Make this easy crab salad with no mayonnaise in just minutes! This versatile crab recipe can be an easy appetizer for a party, a healthy salad topper, or a light meal. You’ll want to read this recipe and save to make for sure.
If treat yo’self AND find more versatile recipes are both on your to-do list this week, keep reading, because this easy crab salad (with no mayo!) checks both boxes! I love how this easy recipe can be used so many different ways depending on your needs. The salad itself takes almost no time to make, and makes any dish next level.
I don’t know about you, but normally when I think about crab salad, I think of the mayo-heavy concoctions sold at deli counters. This is not that. With olive oil for a little fat, tart lemon, and a splash of vinegar, this crab salad is downright refreshing. When I can find a good deal on crab, this is one of my favorite new recipes to whip up. And while I definitely suggest using actual lump crab for the best results, the imitation crab meat will work in a pinch. Just dice it up very well.
How do I serve this easy crab salad?
I’m so glad you asked. 😉 Because I always have more ideas for using this salad than actual salad haha. Seriously though, it’s good if you’re a fan of seafood like me.
My go-to way of serving this is in lettuce cups or over salad as a light meal for two. My littles aren’t huge fans of crab, so when I prepare this, it’s for the Godfather and I. I love how beautiful it looks in lettuce cups, and it makes the meal feel special. Like something I might even consider serving as an appetizer for a romantic dinner for two on Valentine’s Day. We eat at home, so I’m always looking for fun new recipes for our date night in dinners.
This is also a GREAT healthy party appetizer recipe. To get the best bang for your buck, slice cucumbers or set out crackers, then spoon a bit of the crab salad over each one. Arranged on a beautiful platter, this is one party appetizer that goes from game day party to passed hors d’oeuvres easily. It almost made the menu this past Christmas because it easily fit into my sister’s macro counting. It’s a good balance to something like say, my cheesy crab jalapeno popper dip.
I also like to make this to have on hand for easy lunches. I work from home, so don’t have to pack meals, but that doesn’t mean I want to cook a proper lunch every day! Having something like this easy crab salad on hand is such a huge help! I’ll make enough for 2-3 days and then use it to top salads or make easy wraps or sandwiches. Keeps prep simple so I can maximize my time.
You can easily scale this recipe! I usually make it in 1 pound increments for the Godfather and I, but you can easily double for a party, or halve if you’re cooking for one. Add hot sauce if you like a bit of a kick… I add it almost all the time! The Godfather is about 50/50 depending on his mood. So it’s listed as optional in the recipe.
I hope you love this easy crab salad recipe, darlings! Enjoy!
Easy Crab Salad Recipe
Make this easy crab salad with no mayonnaise in just minutes! This versatile crab recipe can be an easy appetizer for a party, a healthy salad topper, or a light meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pound lump crab meat, picked clean of shells
- 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup sweet onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Tabasco sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Stir all ingredients except the hot sauce together in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate at least 45 minutes, up to overnight.
- Check seasoning before serving and adjust if needed.
- Serve in lettuce cups, over salad, on crackers, cucumber rounds, as a sandwich filling... the options are up to you!
Notes
- If you don't have apple cider vinegar, you can substitute another neutral flavored vinegar, but the taste will change. Apple cider works best for this recipe. I have used champagne vinegar in a pinch, but reduce the quantity to 1/4 cup because the flavor is stronger.
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