Crab Salad (Seafood Salad) – Don’t LOSE this Recipe

### **Instructions**

#### **Step 1: Prepare the Crab Meat**
1. Start by carefully checking the crab meat (whether fresh or imitation) for any shells or cartilage. For fresh crab, you may need to pick through it to ensure it’s free from any leftover shell bits. If using imitation crab, simply break it into bite-sized pieces with your hands or a fork.

#### **Step 2: Prepare the Veggies**
2. Finely chop the celery, red bell pepper (if using), and red onion. These ingredients add crunch and fresh flavors to the salad, balancing the creamy dressing and tender crab.

#### **Step 3: Make the Dressing**
3. In a separate mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning (if using), salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Whisk until smooth. The lemon juice adds a zesty freshness, while the Dijon mustard provides a little tang to cut through the richness of the mayo.

#### **Step 4: Combine Ingredients**
4. Gently fold the crab meat, chopped veggies, and fresh parsley (if using) into the dressing. Be careful not to break up the crab too much—maintain some nice chunks for texture.

#### **Step 5: Chill the Salad**
5. For the best flavor, cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the ingredients to meld together, creating a cohesive, flavorful dish. The longer it chills, the more the flavors will develop.

#### **Step 6: Serve and Enjoy**
6. Once chilled, give the salad a quick stir and adjust the seasoning to taste. Serve it in a bowl, or get creative by scooping it into lettuce cups, avocado halves, or serving it on a bed of leafy greens.

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### **Serving Suggestions**

– **As a Sandwich Filling:** Spread the crab salad onto a buttery croissant, a toasted baguette, or whole-grain bread for a satisfying seafood sandwich.
– **As a Side Dish:** Pair the crab salad with grilled meats, especially during summer barbecues, or alongside a light seafood dish like grilled shrimp or fish.
– **In Lettuce Wraps:** For a lighter, low-carb option, serve the salad in large lettuce leaves for a refreshing, bite-sized appetizer or meal.
– **Stuffed Avocados:** For a fancy twist, scoop the crab salad into halved, pitted avocados for an elegant presentation.

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### **Why This Recipe Works**

1. **Perfect Balance of Creamy and Crunchy:** The creamy dressing coats the crab meat and veggies, while the celery and bell pepper add a refreshing crunch that gives the salad a delightful texture contrast.
2. **Delicate Yet Flavorful:** The crab meat is the star of the dish, and the seasoning and dressing enhance its natural sweetness without overwhelming it. The combination of lemon juice, mustard, and Old Bay (if used) brings just the right amount of tang and spice.
3. **Quick and Easy:** Whether you’re preparing for a party or making a quick lunch, this recipe is simple and fast, requiring minimal prep but yielding impressive results.

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### **Tips for Success**

– **Use Fresh Crab for the Best Flavor:** If you have access to fresh crab, it will elevate the flavor of your salad. However, imitation crab works just as well for a budget-friendly and easy alternative.
– **Adjust the Seasoning:** Feel free to adjust the seasonings based on your taste. Add more lemon juice for extra zing or a little more mustard for an additional kick. Old Bay seasoning is optional but recommended for that signature seafood flavor.
– **Make it Lighter:** Swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to lighten up the recipe without sacrificing creaminess. You can also use a combination of mayo and yogurt for a balanced approach.
– **Add Extra Veggies:** For more color and flavor, experiment with adding chopped cucumber, radishes, or even corn kernels to the salad.

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### **Why You Should Keep This Recipe**

This **Crab Salad (Seafood Salad)** recipe is more than just a delicious dish—it’s a versatile, easy-to-make recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a fresh appetizer, a satisfying side dish, or a light meal, this seafood salad has you covered. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll return to time and time again for gatherings, weeknight meals, or even when you’re craving a light snack. Plus, the ability to tweak the ingredients means it can be adjusted to fit your taste preferences, making it the perfect recipe to “never lose.”

So, give this crab salad a try, and you’ll see why it’s a dish that’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen!