This Crab Salad recipe is not only easy, it’s versatile. It is the perfect base to make crab dip, crab macaroni salad, crab salad sandwiches, and MORE!.
As a seafood lover and avid home cook, crab salad is one of my all-time favorite light meals. That sweet, succulent crab meat mixed with a tangy, creamy dressing is pure bliss! But crab salad on its own can be a bit lonely on the plate. The key is pairing it with complementary sides that enhance the flavors and textures.
In this article, I’ll share my top tips and crowd-pleasing recipe ideas for 33 sensational sides to serve with crab salad. With this guide you’ll be able to create a showstopping crab salad feast!
Types of Dishes That Pair Perfectly with Crab Salad
Based on suggestions from food blogs like Pantry and Larder and forums like Quora, here are some of the best categories of sides that go hand-in-hand with crab salad:
Breads and Crackers
Crab salad is fantastic scooped up with slices of crusty bread or crackers. Go for neutrally flavored options like baguettes, croissants or flatbreads. Heartier choices like homemade bread rolls or multi-grain crackers also pair well.
Leafy Salads
A bed of crisp mixed greens is one of the most popular foundations for serving crab salad The freshness and crunch balances out the rich seafood. Opt for salad greens like romaine, arugula, baby spinach or spring mix
Vegetable Sides
Fresh vegetable sides provide color and healthy crunch. Favorites include cucumbers, tomatoes roasted squash grilled eggplant and zucchini. Pickles and olives also make zesty accompaniments.
Grains and Pastas
Whole grains like quinoa or farro and summery pastas like orzo or fusilli mesh perfectly with crab salad’s texture. Toss them with vinaigrettes or light pestos.
Seafood
For surf and turf flair, add grilled shrimp, seared scallops or smoked salmon alongside your crab salad. The mix of seafood showcases diverse flavors and textures.
33 Sensational Sides to Serve with Crab Salad
Here are my top recommended recipes to take your crab salad to the next level:
Breads and Crackers
- Flaky Croissants
- Focaccia with Rosemary and Sea Salt
- Whole Wheat Crackers
- Grilled Flatbread
- Ciabatta Rolls
- Pita Chips
- Bagel Chips
- Oyster Crackers
Salads
- Mixed Greens with Lemon Vinaigrette
- Arugula and Fennel Salad
- Greek Salad
- Cucumber and Tomato Salad
- Watermelon and Feta Salad
- Kale and Apple Salad
Vegetables
- Roasted Broccoli with Garlic
- Grilled Zucchini Spears
- Sauteed Carrots and Cherry Tomatoes
- Roasted Cauliflower with Parmesan
- Baked Sweet Potato Fries
- Quick Pickled Vegetables
- Marinated Artichoke Hearts
- Castelvetrano Olives
Grains and Pastas
- Basil Pesto Quinoa
- Lemony Orzo Pasta Salad
- Farro with Feta and Tomatoes
- Israeli Couscous with Herbs
- Barley and Green Bean Salad
- Cold Soba Noodle Salad
- Coconut Jasmine Rice
Seafood
- Seared Scallops with Lemon Butter
- Cajun Shrimp Skewers
- Smoked Salmon Canapes
- Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
- Grilled Oysters
- Mussels Mariniere
Handy Tips for Serving Crab Salad
Keep these tips in mind when preparing your crab salad and side dishes:
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Choose 2-3 complementary sides to offer variety.
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Vinaigrettes help cut the richness of the crab salad.
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Pick seasonal vegetables and herbs for peak freshness.
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Chill pasta and grain salads before serving.
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Lay crab salad atop greens rather than tossing to prevent wilting.
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Bake, grill or roast veggies for more depth of flavor.
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Offer lemon wedges for squeezing over the crab salad.
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Make sure bread has a crispy exterior to contrast the creamy crab.
Crab Salad Perfection is in the Pairings
A thoughtfully composed crab salad plate takes this classic appetizer to new heights. Surround the lump crab meat with a spectrum of bright, fresh and satisfying accents. Whether you opt for crunch greens, grilled flatbread, lemony orzo or another complementary recipe, the possibilities are endless.
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The BEST Crab Salad
Where I worked in Hawaii, we made crab salad this way, and it was always a hit! I love making this crab salad for a quick snack or an easy lunch. You can eat it plain, as a crab dip, in crab macaroni salad, on a crab salad sandwich, or any of the other things listed below. I have had it all the different ways and I honestly can’t pick a favorite.
Crab Salad Stuffed Avocado
For a high-protein option, you can serve your crab salad stuffed in an avocado. Halve an avocado, remove the seed, and place the crab in the hole where the seed was. Add a little salt and pepper for flavor and enjoy!.
CRAB SALAD that’s super easy and a lunchtime favorite!
FAQ
How long will crab salad last in the refrigerator?
What to serve with crab salad?
The best side dishes to serve with crab salad are zucchini fritters, corn on the cob, grilled shrimp, mashed potatoes, salad Nicoise, Hawaiian roll breakfast sliders, chicken drumsticks, sweet potato fries, garlic bread, grilled asparagus, coconut rice, quinoa salad, bruschetta, cucumber salad, and roasted Brussels sprouts. Now, let’s get cooking!
Are coconut crabs healthy to eat?
Crabs are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, protein, vitamins like riboflavin and minerals like selenium, copper, phosphorus. Coconut crabs are not known to be poisonous. The fat in the abdomen and the egg inside the female are the delicious edible parts. It is prepared by steaming or boiling them in coconut milk. Consuming coconut crab along with sea mango, cerbera manghas may make the coconut crab toxic due to the presence of cardiac cardenolides(cardiac active steroids). This causes electrolyte imbalance that affects the electrical conductivity of the heart.
What can I use to make a crab salad?
If you want to splurge, you can use real crab or even make this salad with steamed lobster! Seasonings: Some other popular flavorings for Crab Salad are Old Bay seasoning, celery seed, and even some cayenne pepper for a little kick. A squeeze of lemon or lime are a great way to add some zesty freshness.
What to eat with crab?
Bay leaves, butter, and toasted sesame seeds make this anything but plain-Jane white rice. It’s high time that the Caesar salad received a modern makeover, and we think this recipe does the job. Pickled capers, vinegar, and lemon add a refreshing, salty tang that pairs well with crab.