Seafood Salad

 

Refreshing & Flavorful: The Ultimate Seafood Salad

Looking for a light, refreshing, and protein-packed dish that works as a main course or a side? This Seafood Salad is the answer. Brimming with tender shrimp, imitation crab (or real crab if you’re feeling fancy), crisp vegetables, and a creamy, zesty dressing, this salad is a coastal classic that never goes out of style.

Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering, meal prepping for the week, or craving something light but satisfying, this seafood salad fits the bill. It’s quick to put together, requires no oven time, and delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

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Why You’ll Love This Seafood Salad

• ✅ No cooking required (if using pre-cooked seafood)

• ✅ Cool and refreshing – perfect for warm weather

• ✅ Packed with protein

• ✅ Make-ahead friendly

• ✅ Customizable with your favorite add-ins

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make a classic seafood salad:

For the Salad:

• 1/2 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined (chopped if large)

• 1/2 lb imitation crab meat (or real crab), chopped

• 2 celery stalks, finely diced

• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional for bite)

• 1/4 cup bell pepper, finely chopped (any color)

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

• Optional add-ins: diced cucumber, hard-boiled eggs, cooked pasta, capers

For the Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt (for tang)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh is best)

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• Salt & pepper to taste

• Optional: pinch of Old Bay seasoning or paprika for flavor kick

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How to Make Seafood Salad

1. Prep the Seafood

If using frozen or precooked shrimp, make sure it’s thawed, drained, and patted dry. Chop both the shrimp and crab into bite-sized pieces.

2. Mix the Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine shrimp, crab, celery, onion, bell pepper, and parsley. Gently toss to mix.

3. Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream (or yogurt), lemon juice, mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste. Add Old Bay or paprika if desired.

4. Combine & Chill

Pour the dressing over the seafood mixture and gently stir to coat everything evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

5. Serve

Serve chilled on a bed of lettuce, in lettuce cups, with crackers, or in a sandwich roll.

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Tips for Success

• Use high-quality seafood: Fresh or high-grade frozen shrimp and real crab will elevate the salad.

• Keep it cold: Always refrigerate until serving to keep the seafood safe and crisp.

• Let it rest: Chilling the salad allows the flavors to fully develop.

• Lighten it up: Use Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the mayo for a healthier twist.

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Variations

• 🥑 Add avocado: For extra creaminess and healthy fats

• 🍋 Go Mediterranean: Add olives, cherry tomatoes, and feta

• 🥬 Make it low-carb: Serve in lettuce wraps or atop mixed greens

• 🍝 Make it a pasta salad: Stir in cooked elbow macaroni or rotini

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Perfect For:

• Summer BBQs & cookouts

• Picnic lunches

• Meal prep for workdays

• Brunch buffet tables

• Light, no-cook dinners

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Final Thoughts

This Seafood Salad is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly delicious. Light yet satisfying, creamy but not heavy, it’s the kind of dish that feels indulgent but is actually quite wholesome. It’s also versatile enough to serve in countless ways—on its own, as a side, or even stuffed into a croissant for an elegant lunch.

Whip up a batch today, and bring a little taste of the coast to your kitchen—no beach trip required.