If you have a craving for something fresh, flavorful, and downright irresistible, then you’ve just found The BEST Seafood Salad Recipe. This delightful dish is a celebration of tender shrimp, sweet imitation crab, and a perfect blend of zesty lemon, crisp celery, and aromatic dill that comes together in a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s quick to prepare, bursting with bright colors and textures, and guaranteed to become your go-to for summer lunches, casual dinners, or special gatherings. Trust me, once you try this, it might just become your favorite seafood salad forever.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to nailing The BEST Seafood Salad Recipe lies in the simplicity and quality of a handful of fresh ingredients. Each one adds its own unique charm—whether it’s the subtle sweetness of the crab, the fresh snap of celery, or the lively kick of lemon juice that ties everything together.
- 8 ounces imitation crab meat: Flaked or sliced, this adds a sweet, tender seafood base that’s budget-friendly and tasty.
- 8 ounces raw shrimp: Peeled and deveined, this brings succulent texture and a delicate ocean flavor.
- 1 lemon, quartered: Used for poaching shrimp and infusing a citrusy freshness.
- ½ cup celery, finely diced: Adds a satisfying crunch and light vegetal brightness.
- 3 tablespoons red onion, minced: Offers a mild, sharp flavor that balances the richness.
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning: A classic seasoning that amps up the seafood’s natural taste with a touch of warmth and spice.
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice: Elevates the salad with vibrant acidity.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to round out all the flavors.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Provides that creamy, luscious dressing base.
- 1½ tablespoons fresh dill, chopped: Adds a fragrant herbal note, with extra for garnish to enhance appearance and aroma.
How to Make The BEST Seafood Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Adding the quartered lemon right into the water infuses a gentle citrus flavor while you cook the shrimp. Drop in the shrimp and cook them just until they turn pink and opaque—around 1 to 2 minutes. Don’t overcook here; you want them tender, not rubbery! Once done, quickly transfer the shrimp to a bowl of ice water to halt the cooking and keep that perfect texture. Drain and pat dry thoroughly.
Step 2: Combine the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, bring together the cooked shrimp (give them a chop if you prefer smaller bites), the imitation crab meat, diced celery, minced red onion, and your fresh dill. Sprinkle the Old Bay seasoning over the mix, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and season with salt and black pepper. Pour in the mayonnaise last and gently toss everything together, making sure the creamy dressing coats every morsel evenly without breaking up the seafood too much.
Step 3: Chill and Serve
Pop the salad into the fridge for at least 15 minutes if you have the time—this helps all the flavors marry together beautifully. Before serving, give it one last toss and sprinkle extra fresh dill on top for that inviting herbal aroma and a pop of green. Whether you serve it chilled right away or after a short chill, this salad shines bright and fresh every single time.
How to Serve The BEST Seafood Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a few sprigs of fresh dill or a thin wedge of lemon on the side elevate the presentation instantly. If you’re feeling adventurous, a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few capers can add a zesty touch that complements the salad’s richness.
Side Dishes
This seafood salad pairs wonderfully with crispy toasted baguette slices, buttery crackers, or a crisp green salad for a light yet satisfying meal. For a heartier option, try serving it alongside grilled vegetables or fluffy quinoa to balance the textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this salad in crisp endive leaves or little lettuce cups for elegant bite-sized appetizers. Another fun way is to spoon it into halved avocado halves or hollowed tomatoes for a colorful, eye-catching dish that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store your seafood salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making leftovers just as delicious as the first serving. Just be sure to give it a gentle stir before serving again.
Freezing
Because of the mayonnaise and fresh ingredients, freezing is not recommended for The BEST Seafood Salad Recipe. The texture and flavor won’t hold up well after thawing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for a short time.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not advised. If you prefer it less chilled, simply let it sit out for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to take the chill off without losing its bright flavors.
FAQs
Can I use fresh crab instead of imitation crab?
Absolutely! Fresh crab meat will give your salad a richer, more luxurious flavor. Just be sure it’s fully cooked and picked clean before adding it to the salad.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you want a lighter option, plain Greek yogurt or a blend of yogurt and a little olive oil works beautifully while maintaining the creamy texture.
How long does the salad stay fresh?
For the best taste and texture, enjoy the salad within 2 days when stored in the fridge in a sealed container.
Can I prepare the salad ahead of time?
Definitely! Preparing it a few hours in advance allows the flavors to develop fully. Just store it in the fridge and give it a gentle stir before serving.
Is Old Bay seasoning necessary?
It’s a classic for a reason! Old Bay adds that perfect blend of spices that elevate seafood dishes, but if you don’t have it, a mix of paprika, celery salt, and a pinch of cayenne will do the trick.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you make The BEST Seafood Salad Recipe, it will become your favorite quick dish to whip up for any occasion. Its balance of tender seafood, fresh vegetables, and bright herbs wrapped in a creamy dressing is simply unbeatable. So grab those fresh ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and enjoy every delicious bite of this vibrant, crowd-pleasing salad!
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The BEST Seafood Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This fresh and flavorful seafood salad combines tender shrimp and imitation crab meat with crisp celery, zesty lemon, and aromatic dill, all bound together by a creamy mayonnaise dressing. Perfect as a light lunch or appetizer, this salad comes together quickly and can be served immediately or chilled to deepen the flavors.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 8 ounces imitation crab meat, flaked or sliced
- 8 ounces raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lemon, quartered
Vegetables & Herbs
- ½ cup celery, finely diced
- 3 tablespoons red onion, minced
- 1½ tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Seasonings & Dressing
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup mayonnaise
Instructions
- Cook the Shrimp: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the quartered lemon to infuse the water with a light citrus flavor. Add the raw shrimp and cook for 1–2 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Immediately transfer the shrimp to a bowl filled with ice water to halt the cooking process. Once cooled, drain and pat the shrimp dry.
- Combine the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shrimp (chopped if preferred), imitation crab meat, finely diced celery, minced red onion, and Old Bay seasoning. Add the fresh lemon juice, mayonnaise, and chopped fresh dill. Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the creamy dressing. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Chill & Serve: Garnish the seafood salad with extra fresh dill for a burst of color and fresh herb flavor. Serve immediately for a fresh taste, or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
Notes
- For best texture, do not overcook the shrimp; they should be just opaque and tender.
- Imitation crab meat can be replaced with real crab meat for a more luxurious salad.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper if you prefer a spicy kick.
- This salad can be served over leafy greens or as a sandwich filling.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
