Introduction
Seafood salad is one of those timeless dishes that brings freshness, flavor, and elegance to the table. Whether served on a bed of crisp butter lettuce, tucked into buttery croissants, or scooped up with crackers, this dish is perfect for summer gatherings, light lunches, or festive spreads.
This recipe combines tender seafood, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy yet zesty dressing that enhances the natural sweetness of the seafood without overpowering it. What makes seafood salad so versatile is its adaptability—you can use shrimp, crab, lobster, or even a medley of your favorite seafood. The dressing is balanced with mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, and Old Bay seasoning (or paprika with cayenne for a homemade substitute), creating layers of flavor in every bite.
Let’s walk through the ingredients, steps, tips, and variations to make this seafood salad absolutely perfect.
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
For the Salad
- 1 lb cooked seafood (shrimp, crab, lobster, or a mix), chopped
- ½ cup celery, finely diced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup cucumber, diced
- 2 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, zest + juice
For the Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (or paprika + pinch of cayenne)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
For Serving
- Butter lettuce
- Croissants or crackers
- Lemon wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Seafood
If you’re starting with raw shrimp, boil them briefly in salted water with one bay leaf and a lemon slice. This gives them extra flavor. Cook for 2–3 minutes, just until they turn pink and opaque. Quickly transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking and keep them tender.
If you’re using pre-cooked crab or lobster, make sure to remove any shells and chop into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
This dressing should be creamy, tangy, and slightly spiced—it’s the backbone of the salad.
Step 3: Combine Everything
In a large bowl, gently fold the cooked seafood, celery, red onion, cucumber, and herbs into the dressing. Take care not to overmix—you want the seafood to remain in chunks and not break apart.
Step 4: Chill & Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Serve the salad in one of these delicious ways:
- On a bed of crisp butter lettuce leaves.
- Piled into buttery croissants for an elegant seafood sandwich.
- With assorted crackers as a refreshing appetizer.
Garnish with lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness.
Tips for the Best Seafood Salad
- Use Fresh Seafood – The flavor of this dish relies on the quality of your seafood. Fresh or high-quality frozen options both work well.
- Don’t Overcook Shrimp – A quick 2–3 minute boil is all they need. Overcooked shrimp turn rubbery.
- Balance the Dressing – Too much mayo can feel heavy, so lighten it with Greek yogurt or extra lemon juice if desired.
- Customize the Crunch – Add diced bell peppers, radishes, or even apples for more texture and flavor.
- Make Ahead Friendly – This salad can be made a day in advance. Just give it a gentle stir before serving.
Variations to Try
- Mediterranean Seafood Salad: Add cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and feta cheese.
- Spicy Cajun Twist: Replace Old Bay with Cajun seasoning and add a dash of hot sauce.
- Avocado Seafood Salad: Gently fold in chunks of ripe avocado for creaminess.
- Asian-Inspired: Swap Dijon for soy sauce, add sesame oil, and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
FAQs
1. Can I use canned crab or imitation crab?
Yes, you can. While fresh seafood gives the best flavor, canned crab or imitation crab works in a pinch.
2. How long does seafood salad last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it lasts up to 3 days. After that, the texture of the seafood may change.
3. Can I freeze seafood salad?
No, freezing isn’t recommended as the creamy dressing will separate, and the seafood will lose its texture.
4. What’s the best seafood mix to use?
Shrimp and crab are the most popular combo, but adding lobster elevates it into a luxurious dish.
5. Can I make it healthier?
Yes! Use all Greek yogurt instead of mayo, add extra vegetables, and reduce the salt.
Conclusion
Seafood salad is the perfect balance of freshness, creaminess, and flavor. With tender seafood, crunchy vegetables, and a zesty, creamy dressing, it makes an elegant yet easy dish that works for everything from light family meals to fancy gatherings.
What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility—you can swap seafood, adjust the dressing, and add your favorite ingredients to make it your own. Serve it chilled on crisp lettuce, inside a soft croissant, or with crackers, and you’ll have a dish that impresses every time.
Whether you’re planning a summer picnic, a brunch with friends, or a refreshing weeknight dinner, this seafood salad recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.