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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ideas for Additional Add-Ins

• Avocado
• Almonds
• Pecans
• Mustard
• Bell Peppers
• Hard-Boiled Eggs
• Pickles
• Grapes

What to Pair and Serve with the Salad

• Crackers
• Spinach
• Mixed Greens
• Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
• Bread to make sandwiches

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