Crab Salad

Crab Salad is one of our go to dishes for picnics, parties, and pot lucks. It’s loaded with flavor, perfect for making ahead, and always a huge hit. This version takes the original recipe to the next level with extra crab meat and the addition of fresh dill. It’s easy to make and easy to personalize based on what you have on hand. If you’re looking for a quick salad recipe to bring to your next get together, this one is always a crowd favorite!

One of my favorite parts about getting together with family and friends is… let’s be honest… the food. And I especially enjoy it when everyone brings a dish to share. The more variety, the better!

I usually tend to bring some type of salad (we bring what we want to eat, right?) and this Crab Salad is one of my go tos.

I’ve always been a fan of imitation crab meat, and when you combine it with pasta, veggies, and a creamy sauce, it’s a sure win. I love how easy it is to make and I especially love the fact that it’s so easy to personalize according to your individual tastes.

I recently brought this to a gathering with friends and got so many comments on how delicious it was. Everyone devoured it! And once you try it, I’m sure you’ll see why.

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🦀 Ingredients

(see full recipe below)

• 16 oz. small shell noodles
• 16 oz. imitation crab meat, chopped
• 3/4 c. frozen peas, thawed
• 1/2 c. celery, diced
• 1/2 c. red onion, diced
• 1 1/2 c. mayo
• 1/4 c. lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp. onion powder
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1-2 Tbsp. fresh dill

📋 Instructions

1. Prepare noodles according package instructions.
2. Rinse noodles with cold water and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
3. Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
4. Serve immediately or store, covered, in the refrigerator until ready to use.

⏳ To make in advance

This recipe is easy to make in advance and stores well in the refrigerator. It can be made entirely ahead, or you can prepare the individual ingredients in advance and simply combine them just before serving.

🌡 Storing leftovers

Leftovers can be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to one week.

🍔 What to serve it with

• Honey Mustard Ham & Cheese Sandwiches
• Italian Sliders
• Pulled Pork Sandwiches
• Cheddar Ranch BLT Brats
• Italian Party Sub
• Slow Cooker Hawaiian Chicken Sandwiches
• Turkey & Cheese Sliders

🥦 Recipe variations

• Substitute orzo or rotini pasta for the small shells
• Add chopped red or green peppers
• Use dried dill in place of fresh
• Add broccoli, cauliflower, or any of your favorite veggies
• Use ranch dressing in place of mayo (or a combination of the two)
• Add Old Bay Seasoning to the sauce for an added kick of flavor
• Make it low carb by omitting the pasta and cutting the sauce in half

🥗 Related recipes

• Broccoli Slaw
• Creamy Cucumber Salad
• Fresh Corn Salad
• Cajun Potato Salad
• Southwest Quinoa Salad
• Broccoli Salad
• Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad
• Ramen Noodle Sumi Salad

Crab Salad

Crab Salad is one of our go to dishes for picnics, parties, and pot lucks, and this recipe is our FAVORITE. It's loaded with flavor, perfect for making ahead, and always a huge hit. This version takes the original recipe to the next level with extra crab meat (always a bonus) and the addition of fresh dill. It's easy to make and easy to personalize based on what you have on hand.

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 24

Calories: 149kcal

Author: Cathy Trochelman

Ingredients

• 16 oz. small shell noodles
• 16 oz. imitation crab meat chopped
• 3/4 c. frozen peas thawed
• 1/2 c. celery diced
• 1/2 c. red onion diced
• 1 1/2 c. mayo
• 1/4 c. lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp. onion powder
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1-2 Tbsp. fresh dill

Instructions

• Prepare noodles according package instructions.
• Rinse noodles with cold water and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
• Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
• Serve immediately or store, covered, in the refrigerator until ready to use.
  

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 149kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 10mg | Sodium: 292mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g

Crab Salad is one of our go to dishes for picnics, parties, and pot lucks, and this recipe is our FAVORITE. It’s loaded with flavor, perfect for making ahead, and always a huge hit.