilled.
4. Is this salad gluten-free? Yes, if all ingredients are gluten-free.
5. Can I freeze crab salad? It’s not recommended due to texture changes.
6. What can I serve it with? Bread, crackers, croissants, or lettuce.
7. Can I adjust the spice level? Yes, add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste.
8. Can I reduce the mayonnaise? Yes, substitute some or all with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
9. Is Old Bay seasoning necessary? It adds classic flavor but can be substituted with other seafood seasonings.
10. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried? Yes, fresh dill and parsley can enhance flavor and presentation.

This crab salad is a versatile, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Its creamy, herby, and slightly zesty flavor makes it a perfect choice for quick meals or summer gatherings. It can be prepared ahead of time, stored in the refrigerator, and served fresh for a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish.

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