Crab Salad(Appetizer)

Prep: 15 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A creamy and flavorful crab salad appetizer featuring chopped crab meat, cream cheese, vegetables, and mayonnaise, perfect for sharing at parties or casual gatherings.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. crab meat, chopped
  • 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 c. onion, chopped
  • 1/2 c. celery, diced
  • 1/4 c. green pepper, chopped
  • 1/2 c. mayonnaise

Instructions

  1. Add chopped crab meat, chopped onion, diced celery, and chopped green pepper to a mixing bowl and combine.
  2. Add mayonnaise and mix until well blended, adding more mayonnaise if needed for desired creaminess.
  3. Serve the crab salad with crackers as an appetizer.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. You can also substitute the crab meat with imitation crab for a more budget-friendly option. If you prefer a bit of heat, add a dash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños. Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to ensure smooth mixing.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this crab salad with a variety of crackers for a delightful appetizer. It pairs wonderfully with a side of fresh vegetables or can be used as a filling for cucumber-tuna boats. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it on a bed of mixed greens or alongside some toasted baguette slices.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover crab salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If it thickens after refrigeration, you can stir in a little extra mayonnaise or yogurt before serving. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the salad will change once thawed.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Crab Salad(Appetizer) contains roughly 258 calories, with 4g protein, 21g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (15% of the Daily Value).

258 kcal 13% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 3.7g 7% DV
Total Fat 18.3g 23% DV
Carbs 21g 8% DV
Fiber 1.7g 6% DV
Sugar 4.2g 8% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 361.1mg 16% DV
Potassium 156.4mg 3% DV
Cholesterol 13.5mg 5% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 51.9mcg 6% DV
Vitamin C 13.9mg 15% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg
Calcium 36.6mg 3% DV
Iron 1mg 6% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal
Contains Milk Egg Shellfish

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 use canned crab meat for this recipe?

Yes, canned crab meat can be a convenient choice for this recipe. Just drain it well and break it up before mixing with the other ingredients. However, fresh or frozen crab will offer a superior flavor and texture.

How can I make this salad spicier?

To add some heat, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce. You can also experiment with adding a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or a dash of smoked paprika for a different flavor profile.

What can I serve with crab salad?

Crab salad is delicious on its own but pairs perfectly with crackers or toasted baguette slices. You can also serve it alongside a fresh salad or as a filling for sandwiches. It complements seafood recipes beautifully.

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).

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