Print

15-Minute Creamy Imitation Crab Salad for Quick Lunches

A mound of creamy crab salad mixed with celery and red onion served on a crisp green lettuce leaf.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This recipe delivers a **creamy, zesty crab salad** that you can prepare in under 15 minutes. It uses imitation crab for a **budget-friendly** option, perfect for **sandwiches, wraps, or as a light side dish**.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces imitation crab meat (surimi), shredded or flaked
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons red onion, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of paprika (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the imitation crab by shredding or flaking it into bite-sized pieces. Place the crab in a medium mixing bowl.
  2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. This creates your **zesty** dressing.
  3. Add the finely chopped celery, minced red onion, and fresh parsley to the bowl with the crab meat.
  4. Pour the creamy dressing over the crab and vegetable mixture.
  5. Gently fold all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated. Avoid overmixing to keep the crab **flaky**.
  6. Taste the **crab salad** and adjust salt or lemon juice if needed.
  7. Chill for at least 10 minutes before serving for best flavor, or serve immediately for a **quick crab salad**.
  8. Serve your **seafood salad** on toasted bread for a **crab salad sandwich filling**, in lettuce cups, or with crackers as an **appetizer**.

Notes

  • For a slightly different texture, you can use Greek yogurt instead of half the mayonnaise for a **healthier crab salad** option.
  • If you prefer a more **old fashioned crab salad**, you can omit the Dijon mustard and add a dash of Worcestershire sauce.
  • This salad works well **make ahead** for up to one day; store it tightly covered in the refrigerator.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://gourmetgaze.com/quick-creamy-crab-salad-recipe/