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I keep a few packages of imitation crab in my freezer for quick meals. It’s affordable, easy to work with, and perfect for throwing together a simple salad. These salads are my go-to for easy lunches, potlucks, or a light dinner that doesn’t take much time.
I like them because they are familiar, tasty, and you can mix in what you have on hand.
Here are 17 classic recipes I make.
1. The Basic Deli-Style Salad
This is my starting point. It’s just imitation crab, mayo, a bit of lemon juice, and some chopped celery for crunch. I make this when I want something plain and good, just like you’d get from the grocery store deli.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
Click here for the full recipe
2. Simple Crab and Pasta Salad
I toss the crab with some small pasta shells, mayo, and sweet peas. It’s a filling salad that works as a side dish or a main course for lunch. This one is a hit with my kids.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 12g
- Carbs: 42g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 3g
Click here for the full recipe
3. Easy Crab Louie Salad
For this, I lay the crab meat on a bed of crisp lettuce with hard-boiled egg wedges and tomato. I serve it with a simple, creamy dressing made with mayo and ketchup. It feels like a proper sit-down meal.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 14g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
Click here for the full recipe
4. Corn and Crab Salad
I mix the crab with canned corn that’s been drained, some red onion, and a creamy dressing. The sweet corn and the crab go really well together. I take this to summer barbecues often.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 10g
- Carbs: 26g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
Click here for the full recipe
5. Old-Fashioned Seafood Macaroni Salad
This is a heartier salad with elbow macaroni, crab, chopped celery, and onion. The dressing is just mayo, a splash of vinegar, and a little sugar. It’s a classic that everyone seems to know and like.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 11g
- Carbs: 35g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
Click here for the full recipe
6. Creamy Dill Crab Salad
I add a good amount of fresh dill and a squeeze of lemon to the basic mayo mix. The dill makes it taste fresh and a little different. This is good on crackers or in a sandwich.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 220
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 0g
Click here for the full recipe
7. Crab Salad with Cucumber
For a lighter feel, I add finely chopped cucumber to the crab salad. I use a little less mayo so it doesn’t get watery. It’s cool and refreshing.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 190
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 14g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 1g
Click here for the full recipe
8. Potato Crab Salad
I mix chunks of cooled, boiled potatoes with the imitation crab and a creamy dressing. It’s very filling and reminds me of a German potato salad, but with seafood.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 270
- Protein: 10g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
Click here for the full recipe
9. Spicy Sriracha Crab Salad
When I want a kick, I add sriracha and a little grated ginger to the mayo. It’s really good stuffed into a hollowed-out tomato or avocado half for lunch.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 215
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 13g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
Click here for the full recipe
10. Crab Salad with Bell Peppers
I use a mix of red and green bell peppers for color and a sweet crunch. The peppers make it look nice and add a bit of vitamin C.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 200
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 2g
Click here for the full recipe
11. Lemon Pepper Crab Salad
This is simple but good. I use plenty of black pepper and fresh lemon zest in the dressing. The lemon pepper taste is clean and sharp.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 205
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
Click here for the full recipe
12. Crab and Rice Salad
I use cold cooked rice, peas, and crab with a mayo dressing. It’s a good way to use up leftover rice and makes a complete cold lunch.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 11g
- Carbs: 45g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
Click here for the full recipe
13. Crab Salad with Apple
Diced apple adds a sweet crunch that I really enjoy. A salad like this is good in the fall. I use an apple that doesn’t brown too fast, like a Gala or Honeycrisp.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 26g
- Fat: 11g
- Fiber: 3g
Click here for the full recipe
14. Herb Garden Crab Salad
When my herbs are growing, I chop up chives, parsley, and tarragon to mix in. The herbs make it taste special without much extra work.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 9g
- Carbs: 12g
- Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 0g
Click here for the full recipe
15. Crab Salad with Elbow Macaroni and Peas
This is a slightly different take on the macaroni salad, with sweet peas and shredded carrot for color. It’s a crowd pleaser at picnics.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 12g
- Carbs: 40g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
Click here for the full recipe
16. Zesty Italian Crab Salad
I use an Italian vinaigrette instead of mayo for a lighter, tangier salad. I add some black olives and red onion rings. It’s a nice change from the creamy versions.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 180
- Protein: 10g
- Carbs: 15g
- Fat: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
Click here for the full recipe
17. The Ultimate Party Crab Salad
This is my mix everything in version. It has crab, corn, black beans, red onion, and cilantro in a lime mayo dressing. It makes a big bowl that goes fast at gatherings.
Nutrition per serving:
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 12g
- Carbs: 32g
- Fat: 10g
- Fiber: 6g
