There’s something special about a well-made Seafood Salad—it’s creamy, fresh, and versatile enough to enjoy in countless ways. This version blends imitation crab meat and tender shrimp with crisp celery, red onion, and a tangy, seasoned mayonnaise dressing. It’s the kind of recipe that works equally well as a light lunch, a picnic dish, or a make-ahead party spread.
One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is. Add in a few pantry staples or swap ingredients based on what you have, and you’ll create a new twist each time. In fact, the flavors deepen and improve after chilling overnight, making it a perfect prep-ahead dish for busy days.
Why You’ll Love This Seafood Salad
- Quick prep – Only 15 minutes of hands-on time.
- Great for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day.
- Versatile serving options – Serve on bread, crackers, lettuce wraps, or straight from the bowl.
- Customizable – Easy to swap seafood or seasonings.
- Crowd-pleaser – Creamy, tangy, and satisfying for any occasion.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
- 1 lb imitation crab meat (flake-style or chunk), chopped
- 1 cup cooked small shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails removed
- 2 stalks celery, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish (optional)
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or other seafood seasoning)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Seafood:
Chop imitation crab meat into bite-sized pieces. If shrimp are large, cut them in half or thirds.
2. Mix the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine crab meat, shrimp, celery, red onion, and relish (if using).
3. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Combine:
Pour dressing over the seafood mixture. Gently fold until everything is evenly coated.
5. Chill:
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy cold on croissants, crackers, or lettuce wraps.
Tips & Variations
- Make it spicy – Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne to the dressing.
- Upgrade the seafood – Use lump crab meat or lobster for a luxe version.
- Add crunch – Stir in diced bell pepper or cucumber.
- Lighten it up – Use Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the mayonnaise.
- Herb swap – Try dill or chives instead of parsley for a different flavor.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, it’s actually better after a night in the fridge.
Can I freeze seafood salad? Not recommended—mayonnaise-based dressings don’t freeze well.
What if I don’t have Old Bay? Use paprika, celery salt, and a pinch of cayenne as a substitute.
How long will it keep? Up to 3 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Final Thoughts
This Seafood Salad is the definition of easy elegance. With just a few fresh ingredients and a quick stir of creamy dressing, you get a dish that’s delicious, versatile, and perfect for warm-weather meals or make-ahead entertaining. Keep it classic or add your own twist—the result will always be a flavorful, crowd-pleasing favorite.
Seafood Salad
Ingredients
- 1 lb imitation crab meat flake-style or chunk, chopped
- 1 cup cooked small shrimp peeled, deveined, tails removed
- 2 stalks celery finely diced
- 1/4 cup red onion finely diced
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish optional
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning or other seafood seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Prep the Seafood:
- Chop imitation crab meat into bite-sized pieces. If shrimp are large, cut them in half or thirds.
Mix the Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine crab meat, shrimp, celery, red onion, and relish (if using).
Make the Dressing:
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Combine:
- Pour dressing over the seafood mixture. Gently fold until everything is evenly coated.
Chill:
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy cold on croissants, crackers, or lettuce wraps.
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