The short answer: this crab salad recipe folds flaked crab (or imitation crab) with mayo, celery and lemon into a cold mix ready in about 15 minutes.
- Key numbers: 1 lb crab · ½ cup mayo · 15 minutes · feeds 4
- Top moves: drain crab, chop celery fine, lemon + Old Bay, chill before serving
- Free and paid next step: get the free recipe book starter pages (we email it to you), or save your ratios in the Family Recipe Binder ($6.99).
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Prep time: 15 minCook time: 0 minTotal time: 35 minServings: 4 servingsTotal includes 20 min of resting, chilling or rising.
Amounts and methods for this crab salad recipe were checked November 6, 2026.
Crab salad ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lump crab or imitation crab | 1 pound | Drain well; pick shells |
| Mayonnaise | ½ cup | Or half Greek yogurt |
| Celery | 2 ribs, fine dice | Pat dry |
| Green onion | 2, sliced | Or minced shallot |
| Lemon juice | 1–2 tablespoons | Fresh |
| Dijon (optional) | 1 teaspoon | |
| Old Bay or paprika | ½ teaspoon | To taste |
| Salt and pepper | Pinch | |
| Fresh dill or parsley | 1 tablespoon | Optional |
How to make crab salad
- Prep crab. If using canned or refrigerated crab, drain thoroughly. Check lump crab for shell pieces. Chop imitation crab into bite-size bits and pat dry. Keep seafood cold — see FDA seafood handling.
- Mix base. Stir mayo, lemon, Dijon, Old Bay, salt and pepper in a bowl.
- Fold. Add crab, celery and green onion. Fold gently so lumps stay intact. Taste; add herbs if you like.
- Chill. Cover and refrigerate at least 20 minutes.
- Serve cold on croissants, crackers, lettuce cups or stuffed tomatoes.
Do not leave seafood salad out more than 2 hours (FDA safe food handling). Store leftovers in the fridge and eat within 1 to 2 days for best quality.
For fried patties instead of a cold salad, see crab cakes. More cold salads: tuna salad, chicken salad and egg salad recipe. Party starters: easy appetizers.
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Write the meal on the week plan so the ingredients are already in the cart.
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Frequently asked questions
How do you make crab salad? Flake crab meat, fold with mayonnaise, diced celery, lemon juice, green onion and a pinch of Old Bay or pepper. Chill 20 minutes so flavors marry, then serve cold.
Can I use imitation crab? Yes, you can use imitation crab in crab salad. Imitation crab (surimi) is budget-friendly and common in deli-style crab salad. Pat it dry and chop before mixing so the salad is not watery.
Is lump crab better? Lump or claw crab tastes sweeter and looks nicer for company. Pick through for shells. Keep crab cold and follow seafood handling guidance from the FDA.
How long does crab salad last? Eat within 1 to 2 days for best quality when made with fresh crab, and keep it refrigerated. Do not leave seafood salad at room temperature more than 2 hours.
Can crab salad be frozen? Freezing mayo-based crab salad is not ideal — texture turns watery. Make a fresh batch instead.
What do you serve with crab salad? Serve crab salad with croissants, crackers, lettuce cups, avocado halves or a simple green salad. It also works as a stuffed tomato filling.
How is this different from crab cakes? Crab salad is a cold mayo mix. Crab cakes are formed patties that are pan-fried, baked or air-fried.
Can I make it without mayo? Yes, you can make crab salad without mayo. Use Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and a little olive oil. Season boldly with lemon and herbs so it still tastes rich.
Does crab salad need egg? Crab salad does not need egg, because chopped hard-boiled egg is optional. Some deli versions fold in chopped hard-boiled egg. See hard-boiled eggs if you add them.
How do I keep crab salad from getting watery? To keep crab salad from getting watery, drain crab well, pat imitation crab dry, and salt the celery lightly then blot before mixing. Add mayo gradually.
How do I plan crab salad into a week of lunches? The Meal Planner & Grocery List ($3.99) from HomeBase Paper Co. has a weekly menu and aisle-sorted list so crab, celery and lemon land on one trip. Mix the day you serve for best texture.
Where can I save my family's crab salad recipe? The Family Recipe Binder ($6.99) from HomeBase Paper Co. has fillable recipe pages so your mayo brand and seasoning blend stay with your other cold salads.
Sources
- FDA: Selecting and serving fresh and frozen seafood safely fda.gov
- FDA: Safe food handling fda.gov
- FoodSafety.gov: Cold food storage charts foodsafety.gov
- USDA FSIS: Leftovers and food safety fsis.usda.gov