Creamy Crab & Celery Salad (Classic Lemon-Dill Seafood Salad)
Description
Creamy Crab & Celery Salad is a classic chilled seafood salad featuring delicate crab meat combined with crunchy celery and a creamy lemon-dill dressing. The flavors are light, fresh, and perfectly balanced between creamy richness and citrusy brightness. This easy no-cook recipe works beautifully for quick lunches, summer gatherings, meal prep, or light dinners.
Ingredients For the Salad
- 1 lb crab meat (real or imitation), chopped if needed
- 2 celery stalks, finely sliced
- ¼ cup red onion or green onions, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
For the Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins
- Chopped cucumber
- Avocado chunks
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Lettuce leaves for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Ingredients
Slice celery thinly and chop onions and herbs.
Drain crab meat if necessary.
Step 2: Make Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Combine Salad
In a large bowl, add crab meat, celery, onion, dill, and parsley.
Pour dressing over the mixture.
Gently fold until evenly coated.
Step 4: Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for best flavor.
Step 5: Serve
Serve chilled with crackers, croissants, lettuce wraps, or toasted bread.
Notes
- Fresh lump crab meat gives the best flavor and texture.
- Celery adds refreshing crunch and balance.
- Dill pairs beautifully with seafood and lemon.
- Chilling helps flavors blend together.
Tips
- Don’t overmix or the crab may break apart too much.
- Use Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Add extra lemon zest for brighter citrus flavor.
- Serve in avocado halves for elegant presentation.
- Keep salad cold until serving for best freshness.
Servings
- Serves: 4–6 people
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fat: 17g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
Benefits
High in Protein
Crab meat provides lean protein for fullness and muscle support.
Low Carb Friendly
Perfect for low-carb or keto lifestyles.
Quick No-Cook Recipe
Easy to prepare with minimal effort.
Refreshing & Light
Ideal for warm weather meals and lunches.
Rich in Flavor
Lemon and dill create classic seafood flavor balance.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store in airtight container for up to 2 days.
Freezing
Not recommended because mayonnaise-based salads separate after thawing.
Q&A
Can I use imitation crab?
Yes, imitation crab works well and is budget-friendly.
What can I serve with this salad?
Crackers, sandwiches, lettuce wraps, croissants, or cucumber slices.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, it tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s naturally low in carbohydrates.
Can I add shrimp?
Absolutely. Shrimp pairs wonderfully with crab.
Why is my salad watery?
Be sure to drain crab meat and pat vegetables dry before mixing.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?
Yes, use about 1 teaspoon dried dill in place of fresh dill.