Crab salad is a perfect dish for holidays, special occasions, or just a fancy meal at home.
This salad is a light and refreshing dish that screams summer! It’s ideal for lunch or dinner, and it’s always a hit when I serve it to guests.
Composed of delicious crab meat, mayonnaise, and various herbs, it is both light and filling at the same time.
But, notwithstanding how delicious the crab salad is, it’s always better when paired with the right-side dishes. So, what to serve with crab salad?
As an experienced cook, I’ve tried various combinations over the years, and I’m sharing some of the quick and amazing side dishes that will enhance your crab salad experience.
What is crab salad? What does crab salad taste like?
Crab salad is a dish made with fresh crabmeat as the main ingredient.
It is typically mixed with mayonnaise, chopped celery, onions, and seasonings such as dill, garlic, paprika or parsley. The result is a flavorful and delicious combination that can make a great lunch.
In terms of taste, crab salad has a mild yet distinct flavor. The sweetness of the crabmeat melds perfectly with the creaminess of mayonnaise and the crunchy texture of vegetables.
Depending on the seasoning added, it can also have subtle hints of herbs like dill or parsley for added flavor.
The versatility of this dish means that it can be served in many different ways: over toast or crackers; as a topping for salads; stuffed into sandwiches; scooped onto crackers as an appetizer; tucked into tacos; or simply eaten out of a bowl with a fork.
Best Sides to serve with crab salad
1. Corn on the Cob
Fresh and sweet corn on the cob is a perfect side dish to serve with crab salad.
It’s a great way to add a little crunch and sweetness to the meal. I love to grill my corn on the cob, but you can also boil or bake it.
Discover More: Best Side Dishes to Serve with Corn on the Cob
2. Garlic Bread
Warm and crispy garlic bread is an excellent addition to any meal, especially crab salad. The combination of seafood and garlic is a match made in heaven.
To make this side dish, simply slice a French loaf, brush it with garlic butter, and bake it in the oven.
3. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is a classic summer side dish that pairs perfectly with crab salad. It’s a great way to add some tangy and creamy flavor to the meal.
My favorite coleslaw recipe includes shredded cabbage, carrots, and a homemade dressing made of mayo, apple cider vinegar, and honey.
4. Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a perefct, easy and healthy side dish that complements crab salad very well.
They add a bit of color and nutrition to the meal. My best-loved vegetables to roast are Brussels sprouts, asparagus, and sweet potatoes.
5. Mango Salsa
A refreshing mango salsa is a great way to add some tropical sweetness to your crab salad.
This side dish is also very easy to make. Simply chop up some fresh mangoes, red onion, cilantro, and lime juice, and mix them together.
6. Potato Salad
Potato salad is an ideal classic side dish that is perfect for any summer gathering. It’s a great way to add some creaminess and carbs to the meal.
To make this dish, boil some potatoes and mix them with a dressing made of mayo, mustard, and other spices.
7. Grilled Peaches
Grilled peaches are a sweet and delicious side dish that pairs very well with crab salad.
They add a bit of smokiness and sweetness to the meal. To make this dish, simply slice some peaches, brush them with honey, and grill them.
8. Avocado Salad
Avocado salad is an ideal light and refreshing side dish that goes well with almost any meal. It’s a great way to add some healthy fats and creaminess to the meal.
To make this dish, simply chop up some avocados, and mix them with chopped onions, tomatoes, and lime juice.
9. Green Beans
Green beans are a simple side dish that adds some crunch and nutrition to the meal.
They’re also very easy to make. To prepare this dish, simply boil or steam some green beans and add some salt and pepper.
10. Caprese Salad
Caprese salad is an ideal classic Italian dish that pairs very well with crab salad. It’s a great way to add some freshness and cheese to the meal.
To make this dish, simply slice some fresh tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and basil, and drizzle with some balsamic vinegar.
Explore More: Complementary Dishes to Serve with Caprese Salad
11. Mediterranean Couscous
Mediterranean Couscous is a side dish that perfectly complements the flavors of crab salad.
Cook whole wheat couscous according to the instructions, then add chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, parsley, and feta cheese. Pinch with lemon juice, olive oil, and salt, and serve chilled. (Recipe)
12. Roasted Potatoes
For a heartier ideal side dish, try roasted potatoes. Cut potatoes into small cubes, toss them with olive oil, salt, and paprika, and roast them in the oven until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
13. Caesar Salad
A classic salad that pairs well with crab salad. Make your own Caesar salad with fresh romaine lettuce, shaved parmesan, homemade croutons, and Caesar dressing.
14. Cucumber Salad
Light, refreshing, and packed with flavor. Mix thinly sliced cucumbers and red onions with sour cream, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Serve chilled.
15. Quinoa Salad
Quinoa Salad is a high-protein side dish that is both healthy and delicious.
Cook quinoa according to the instructions, then add cherry tomatoes, chopped avocado, red onions, and cilantro. Season with lime juice, salt, and pepper.
16. Garlic Roasted Broccoli
A perfect side dish for broccoli lovers. Roast broccoli with minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper until crispy and lightly charred.
Learn More: Best Sides to Serve with Shrimp Salad
What are the best flavors to go with crab salad?
Crab salad is a delicious and light dish that can be accompanied in a variety of ways.
A popular combination for a crab salad is to pair it with flavors that help to bring out the graceful and subtle flavor of the crab meat.
Fresh herbs like dill, chives, and tarragon elevate the flavors of the crabmeat while adding an aromatic touch.
Citrus fruits like lemon, lime, or orange juice lend their fresh and sweet flavor to complement the savory taste of the seafood.
A drizzle of olive oil helps to tie all the ingredients together for a delightful summertime treat.
Finally, finish off your plate with some freshly cracked pepper for a pop of spicy heat!
All these components come together to create an unforgettable crab salad experience that will tantalize your taste buds.
How do you jazz up crab salad?
To jazz up your crab salad, you can add some crunchy and flavorful ingredients like celery, bell peppers, onions, nuts, apples or raisins.
You can also try adding herbs such as dill or chives for extra flavor.
For a zesty kick, add a splash of citrus juice or vinegar like balsamic or white wine vinegar. Last but not least, don’t forget to season your salad with salt and pepper! Enjoy!
How do you display crab salad on a platter?
To display crab salad on a platter, start by arranging a bed of baby greens or shredded lettuce on the plate.
Next, top the greens with a layer of cooked crab meat. Add colorful veggies such as tomatoes, red onions, and cucumbers for an eye-catching presentation.
Drizzle your favorite creamy dressing over the salad and sprinkle it with seasonings like black pepper or cayenne for added flavor.
Garnish the plate with parsley and slices of lemon to finish off the dish. Serve chilled for a refreshing summertime meal.
Wrap Up on what to serve with crab salad.
Crab salad is an ideal light and refreshing dish that can be made more enjoyable when paired with the right side dishes.
These quick and amazing side dishes are perfect for any summer gathering, and they’re easy to make.
Remember to choose side dishes that add some color, crunch, and flavor to your meal. With these great ideas, your crab salad will be a hit with your guests!
FAQs
How much crab salad per person?
For the perfect crab salad plate, it is recommended to serve between 1/2 cup and 3/4 cup of crab salad per person.
This amount should be enough to satisfy guests while still leaving plenty of room for other accompaniments.
When serving crab salad, it is also important to consider the size of the bowl or plate; for individual servings, use smaller bowls or plates with a rim to hold the dressing.
Additionally, if you are serving larger portions of crab salad, it is best to add additional ingredients, such as lettuce or diced vegetables, for a more filling meal.
What veg goes with crab?
The crab goes well with a variety of vegetables, depending on how you prepare it.
For example, lightly steamed asparagus and blanched green beans with a butter or olive oil dressing make delicious accompaniments to crab.
For a heartier dish, try mixing together cooked crab meat with diced potatoes, celery, carrot, and onion, then sautéing them in butter until golden brown. Light garlic and parsley seasoning bring out the delicate flavor of the crab.
As an alternative to potatoes, rice makes a great base for stir-fry dishes featuring crab and vegetables such as bell peppers and mushrooms.
For something truly special, try roasting large chunks of butternut squash in the oven before combining them with cooked crab meat and creamy béchamel sauce for an indulgent seafood bake.
What is good to eat with seafood salad?
Seafood salad is a delicious, light and healthy meal option that pairs well with many different accompaniments.
For a classic combination, serve it with a freshly baked baguette or some crunchy croutons.
To add an additional flavor to the dish, try pairing it with grilled lemon wedges, a drizzle of olive oil, or a creamy garlic sauce.
If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, try adding some cooked quinoa or couscous to make the salad into a heartier meal.
For an extra zing of flavor and freshness, top the salad with some diced red onion, chopped parsley, and capers.
Finally, don’t forget to add your favorite type of seafood for the ultimate seafood salad!
What to serve with crab cocktail?
A crab cocktail is a classic dish that pairs ideally with a variety of flavorful sides.
To complement the succulent flavor of crab, consider adding dishes like fresh mango salsa, crispy garlic-herb roasted potatoes, creamy coleslaw, or a spinach and strawberry salad.
For an added pop of flavor, add a zesty lemon-ginger vinaigrette or tartar sauce to the side.
To round out the meal, serve up some freshly-baked bread or crackers for dipping in the delicious cocktail sauce.
Additionally, light white wine or sparkling cider would be a great accompaniment for this classic dish!
What main dish goes with crab salad?
Crab salad is a versatile dish that pairs well with many different main dishes. If you are looking for a light and summery meal, opt for something like grilled fish or seafood.
For heartier fare, serve crab salad alongside steak, pork chops, or roasted chicken.
Additionally, it can be an excellent accompaniment to pasta dishes like linguine with clams or shrimp scampi.
To add extra flavor to your meal, consider adding fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or dill as a garnish.
