Craving a light and refreshing dish that’s perfect for any occasion? My Seafood Salad recipe is the answer!
This vibrant salad features sweet, tender lump crab meat combined with crunchy celery and red bell pepper, all tossed in a creamy, tangy lemon-dill dressing.
Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a party appetizer, or a healthy snack, this seafood salad never disappoints. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe in my kitchen whenever I want something fresh and flavorful.
Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Seafood Salad:
- 1 lb (450 g) lump crab meat, cleaned
- 1 cup diced celery
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¼ cup fresh dill or parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Required Kitchen Tools
Having the right tools on hand makes preparing my Seafood Salad a breeze. Here’s what I use:
- Mixing Bowl: A large bowl to combine all the ingredients evenly without any mess.
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: For dicing the celery, red bell pepper, and chopping the herbs precisely.
- Measuring Spoons and Cups: To measure the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and seasoning accurately.
- Spatula or Spoon: For gently folding the salad ingredients without breaking the delicate crab meat.
- Refrigerator: Chilling the salad enhances the flavors, so having a space to chill it for at least 30 minutes is key.
Having these simple kitchen tools ready helps me whip up this seafood salad quickly and perfectly every time.
Step-by-Step Preparation
Making this seafood salad is straightforward and enjoyable. Follow along with me:
Prepare Ingredients
First, carefully check the lump crab meat for any remaining shells and place it in a large mixing bowl. Then, wash and dice the celery and red bell pepper into small, even pieces for that satisfying crunch. Don’t forget to finely chop your fresh dill or parsley, which adds a bright herbal note. Finally, squeeze fresh lemon juice to ensure your dressing has that fresh zing.
Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and pepper. I like to mix this until it’s smooth and creamy, adjusting the seasoning as I go to get the perfect balance of tang and creaminess.
Combine and Fold
Next, add the diced celery, red bell pepper, and chopped herbs to the bowl with the crab meat. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and gently fold everything together. The key here is to be gentle — you want to coat all the ingredients evenly without breaking up the crab meat.
Chilling, Serving, and Storage Tips
Chill for Optimal Flavor
Once everything is combined, cover the seafood salad and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial—it allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully, making each bite refreshingly delicious.
Serving Suggestions
I love serving this seafood salad on a bed of crisp lettuce or scooping it onto toasted baguette slices for an elegant appetizer. It’s also fantastic stuffed into avocado halves or wrapped in fresh lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. Whatever way you choose, this salad is sure to impress!
Storage Instructions
If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, but I recommend enjoying it sooner for the best taste and texture.
Seafood Salad
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Sharp Knife and Cutting Board
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
- Spatula or Spoon
- Refrigerator
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) lump crab meat, cleaned
- 1 cup diced celery
- ½ cup diced red bell pepper
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- ¼ cup fresh dill or parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step-by-Step Preparation
- First, carefully check the lump crab meat for any remaining shells and place it in a large mixing bowl. Then, wash and dice the celery and red bell pepper into small, even pieces for that satisfying crunch. Don’t forget to finely chop your fresh dill or parsley, which adds a bright herbal note. Finally, squeeze fresh lemon juice to ensure your dressing has that fresh zing.
- In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and pepper. I like to mix this until it’s smooth and creamy, adjusting the seasoning as I go to get the perfect balance of tang and creaminess.
- Next, add the diced celery, red bell pepper, and chopped herbs to the bowl with the crab meat. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and gently fold everything together. The key here is to be gentle — you want to coat all the ingredients evenly without breaking up the crab meat.
Conclusion
This Seafood Salad is one of my favorite quick, nutritious recipes that’s packed with fresh flavors and simple ingredients. Whether you’re preparing a casual meal or entertaining guests, it’s always a hit. Give it a try—you’ll love how easy and satisfying this dish is to make!
