Crab salad is one of those easy to make perfect potluck recipes most Americans have tried before. In fact, while you would think this is a popular coastal dish, it is actually more popular in the midwest. Why? I can’t say. All I know is I love making this recipe for a taste of home whenever I get the craving.
One thing to mention at the beginning is this recipe uses imitation crab. This is a great way to save money as imitation crab, or Krab as it is often called, is much cheaper than the real thing. Trust me, the real crab I used for my crab stuffed mushrooms was $25 for just 190 grams!
What Is Imitation Crab?
Imitation crab, aka krab, is a pressed and artificially colored tube of whitefish. The technique of pressing whitefish paste (surimi) into forms was developed in Japan nearly a thousand years ago.
Modern crab sticks are usually made from Alaskan Pollock, which is mixed with binders and flavorings before being pressed and painted with food coloring to resemble crab leg meat.
How To Make Crab Salad
There are a few ways to make a tasty crab salad; my way is just one of them. Feel free to add or change some ingredients if you think of a great idea!
Crab Salad Ingredients
- 500 grams Crab Sticks (imitation crab meat) – also known as Krab Sticks, Imitation Crab Sticks, and a few other names. Chop the sticks into small pieces about a centimeter in length. (About 1 pound)
- 150 grams Mayonnaise – you can use store-bought or homemade mayonnaise. Feel free to add more if you prefer.
- 1 Yellow Onion– finely diced. You can also substitute and use finely diced shallot as well.
- 2 stalks Celery – finely diced
- 1 tbsp Tarragon – chopped
- 2 tsp Dill – chopped
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Salt – or more to taste
Add all the ingredients to a large bowl and mix thoroughly. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. The dish can be served right from the bowl, but I find it even better if you let it sit in the fridge for an hour. This helps all the flavors meld together and become even more vibrant and refreshing!
How To Serve Crab Salad
There are a few different ways to serve crab salad, but it depends on the event you’re having. By yourself at home? Do whatever you want. Going to a potluck? Maybe bring some hoagie rolls to make crab salad sandwiches. Here are some ways to serve tasty homemade crab salad:
- Endive Boats – Peel and clean some endive leaves and add a tablespoon of crab salad in there for a beautifully presented cocktail party hors d’oeuvre.
- Tartlets – Buy some pre-made butter tartlet shells (like pate brisee) or make your own. Serve them filled with a bit of crab salad for a delightful canape!
- Lettuce Wraps – Serve the crab salad alongside some leaves of crisp iceberg lettuce for a quick bite.
- On Crackers – Personally I just like eating imitation crab salad on some saltine crackers, but you can use more upscale crackers if you like.
Crab Salad
Equipment
- 1 Bowl
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting Board
- 1 Spoon or Rubber Spatula
Ingredients
Crab Salad Ingredients
- 500 grams Crab Sticks imitation crab meat – also known as Krab Sticks, Imitation Crab Sticks, and a few other names. Chop the sticks into small pieces about a centimeter in length. (About 1 pound)
- 150 grams Mayonnaise you can use store-bought or homemade mayonnaise. Feel free to add more if you prefer. (about 3/5 cup)
- 1 Yellow Onion finely diced. You can also substitute and use finely diced shallot as well.
- 2 stalks Celery finely diced
- 1 tbsp Tarragon chopped
- 2 tsp Dill chopped
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Paprika
- 1/2 tsp Salt or more to taste
Instructions
- Cut and prepare all of the ingredients according to the sizes in 'Ingredients'
- Add all ingredients to a bowl and mix thoroughly.
- Optional: Chill in the fridge for an hour to let flavors meld together
