Cold Seafood Salad Recipe
Introduction
This Cold Seafood Salad is a light and refreshing dish that’s perfect for warm days or as a flavorful side. Combining imitation crab meat with creamy dressing and a touch of spice, it’s easy to prepare and delicious to enjoy chilled.
Ingredients
- 1/2 pound imitation crab meat
- 1/4 small onion (or red onion)
- 1 small celery stalk
- 1/8 cup mayonnaise
- 1/8 cup sour cream
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (or smoked paprika)
- 1/4 teaspoon dill
- Table salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Step 1: Roughly chop the imitation crab meat on a cutting board.
- Step 2: Dice the onion and celery into small pieces.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, add all the ingredients together and stir until well coated.
- Step 4: Refrigerate for an hour before serving to let flavors meld and keep the salad chilled.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, add diced cucumber or bell peppers.
- Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a tangier, healthier twist.
- Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness just before serving.
Storage
Store the seafood salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Give it a gentle stir before serving again. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the seafood and dressing may change.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use real crab meat instead of imitation crab?
Yes, fresh or canned real crab meat works well and will enhance the flavor, though it may increase the cost slightly.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! It holds up well in the fridge for a day or two, making it convenient for quick lunches or snacks.
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Cold Seafood Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This refreshing Cold Seafood Salad combines imitation crab meat with crunchy celery and onion, all coated in a creamy mayonnaise and sour cream dressing flavored with paprika and dill. It’s a quick and easy make-ahead dish perfect for light lunches, picnics, or as an appetizer.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1/2 pound imitation crab meat
Vegetables
- 1/4 small onion (or red onion)
- 1 small celery stalk
Dressing
- 1/8 cup mayonnaise
- 1/8 cup sour cream
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (or smoked paprika)
- 1/4 teaspoon dill
- Table salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Chop the Crab Meat: Roughly chop the imitation crab meat on a cutting board into bite-sized pieces to ensure a perfect texture for the salad.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Dice the onion and celery into small pieces to add crunch and flavor to the salad.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, add the chopped imitation crab meat, diced onion, celery, mayonnaise, sour cream, paprika, dill, and salt and pepper. Stir everything until well coated and evenly mixed.
- Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the seafood salad for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and serve chilled for best taste and texture.
Notes
- Use smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor or regular paprika for a milder taste.
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- This salad can be served on a bed of lettuce or in sandwich wraps.
- Refrigerate leftovers promptly and consume within 2 days for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: seafood salad, cold salad, imitation crab, easy seafood recipe, picnic salad
