11 Seafood Crab Salad Recipes with Mayo
Growing up on the rugged coast of Maine, summer afternoons meant scavenging rocky beaches for fresh crab with my siblings, our hands sticky from the salty hauls. My grandmother would whip up simple crab salads slathered in mayo, served on buttery rolls—those were the tastes of pure joy, evoking sun-soaked picnics and endless ocean breezes. Even today, that nostalgic flavor profile grounds me amid life’s chaos.
Lately, I’ve been experimenting in my tiny city kitchen with sustainable crab meat from local markets, jazzing up the mayo base with global twists to keep things exciting. Crab salads are a revelation right now: they’re quick no-cook meals packed with protein, low-carb friendly, and endlessly versatile for potlucks, lunches, or light dinners. In a world craving fresh, feel-good eats, these recipes celebrate seafood’s bounty while nodding to those cherished childhood bites.
Classic Creamy Crab Salad
This timeless recipe sticks to the basics for a foolproof, crowd-pleasing crab salad. Ingredients (serves 4): 1 lb lump crab meat (fresh or canned, drained), ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 celery stalks finely chopped, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste, optional chopped green onions for garnish.
Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well combined, chill for 30 minutes to let flavors meld, then serve on lettuce wraps or toast. It’s rich in omega-3s for heart health, super quick (under 10 minutes prep), and perfect for beginners craving that authentic seaside simplicity.
Spicy Cajun Crab Salad
Kick up the heat with Cajun spices in this zesty mayo-based crab salad. Ingredients (serves 4): 1 lb crab meat, ½ cup mayo, 1 tsp Cajun seasoning, 1 bell pepper diced, 2 tbsp pickle relish, 1 tsp hot sauce, fresh parsley.
Combine crab, mayo, seasonings, and veggies; stir gently and refrigerate 20 minutes. The bold spices boost metabolism with capsaicin, while crab provides lean protein—ideal for a low-cal spicy lunch that satisfies without the fry.
Tropical Pineapple Crab Salad
Transport your taste buds to the islands with sweet pineapple chunks in creamy mayo. Ingredients (serves 4): 1 lb crab meat, ½ cup mayo, 1 cup diced pineapple, ¼ cup shredded coconut, 1 tbsp lime juice, chopped macadamia nuts for crunch.
Fold ingredients together, chill briefly, and serve chilled. Pineapple’s enzymes aid digestion, paired with crab’s nutrients for an antioxidant-packed, refreshing salad that’s vacation vibes in a bowl.
Avocado and Crab Salad Delight
Creamy avocado doubles down on luxury in this mayo-enhanced seafood stunner. Ingredients (serves 4): 1 lb crab meat, ½ cup mayo, 2 ripe avocados mashed, 1 cucumber diced, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, fresh dill.
Blend mayo, avocado, and mustard; mix in crab and cucumber, season, and chill. Heart-healthy fats from avocado and crab support skin glow and satiety— a keto-friendly gem for elegant weeknights.
Celery Crunch Crab Salad
Crisp celery stars in this textural mayo crab salad for ultimate freshness. Ingredients (serves 4): 1 lb crab meat, ½ cup mayo, 3 celery stalks sliced thin, 2 tbsp capers, 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning, lemon zest.
Toss everything lightly, let sit 15 minutes, and enjoy. High-fiber celery promotes gut health alongside crab’s selenium for immunity—crunchy, low-fat, and picnic-ready.
Lemon Herb Crab Salad
Bright lemon and herbs elevate the mayo base for a light, aromatic twist. Ingredients (serves 4): 1 lb crab meat, ½ cup mayo, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp chopped mixed herbs (parsley, chives, tarragon), 1 shallot minced.
Stir ingredients, chill 30 minutes for herb infusion. Vitamin C from lemon boosts collagen, with herbs adding detox benefits—perfect for a clean, flavorful post-workout meal.
Asian-Inspired Sesame Crab Salad
Sesame and soy infuse mayo crab with umami flair. Ingredients (serves 4): 1 lb crab meat, ½ cup mayo, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 carrot shredded, sesame seeds, green onions.
Mix mayo with sesame oil and soy, fold in crab and veggies, top with seeds. Anti-inflammatory sesame seeds pair with crab for joint health—quick, exotic, and gluten-free adaptable.
Greek-Style Feta Crab Salad
Mediterranean vibes with feta crumbling into mayo crab goodness. Ingredients (serves 4): 1 lb crab meat, ½ cup mayo, ½ cup crumbled feta, 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved, olives sliced, oregano.
Combine all, gently mix, and serve cool. Feta’s probiotics aid digestion, tomatoes provide lycopene— a vibrant, longevity-boosting salad for summer gatherings.
Bacon and Crab Salad Twist
Smoky bacon bits amp up the indulgence in this mayo crab salad. Ingredients (serves 4): 1 lb crab meat, ½ cup mayo, 6 slices bacon cooked and crumbled, 2 hard-boiled eggs chopped, chives.
Fold ingredients, chill to crisp bacon. Protein powerhouse for muscle repair, with a satisfying crunch—decadent yet balanced for brunch lovers.
Apple and Walnut Crab Salad
Sweet apples and crunchy walnuts meet mayo crab for autumn appeal. Ingredients (serves 4): 1 lb crab meat, ½ cup mayo, 1 apple diced, ½ cup walnuts chopped, 1 tsp honey, cinnamon dash.
Mix gently, refrigerate 20 minutes. Walnuts’ omega-3s enhance brain health with crab—antioxidant-rich, naturally sweet for fall lunches.
Curry Crab Salad with Mayo
Warm curry spices transform mayo into an exotic crab embrace. Ingredients (serves 4): 1 lb crab meat, ½ cup mayo, 1 tbsp curry powder, ¼ cup raisins, 2 tbsp Greek yogurt, cilantro.
Whisk mayo with curry and yogurt, stir in rest, chill. Turmeric in curry fights inflammation, raisins add fiber—exotic, gut-friendly comfort food.
These 11 crab salad recipes with mayo are your ticket to effortless, delicious seafood meals—grab some crab, raid your fridge, and dive in today for flavors that’ll transport you straight to the coast!
