Description
This Crab Salad is a light, refreshing dish perfect for any occasion. Combining sweet lump crab meat with a creamy, flavorful dressing and crisp vegetables, it offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors. Easy to prepare and served chilled, it’s ideal as a starter, light lunch, or party appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
Crab Salad Ingredients
- 1 pound lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 1 small red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- 1 tablespoon capers, drained (optional)
- Lettuce leaves, for serving
- Crackers or crusty bread, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.
- Add the Crab and Vegetables: Gently fold in the lump crab meat, celery, red bell pepper, red onion, parsley, and dill if using. Handle the crab meat carefully to maintain its chunkiness and avoid breaking it apart.
- Incorporate the Capers (Optional): If you choose to use capers, gently fold them into the mixture for an added briny flavor that complements the crab.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the crab salad and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve: Serve the chilled crab salad on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves alongside crackers or crusty bread for a delicious and elegant presentation.
Notes
- Use fresh lump crab meat if available for the best flavor; canned works well too.
- Adjust seasonings like salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- Chilling the salad for longer than 30 minutes enhances flavor melding.
- For a lighter option, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a low-fat mayonnaise.
- If you prefer a dairy-free version, ensure to use a suitable mayonnaise alternative.
- Capers are optional but add a nice tangy kick to the salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
