Imitation crab salad is a type of salad that typically includes imitation crab meat, which is made from fish that has been processed and flavored to taste like crab. Other common ingredients in imitation crab salad include mayonnaise, black olives, celery, onions, and sometimes hard-boiled eggs.
I know what you're thinking, imitation wha?! Don't be frightened by the name because I explain what exactly imitation crab meat is below.
I always struggle with lunch and sometimes I never know what to make. I'll swing by the deli that's right by my Mom's house and grab a ½ pound of the Mock Crab Salad and a box of crackers. ½ pound is so easy to inhale and if you are low carb you could just eat the salad as is. Deli Crab Salad isn't even made with real crab meat it is made with imitation crab meat. Super cheap and it is easy. One seafood stick can easily be torn apart with your hand. I tried really hard to copy the Mock Crab salad recipe and I think I nailed it on the first try. I used two celery stalks, onion, greek yogurt, mayo, and lemon juice.
Serve these with some crackers on the side or on a bun.
Do you like having salads for lunch? Try out my recipes for Strawberry Poppyseed Salad which is a Panera Copy Cat or Big Mac in a Bowl.
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Ingredients Needed
- Imitation crab meat is a type of seafood product that is made from a mixture of fish, starch, and other ingredients. It is designed to resemble the taste, texture, and appearance of real crab meat
- Light Mayo - Mayonnaise is a thick, creamy condiment made from oil, egg yolks, vinegar or lemon juice, and seasonings. I use light or reduced fat to help lower the calories of the recipe.
- Greek yogurt - is a good source of protein.
- Lemon, juiced - This gives the crab salad a nice burst of citrus flavor.
- Celery, chopped - Gives the crab salad a nice little crunch.
- Cheddar cheese - If you use a reduced fat cheddar cheese it can help lower the calories.
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
How to Make Imitation Crab Salad
Step 1: Combine the crab with the mayo, greek yogurt, lemon juice, cheddar cheese, red onion, and salt and pepper. Mix well to combine.
Place the salad greens on 2 plates for large portions and 3 plates for small portions.
Place lemon wedges on plate.
Serve.
What To Serve With Crab Salad
Crab salad can be served with a variety of sides, depending on personal preference and the occasion.
Make sandwiches and serve on croissants or with crackers.
Some popular options include serving the crab salad on a bed of lettuce or mixed greens, along with sliced avocado, sliced cucumber, or cherry tomatoes.
Serve the crab salad as an appetizer with a charcuterie platter with lots of crackers, meats, and cheese, or as a crostini.
For a heartier meal, consider serving the crab salad alongside my Aunt Carol's Potato Salad, coleslaw, or a BLT Pasta Salad. Finally, a light vinaigrette or citrus dressing can be a great addition to the salad itself or as a side for dipping.
Recipe FAQS
Imitation crab meat typically contains a combination of fish such as pollock, starches, flavorings, and sometimes egg white or other binders. It is designed to taste and look similar to real crab meat but is typically less expensive.
Imitation crab meat has quite a few essential nutrients in it. This type of crab meat has protein, vitamin B12, and selenium. It is lower in calories and sodium than real crab meat and perfectly safe to eat.
Always store leftovers in clean, food-grade containers. The type of container doesn’t really matter. Use zip lock, glass, plastic, whatever! Make sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container.
More Great Recipes to Try:
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Imitation Crab Salad
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 10 min
- Yield: 8 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Chop
- Cuisine: Salad
Description
Learn how to make imitation crab salad just like at the deli!
Ingredients
- 1 lb imitation crab meat
- ¼ cup light mayo
- ¼ cup of greek yogurt
- ½ of a lemon, juiced
- ¼ cup of celery, chopped
- 1 cup of cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons of red onion, finely chopped
- Salt and Pepper
Instructions
Dice the onions and celery really fine and add them to a bowl along with the rest of the ingredients for the salad. Squeeze ½ a lemon over the salad and mix again.
Serve with crackers or just eat with a spoon.
Notes
¼ cup per serving
My WW Personal Points: 5 Click here to see in recipe builder (will have to log in)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 146
- Sugar: 2.9
- Fat: 7.7g
- Saturated Fat: 3.2g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: .2g
- Protein: 9.5g
I am not affiliated with WW formerly known as Weight Watchers in any way. I am just a member who likes to create WW recipes and share them with everyone. Freestyle is the name of the current program of WW and smart points are calculated for the recipes. Some blogs list them as freestyle smart points and some list them as smart points. There is no difference between the 2.
Jenna says
Thanks!
Andrea H says
This is the perfect recipe! It is great with or without the cheddar. I think I will try it baked with cheddar, and omit the cheddar when I serve it cold. (:
A says
So delicious and fresh tasting!
Jenna says
No, I haven't.
Jenny says
Have you ever baked this and served it warm?