Timeless Crab Salad

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 4
Be the First to Review!

Get ready to dive into a delightful classic with this Timeless Crab Salad recipe. It's a refreshing dish that's perfect for warm days, packed with fresh flavors and a creamy dressing that complements the sweet crab meat beautifully.

Ingredients for Timeless Crab Salad

Crab meat is the star of this dish, offering a sweet, delicate flavor and a tender texture that makes the salad special. Look for fresh, high-quality crab for the best results. Celery adds a crunchy contrast, while green onions bring a mild, savory note. The mayonnaise provides a creamy base that binds everything together, and lemon juice adds a zesty brightness that lifts the dish. Old Bay seasoning gives a hint of spice and complexity, while fresh dill delivers a burst of herbal freshness. Salt and black pepper are essential for enhancing the overall flavor.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you can't find fresh crab, good-quality canned crab can work in a pinch.
  • Chill your mixing bowl beforehand to keep the ingredients extra fresh while preparing.
  • For a touch of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing.

Serving Suggestions

This crab salad shines bright on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine or a light, sparkling beverage. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside a crusty baguette or atop a bed of mixed greens. You can also turn it into a sandwich by stuffing it into a soft roll.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! It's even better after a few hours in the fridge. Just give it a gentle toss before serving.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
For a lighter version, try Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and sour cream.

Timeless Crab Salad Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Toss in your freshly picked crab meat, chopped celery, and those vibrant green onions. Make sure the crab is gently picked through to remove any stray shells. In a separate, small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, Old Bay seasoning, and that fresh dill. This is your creamy dressing, so whisk until it's nice and smooth.

Pour the dressing over the crab mixture. Now, gently toss everything together. You want to coat the crab and veggies without breaking them apart. Once combined, cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This is the key to letting those flavors meld beautifully.

When you're ready to serve, arrange fresh lettuce leaves on a plate. Spoon the chilled crab salad over the leaves and, if you want a touch more of that herbal aroma, sprinkle a bit more dill on top. Enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
  • Uses fresh ingredients that highlight the natural sweetness of crab.
  • A versatile dish that can be served as a light lunch or an elegant starter.
  • No cooking required, keeping your kitchen cool and clean.

Ingredients

1 lb fresh crab meat
2 cups chopped celery
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp lemon juice
1/2 cup chopped green onions
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
Lettuce leaves for serving

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine fresh crab meat, chopped celery, and green onions.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, Old Bay seasoning, and chopped dill until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the crab mixture and gently toss to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve the chilled crab salad over fresh lettuce leaves, garnished with additional dill if desired.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!