Easy Seafood Salad Recipe (with Creamy Dressing)
Published Aug 01, 2024 Updated Aug 08, 2025
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This cold and creamy seafood salad recipe is just what summer calls for! It’s easy, quick, and full of flavor. Whether you’re prepping for a picnic or tossing together a no-cook lunch, this shrimp and crab salad is high in protein, rich in texture, and downright delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Seafood Salad Recipe
Y’all, make-ahead dishes are my saving grace when it’s too hot to turn on the oven, and this one hits the sweet spot. It’s loaded with tender chunks of shrimp and imitation crab, crisp celery, and punchy red onion, all tossed in a creamy mayo dressing with just the right kick of spice. That’s why I’ve been fixin’ this seafood salad nonstop. It’s a no-fuss, no-cook meal that tastes like it came from your favorite deli.
The crunchy bits of celery, green onion, and red onion give it that satisfying bite, while the fresh dill adds brightness and balance. I used imitation crab here because it’s easy and affordable, but you can swap in real lump crab if you’re feeling fancy. It’s the kind of summer salad you can throw together in 15 minutes, chill, and eat all week.
And don’t miss these simple seafood recipes: Shrimp Caesar Salad, Blackened Shrimp Salad with Citrus Herb Dressing, or these crunchy Shrimp Salad Cucumber Bites for more light and flavorful meals!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Shrimp: Use pre-cooked medium shrimp to save time, or cook your own and chill them first.
- Imitation crab (or lump crab): Adds a sweet, seafood flavor. Either option works great.
- Red onion + green onions: These add a crisp, sharp edge that cuts through the richness.
- Celery: For that classic deli-style crunch.
- Fresh dill: Gives this salad a vibrant, herby finish.
- Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the dressing.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: Adds tang and lightness to the dressing.
- Lemon juice: Fresh and zippy—don’t skip it!
- Dijon mustard: Adds depth and just a touch of heat.
- Minced garlic: For extra savoriness.
- Old Bay seasoning: Brings that classic seafood seasoning flavor.
- Hot sauce: Optional, but I like a little kick.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, always.
Pro Tip: Chop those veggies nice and small! It makes each bite balanced and boosts the crunch.
How to Make This Seafood Salad Recipe
Step 1: In a large bowl, gently mix the cooked shrimp, imitation crab, red onion, green onion, celery, and fresh dill.
Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, Old Bay, hot sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 3: Pour the dressing over the seafood and veggies. Toss gently until everything is well coated.
Step 4: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let those flavors mingle. Serve chilled.
Mac’s Pro Tip
Serving & Storage Tips
There are so many ways to enjoy this high-protein salad:
- Spoon it into lettuce wraps or over a bed of greens.
- Pile it into a sandwich roll or tortilla wrap.
- Serve it as a dip with crackers or pita chips.
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Stir before serving. It gets better as it sits!
This is a cold seafood salad that’s perfect for a picnic recipe or summer side dish. I’ve even packed it up for road trips as a make-ahead lunch, and it holds up like a champ!
Recipe FAQs
I don’t recommend it. Mayo-based salads don’t hold up well to freezing and tend to get watery.
Yes! Use vegan mayo and a dairy-free sour cream or yogurt alternative.
Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs and high in protein. Just be mindful of the dressing ingredients.
Absolutely. Canned tuna works in a pinch. Real lump crab makes it extra fancy.
Try fresh parsley, tarragon, or even basil if you’re not a fan of dill.
You sure can! Add a cup of cooked, cooled short pasta like elbow macaroni or shells to stretch it into a meal.
Whether you’re prepping for a summer picnic or just craving a no-cook meal, this shrimp and crab salad is a creamy, crave-worthy option you’ll keep coming back to. If you give this seafood salad recipe a try, I’d love to hear how you served it! Don’t forget to check out my Viral TikTok Cucumber and Bell Pepper Salad while you’re here.
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Easy Seafood Salad Recipe (with Creamy Dressing)
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 lb. cooked medium shrimp peeled and deveined (I use the 41-60 count bag)
- 8 oz imitation crab or cooked lump crab
- ½ cup red onion
- ¼ cup green onion
- ¼ cup finely chopped celery
- 2 tbsp fresh dill chopped
- salt/pepper to taste
Dressing
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1-2 clove garlic minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning or more to taste
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, imitation crab (or lump crab), red onion, green onion, celery, and fresh dill. Mix gently.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, Old Bay seasoning, and hot sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Salad and Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is well coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
