Quick and easy deli seafood salad with imitation crab, shrimp, and crispy veggies mixed with a delicious creamy dressing. Even better than store bought.
The first time I recipe tested this seafood salad, I was surprised how much it tasted like store bought, but better. It’s such a classic and so simple to make.
Grab a scoop right out of the deli container. Great with crackers, topped on a salad, on a wrap, as a sandwich or with raw veggies.
Check out these deli-style salads recipes- Chicken, Tuna, Egg Salad, and Pimento Cheese.
Ingredients
Seafood- Imitation Crab and Fully Cooked Salad Shrimp.
Mayonnaise - Choose your favorite mayo brand like Hellman’s, Best Foods, Duke’s, or Kraft.
Sour Cream- Full or low fat.
Vegetables- Onion, peppers, green onions, and celery.
Lemon- Fresh squeezed is best. Red wine vinegar is a great alternative.
Spices and Seasonings- Fresh dill, celery salt, old bay, onion powder, garlic powder, sugar, and white pepper.
High Protein and Lower Fat Substitutions
If you would prefer a healthier seafood salad, substitute a 1:1 ratio. I like to use a combination of the following options.
Light Mayo - Reduced Fat brands like Hellman’s, Dukes and Kraft.
Mayo Alternatives - Organic, Avocado, Kewpie and Vegan.
Sour Cream - Full fat and Light or Reduced Fat.
Yogurt - High Protein Plain Greek Yogurt, Non and Reduced Fat.
Cottage Cheese - Blended Cottage Cheese is another delicious high protein alternative. You want to use a food processor or stick blender for a very smooth texture.
Popular Mix In’s
If you would like to add even more flavor or want to change up a few ingredients, check out these delicious options.
- Jalapeños
- Red Onion
- Fresh Garlic
- Cucumbers
- Italian Parsley
- Dijon Mustard
- Hot/Buffalo Sauce
- Ranch Seasoning
- Lemon Pepper Seasoning
- Hard Boiled Eggs
- Short Pasta
- Avocado
- Shredded Carrots
Storage
Homemade seafood salad should be stored in a deli container or airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Recipe Testing
After testing this recipe a few times my best recommendation is to allow the seafood salad to chill for a minimum of 4 hour after mixing. Honestly overnight is even better. It really allows the flavors to develop.
How To Make Seafood Salad Step By Step
1. Prep the seafood. Chop the imitation crab and defrost the fully cooked small shrimp. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl add mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, celery salt, dill, and sugar. Mix well with a whisk.
3. Fold in the chopped bell pepper, onion, green onion, celery, and seafood.
4. Mix until combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with pepper, onion and garlic powder, if desired.
5. Spoon into a deli container or air tight container.
6. Chill the seafood salad in the refrigerator for at least four hours. Overnight is best, it really allows the flavors to meld together well. Enjoy.
7. Serve with crackers, top onto a salad, as a sandwich or wrap.
Deli Seafood Salad
Equipment
- Deli Container or Mason Jar
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk and Rubber Spatula
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs. Seafood, fully cooked and chopped (Imitation Crab and Small Shrimp)
- ½ cup Bell Peppers, finely chopped
- ½ cup Celery, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoon Onion, finely chopped
- 1 Green Onion, finely sliced
- ½ tablespoon Dill, fresh or dried
- ½ tablespoon Celery Salt
- ½ tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning
- ½ tablespoon Sugar (optional)
- 2 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1 cup Mayo
- ¼ cup Sour Cream
- Black Pepper, Onion Powder, and Garlic Powder (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the seafood. Chop the imitation crab and defrost the fully cooked small shrimp. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl add mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, celery salt, dill, and sugar. Mix well with a whisk.
- Fold in the chopped bell pepper, onion, green onion, celery, and seafood.
- Mix until combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with pepper, onion and garlic powder, if desired.
- Spoon into a deli container or air tight container.
- Chill the seafood salad in the refrigerator for at least four hours. Overnight is best, it really allows the flavors to meld together well. Enjoy.
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