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Lump Crab Salad (Real Crab Meat)

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This Lump Crab Salad is made with real jumbo crab meat and can be served as a light lunch or dinner, on a bed of mixed greens, or on sandwiches. This is also the perfect appetizer to pair as a dip with crackers or vegetables.

crab salad with real lump crab meat on a bed of lettuce in a white bowl
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Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Authentic Flavor: Real crab meat provides an authentic and distinctive seafood flavor that is unmatched by imitation crab or surimi. The natural sweetness and brininess of real crab enhance the overall taste of the salad.
  • Texture and Tenderness: The texture is superior to imitation crab, which may have a more rubbery or processed consistency.
  • Minimal Processing: Real crab meat is a minimally processed ingredient, providing a cleaner and purer taste compared to imitation crab, which is typically made from processed fish and other additives.
spices, dill, lemon, and mayo on a flat surface

Lump Real Crab Meat vs Imitation Crab

Imitation crab is also known as surimi. It’s a seafood product that is made from ground pollock fish and mixed with starch, egg whites, and flavorings. The mixture is then shaped and dyed to have the same color as real crab meat.

Imitation crabmeat is a processed food and contains preservatives, artificial colors, and other ingredients. Also, it is usually high in sodium and low in nutrients. Be sure to check your labels and read the ingredients if you plan to use it.

lump crab meat, celery, and red onions in separate glass bowls

Real crab meat is meat that is taken from the body of a crab. It comes from blue crab, king crab, or Dungeness crab. Real crab meat can be sold as whole cooked crab or as chunks or pieces of meat.

Real crabmeat has a delicate, sweet flavor and a tender, moist texture. It is considered a delicacy and is low in fat and high in protein. Check out our post, What is Lump Crab Meat.

jumbo lump crab in a can

Where to Buy Real Lump Crab

I like to grab jumbo, lump crab. You can find it at most grocers in the refrigerated section of the store. Costco sells it in 16oz bulk. You can also find crab claw meat.

Can You Add Other Seafood?

Yes, I often add shrimp. Scallops, lobster, or fish will also work well.

How to Make Lump Crab Salad with Real Crab Meat

Full detailed instructions are below in the recipe card.

  1. Add the crab and optional shrimp to a large mixing bowl along with the Old Mayo Seasoning, mayo, lemon juice, celery, onions, 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Stir to combine.
  3. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Chill for a minimum of 1 hour. 2-3 hours is optimal.
lump crab and shrimp in a skillet

How to Substitute Mayo

If you are looking to make the recipe with no mayo, use plain Greek yogurt, cream cheese, or sour cream instead.

crab salad with real lump crab meat in a glass bowl

Ideas for Additional Add-Ins

  • Avocado
  • Almonds
  • Pecans
  • Mustard
  • Bell Peppers
  • Hard-Boiled Eggs
  • Pickles
  • Grapes
crab salad with real lump crab meat on a bed of lettuce in a white bowl

What to Pair and Serve with the Salad

More Crab Recipes

Grilled King Crab Legs
Crab Risotto
Grilled Snow Crab Legs
Seafood Lasagna

Seafood Pasta Salad
Creamy Crab Bisque
Smoked Crab Legs

More Salad Recipes

Shrimp Taco Salad
Grilled Shrimp Salad
Cajun Shrimp Salad
Shrimp Orzo Pasta Salad

person holding crab salad with real lump crab meat on a piece of celery
crab salad with real lump crab meat on a bed of lettuce in a white bowl

Lump Crab Salad (Real Crab Meat)

This Lump Crab Salad is made with real jumbo crab meat and can be served as a light lunch or dinner, on a bed of mixed greens, or on sandwiches. This is also the perfect appetizer to pair as a dip with crackers or vegetables.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course dinner, lunch
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 297 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 pound cooked shrimp Optional, Cut into smaller chunks about an inch.
  • 1/2 pound lump crab meat
  • 1 finely chopped celery stalk
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onions
  • 1/2 cup mayo Substitute with plain Greek yogurt or sour cream if desired.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice Add more and adjust to taste if neccessary.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill weed.
  • 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning Divided into 1/2 teaspoon portions.
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Add the crab and optional shrimp to a large mixing bowl along with Old Bay Seasoning, mayo, lemon juice, celery, onions, 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning, and salt and pepper to taste.
  • Stir to combine.
  • Serve chilled or at room temperature. Chill for a minimum of 1 hour. 2-3 hours is optimal.

Notes

Old Bay Seasoning can be substituted with any of your favorite seafood seasoning and rubs.
The use of shrimp is optional.
If you like a wet pasta salad, then serving immediately after chilling the dish will work best for you. You may find that you need additional mayo or sour cream (Greek yogurt). Add additional to suit your taste and texture needs.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 297kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 16gFat: 26g
Keyword crab salad recipe, lump crab salad with real crab, seafood salad with real crab meat
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Recipe Rating




Dwayne

Wednesday 4th of October 2023

A great recipe...

Raque

Sunday 22nd of October 2023

@Brandi Crawford, when do I add the olive oil?

Brandi Crawford

Thursday 12th of October 2023

Glad to hear it!