Classic Creamy Seafood Salad: A Taste of Summer

 

The Perfect Make-Ahead Dish for Any Gathering

 

Seafood Salad is a classic, light, and refreshing dish perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick, satisfying lunch. Featuring tender seafood tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing with crunchy vegetables, it’s a no-cook winner that gets better as the flavors meld in the fridge.1 This recipe uses a blend of shrimp and affordable imitation crab (surimi), but you can easily upgrade it with real crab, lobster, or scallops!

 

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Classic Creamy Seafood Salad Recipe

 

Prep time: 15 minutes

Chill time: 1 hour (minimum)2

Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Servings: 6

 

Ingredients

 

 

For the Salad:

 

• $1$ pound cooked seafood (see notes for options)
  • We recommend: $8$ oz cooked small shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails off) and $8$ oz imitation crab meat, coarsely chopped or flaked.
• $1$ cup celery, finely diced
• $1/2$ cup red onion, finely minced
• $1/4$ cup fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
• Optional: $1/2$ cup chopped red bell pepper for extra color and crunch

 

For the Creamy Dressing:

 

• $1$ cup mayonnaise (full-fat or light, depending on preference)
• $2$ tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• $1$ tablespoon Dijon mustard3

   

• $1$ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or to taste)4

   

• $1/2$ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for depth of flavor)
• $1/4$ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

 

1. Prepare the Seafood: If using imitation crab, coarsely chop or flake it into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large mixing bowl.5 If using raw shrimp, you will need to cook it first (see Tips section below). If using pre-cooked shrimp, chop any larger pieces to roughly the same size as the crab flakes and add it to the bowl.

    

2. Add the Vegetables and Herbs: Add the finely diced celery, minced red onion, chopped fresh dill, and any optional bell pepper to the bowl with the seafood.
3. Make the Dressing: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together all the dressing ingredients: mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, Worcestershire sauce (if using), and garlic powder (if using). Season generously with salt and pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
4. Combine and Toss: Pour the creamy dressing over the seafood and vegetable mixture.6 Gently fold all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated in the dressing. Be careful not to over-mix, which can break up the seafood too much.

    

5. Chill (Crucial Step): Cover the bowl and refrigerate the seafood salad for at least 7$1$ hour.8 Chilling allows the flavors to fully develop and meld together, significantly improving the taste and texture.9

    

6. Serve: Taste the chilled salad and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh dill before serving.

Chef’s Notes & Pro Tips

 

• Seafood Choices: For a richer salad, substitute the imitation crab with $1$ pound of fresh or canned lump crab meat, cooked lobster meat, or a mix of cooked shrimp, scallops, and crab. Just ensure all seafood is cooked and thoroughly cooled before mixing.
• Cooking Shrimp: If using raw shrimp, boil them briefly in salted water until pink and opaque (about $2-3$ minutes for small shrimp). Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking and ensure a tender texture. Drain well and chill completely before adding to the salad.
• Don’t Skip the Chill Time: The 10$1$-hour minimum chill time is essential.11 It allows the acidity of the lemon juice and the spices to penetrate and enhance the flavor of the seafood.

   

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 12$3-4$ days.13

   

• Make it a Seafood Pasta Salad: For a heartier meal, cook $8$ ounces of small pasta (like rotini or small shells) according to package directions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and chill completely. Gently fold the cold pasta into the finished seafood salad before serving.

 

How to Serve Seafood Salad

 

This versatile salad can be enjoyed in countless ways!

• Sandwich/Roll: Pile it high on a toasted, buttered hoagie roll or serve it between slices of your favorite bread for a classic seafood salad sandwich.14

   

• Lettuce Wraps: Serve it in crisp butter or romaine lettuce cups for a low-carb option.
• Appetizer: Scoop it onto buttery crackers, cucumber slices, or fill mini phyllo cups for an easy party snack.
• Platter: Serve it atop a bed of mixed greens with fresh tomato wedges and a sprinkle of paprika.