! If you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer, you gotta try this crab salad recipe. It's a breeze to whip up, and the best part is that your guests will love it. Trust me, it's perfect for any time of the year, but especially during the summer months. And it pairs perfectly with a nice, cool glass of wine or as part of a fantastic grill party. We love serving fun and creative appetizers when we're having a cocktail party or just chilling with martinis and a great show on Netflix. So, why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you!
Imitation crab vs crab
I totally understand why some folks might be hesitant to give imitation crab a try, especially in a crab salad. Perhaps they've heard chefs on TV talking about how much they dislike it, or maybe they're just purists who swear by the real thing. But hey, when it comes to food, there's no right or wrong answer - it's all about personal preference! For me, one of the key factors in deciding whether to buy crab is the price. That's why I often opt for imitation crab - it's an affordable alternative to the more expensive real crab meat. Plus, it is a lot easier to work with!!!!
I just wanted to share some interesting information with you about imitation crab. It's made with real fish meat, not fake ingredients, as many believe. Although it's not made with real crab meat, it still mimics the flavor, color, and texture of the real thing by combining fish meat with natural and artificial flavors, like sugar, starch, and salt. So, while it may not be as nutritious as actual crab meat, it's a great alternative for those who enjoy it as an appetizer. Plus, it's much more affordable than buying real crab meat. So it's affordable to make a crab salad any time!
I absolutely love sushi, especially California rolls with the crunch from the cucumber and the delicious crab. Did you know that California rolls are usually made with imitation crab? It's also common for frozen breaded fish and pre-packaged seafood salads to be made with imitation crab. Personally, I've never tried pre-packaged seafood salad, but I've had my fair share of frozen breaded fish sticks!
Here's an interesting tidbit about imitation crab - it was first produced in Japan in the 70s as a cheaper alternative to expensive crab meat. The US loved it, and by the late 80s, the consumption of crab was estimated to be a whopping 135 million pounds per year! That's a lot of crab, don't you think?
How to make this crab salad recipe
This recipe is super easy to make, and you don't even need to cook the crab! Chop up some celery and bell pepper into small pieces and mix them together with all the other tasty ingredients. If you like a bit of heat, I recommend using serrano peppers or round cherry peppers; they add a nice kick to the crab salad.
For serving, grab your favorite crackers, we like it with pita chips or triscuits, but don't be afraid to try it with some crusty toasted bread too! Trust me, it's delicious!
Here are a few recipes you might enjoy:
- Corn and crab soup - Corn and Crab Soup is a great, low-fat, tasty alternative to corn chowder but still packs all the flavor and comfort in every bite.
- Cheesy, spicy crab and spinach dip - This spicy Crab and Spinach dip will be a winner at your next party.
- California roll in a bite - This easy appetizer has crispy phyllo cups filled with cream cheese and crunchy cucumber topped with crab and a dab of wasabi for heat.
- Air Fryer crab rangoons - This Air Fryer Crab Rangoon Recipe is crispy on the outside with a creamy center. Everything you want in a really good treat.
- Easy appetizers for game day - A round-up of appetizers
Crab Salad Dip
A Few Things We Use
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Flaked style Crab
- ½ Cup Fat-free sour cream
- ½ Cup Red bell pepper
- 1 Stalk Celery
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ½ Lemon
- 1 Serrano Peppers Optional if you want it spicy
Instructions
- Chop the bell pepper and Celery
- Mix together crab, sour cream red bell pepper, celery, salt, and juice of half a lemon. Add serrano pepper if you want it spicy
- Enjoy the crab dip with pita chips.
RoMan says
Great recipe
Sue says
This worked exactly as written, thanks!