Skip to main content
Epicurious
Cookbooks

Easiest Crab Salad

THIS LIGHT SALAD WILL BECOME A GO-TO RECIPE in your kitchen. Taking only minutes to prepare, it can be served as a first course or as a main course for a summer lunch. Or spoon the salad on slices of fresh bread for a seafood sandwich. We prefer Dungeness crab, but King or blue crab can be substituted. Or skip the crab and use prawns, bay shrimp, or lobster instead. Add just a sprinkling of celery seed; its flavor is very strong, and you will need only a very small amount.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    serves 4 as a light lunch

Ingredients

12 ounces cooked lump crabmeat, preferably Dungeness crab, rinsed and drained (about 2 cups)
2 green onions (white and green parts), thinly sliced
1/4 red bell pepper, diced
1/2 stalk celery, diced
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon grated lemon zest
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 1/2 teaspoons grated fresh horseradish or store-bought creamy prepared horseradish
1/4 teaspoon Tabasco or other hot sauce
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
Pinch of celery seed
1/4 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Put the crabmeat in a large bowl and pick through it with your hands, removing any pieces of shell. Add the green onions, bell pepper, celery, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, horseradish, hot sauce, dill, basil, celery seed, and Old Bay. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

  2. Make Ahead

    Step 2

    The crab salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, covered.

Pure Flavor
TagsSaladCrabShellfishSeafoodMainStarterLunchDinnerDairy FreeGluten FreeQuickEasyMake AheadNo-CookCookbooks
Read More
Caramelized Onion Pasta
Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.
29 Ricotta Recipes for Dinner, Dessert, and More
Put that half-full tub to use with recipes that go beyond the Italian American classics.
One-Pot Chicken Thighs With Cilantro Rice and Beans
This one-pot dinner cooks chicken thighs directly on top of a bed of flavorful cilantro rice studded with black beans for a complete dinner.
The Only Frittata Recipe You’ll Ever Need
Keep this easy frittata recipe on hand for quick breakfasts, impressive brunches, and fridge clean-out meals.
Speedy Chicken Stroganoff
This easy, one-skillet chicken stroganoff features tender chicken breasts, savory mushrooms, and a creamy Dijon-crème fraîche sauce—perfect for weeknights.
31 Cashew Recipes That Go Beyond the Snack Bowl
Like Sri Lankan cashew curry and vegan stuffed shells.
Classic French Vinaigrette
Use this simple vinaigrette to dress a plate of greens, some steamed potatoes, or anything else that strikes your fancy.
13 Types of Nuts and How to Cook With Them
Filberts, goobers, scaly bark nuts: Explore the world beyond almonds in this guide.