Crab Salad Spread
A creamy crab salad spread with green onions and celery, chilled in a mold, perfect for spreading on crackers at gatherings or as an elegant appetizer.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the cream cheese, mushroom soup, and gelatin over medium heat until creamy.
- Remove from heat.
- Add crab meat, chopped green onion, and chopped celery to the mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a jello mold and refrigerate for 3 hours until set.
- Serve the crab salad spread on crackers.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using whipped cream cheese instead of regular. You can substitute the crab meat with imitation crab for a more budget-friendly option. If you want to add some zest, try incorporating a tablespoon of lemon juice or a dash of hot sauce. Chopped bell peppers can also add a nice crunch and flavor to the salad spread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the crab salad spread chilled on a platter with an assortment of crackers or toasted baguette slices. It pairs beautifully with Elegant Oysters for an impressive appetizer spread. You might also consider serving a light salad on the side or some fresh vegetable sticks for a refreshing contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. If the spread becomes too firm, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to soften. Avoid freezing, as the texture may change upon thawing.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crab Salad Spread contains roughly 214 calories, with 7g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 820mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this crab salad spread ahead of time?
Yes, this spread can be made a day in advance. Just ensure it is well covered and refrigerated until you're ready to serve. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight, enhancing the overall taste.
What can I use instead of mushroom soup?
If you prefer not to use mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of celery or cream of chicken soup for a different flavor profile. Alternatively, a homemade white sauce with sautéed mushrooms could also work well.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
To create a vegetarian version, you can omit the crab meat and replace it with diced tofu or chickpeas for protein. Additionally, using vegetable broth instead of mushroom soup can enhance the flavor without compromising on the dish’s integrity.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).