Yield

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes (recommended)

 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb imitation crab meat (flake style or shredded)
• 2 celery stalks, finely diced
• 3 green onions, sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)

Dressing

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste

 Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crab

• If using imitation crab sticks, shred them by hand or chop into bite-size pieces.
• Place into a large mixing bowl.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

• Add diced celery, green onions, red onion, and dill.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a separate bowl combine:

• mayonnaise
• sour cream
• lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• garlic powder
• pepper
• Old Bay seasoning

Whisk until smooth.

Step 4: Combine

• Pour dressing over the crab mixture.
• Gently fold together until fully coated.

Step 5: Chill

• Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes for best flavor.

 Serving Ideas

Serve:

• on crackers
• in sandwiches
• in lettuce wraps
• stuffed into avocados
• with croissants
• over salad greens

 Nutrition Information (Approx. Per Serving)

Nutrition varies depending on brand of imitation crab and mayonnaise used.

 Allergen Information

This recipe may contain:

• Fish
• Shellfish flavoring
• Eggs (mayonnaise)
• Soy
• Wheat/gluten

Always check the imitation crab package because many brands contain:

• pollock fish
• starch
• artificial crab flavoring

 Storage

Refrigerator

• Store in airtight container
• Keeps 3–4 days

Freezing

• Not recommended
• Mayo-based dressing may separate

 Variations

Spicy Version

Add:

• 1 tablespoon sriracha
• diced jalapeños

Healthier Version

Replace:

• Greek yogurt for half the mayo

Japanese-Style Kani Salad

Add:

• cucumber
• carrots
• sesame seeds
• sesame dressing

Southern Style

Add:

• chopped boiled eggs
• sweet pickle relish

 Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is imitation crab fully cooked?

Yes. Imitation crab is pre-cooked and ready to eat.

Q2: Can I use real crab meat?

Absolutely. Lump crab meat works great and gives a richer flavor.

Q3: Why is my crab salad watery?

Possible causes:

• celery releasing moisture
• salad not chilled
• too much lemon juice

Pat vegetables dry before mixing.

Q4: Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes. It actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours.

Q5: What type of mayo works best?

• Duke’s
• Hellmann’s/Best Foods
• Japanese Kewpie mayo for sweeter flavor

Q6: Is imitation crab healthy?

It’s lower in fat than real crab but often:

• higher in sodium
• more processed
• contains added starch and sugar

Q7: Can I make it keto?

Yes:

• use low-carb mayo
• ensure imitation crab is low in sugar
• or substitute real crab

Q8: What goes well with crab salad?

• potato chips
• soup
• pasta salad
• fresh fruit
• toasted bread

 Pro Tips

• Chill before serving for best texture.
• Use fresh lemon juice for brighter flavor.
• Don’t overmix or the crab becomes mushy.
• Finely diced celery gives the best crunch.

• Author
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Sara Mitchell

Sara Mitchell is an expert restaurant content creator who writes easy-to-read guides about CAVA and other Mediterranean fast-casual chains in the United States. She covers locations, menus, prices, and hours, making it simple for visitors to find nearby restaurants and what to order quickly.

With years of experience in restaurant research and local SEO, Sara creates accurate, user-friendly guides that work for both people and search engines. Her goal is to help users go from search results to their nearest restaurant or menu choice with as few clicks as possible.

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