seafood salad recipe

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Easy & Flavorful Seafood Salad Recipe

Looking for a quick, refreshing, and absolutely delicious dish? This Seafood Salad is packed with creamy, tangy flavors and comes together in just minutes! Made with imitation crab, crunchy celery, zesty Old Bay seasoning, and fresh dill, this salad is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or as a light appetizer.

Not only does it taste restaurant-quality, but it’s also a no-fuss, budget-friendly recipe that can be prepped ahead of time. Whether you’re serving it on a crusty baguette, stuffing it into tomatoes, or scooping it onto crackers, this seafood salad is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Seafood Salad

Fast & Easy – Ready in under 10 minutes with simple ingredients.
Versatile – Serve as a sandwich filling, dip, or chilled pasta salad.
Meal Prep Friendly – Stays fresh for up to 2 days in the fridge.
Light Yet Flavorful – A great low-carb & protein-packed option.

Ingredients & Their Role

For the Seafood Salad:

  • 16 oz. imitation crab meat (flaked style) – Gives a sweet, seafood flavor without breaking the bank.
  • ½ cup celery (finely diced) – Adds crunch and freshness.
  • 3 tbsp. red onion (very finely diced) – Brings a mild sharpness to balance the creaminess.
  • ½ tsp. Old Bay seasoning – A must-have spice blend for a classic seafood taste.
  • 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice – Brightens up the flavors and enhances freshness.
  • ½ cup mayonnaise – Creates a smooth, creamy base.
  • 1 ½ tbsp. fresh dill (or ½ tsp. dried dill) – Adds herbaceous depth.
  • Salt & pepper to taste – Essential for balancing flavors.

Pro Tip: Use Greek yogurt or light mayo for a healthier twist!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients

  1. In a large mixing bowl, add:
    • Flaked imitation crab
    • Celery
    • Red onion
    • Old Bay seasoning
    • Lemon juice
    • Mayonnaise
    • Fresh dill
    • Salt & pepper
  2. Gently toss everything together until well coated.

Step 2: Chill & Serve

  1. You can serve immediately, or cover and chill for at least 30 minutes for even better flavor.
  2. The salad will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Pro Tip: The flavors mature overnight, making this a great make-ahead dish!

How to Serve Seafood Salad

This salad is super versatile, making it great for quick meals or party appetizers. Try serving it:

On a crusty baguette – The perfect seafood sandwich!
With crackers or pita chips – A great snack or appetizer.
In butter lettuce cups – A fresh, low-carb option.
Stuffed into a hollowed-out tomato – A beautiful presentation!
Mixed with chilled pasta – Turns into a creamy seafood pasta salad.
In a puff pastry shell – Elegant for brunch or special occasions.

Homemade Old Bay Seasoning Substitute

If you can’t find Old Bay, here’s a DIY version that’s very close to the original!

Old Bay Substitute Recipe

¾ tbsp. salt
1 tbsp. celery seed
2 tsp. sweet paprika
1 tsp. ground dry mustard
1 tsp. ground ginger
5 bay leaves (crushed or ground)
½ tsp. smoked paprika
½ tsp. freshly ground black pepper
½ tsp. freshly ground white pepper
¼ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
⅛ tsp. ground nutmeg
⅛ tsp. ground mace
⅛ tsp. ground cardamom
⅛ tsp. ground allspice
⅛ tsp. ground cinnamon
1/16 tsp. ground cloves

Mix all ingredients and grind in a spice grinder or coffee grinder until smooth. Store in an airtight container.

Pro Tip: This seasoning is great on shrimp, fish, and roasted veggies too!

Final Thoughts: Why This Seafood Salad is a Must-Try

This Seafood Salad is creamy, refreshing, and packed with flavors that make it taste like it came straight from a beachside café. It’s simple yet elegant, and perfect for everything from a light lunch to a party appetizer.

Make a batch today and see why it’s a crowd favorite!