Deli-Style Imitation Crab Salad (Cheaper Than The Store)
If you’ve ever purchased imitation crab salad in the grocery store deli department, you should know that it’s very easy to make at home (about 10 minutes prep) and costs much less than the prepared kind.
Hands-down my favorite salad at the grocery store deli is the crab salad. Sometimes it’s called seafood salad. Or even seafood delight.
There’s just something about it that makes it impossible for me to stop eating.
But this is Cheap Recipe Blog, and of course I’m going to learn how to make it at home for much less. While still tasting great.
At the grocery store this salad can cost $9.99/lb. or more. If you make it at home, you’ll pay closer to $5.00/lb. That comes out to a little over $1.00 per large serving.
Every grocery store has a slightly different version, but there are some delicious commonalities:
- Imitation crab
- Creamy mayonnaise-based dressing
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Various add-ins: chopped celery, onion, peas, etc.
What You’ll Need To Make Imitation Crab Salad
While there are many variations of crab salad with various ingredients & add-ins, you’ll need the following ingredients for this recipe:
- Imitation crab: Flake style or leg style work best. Imitation crab sticks will also work but some brands are a little watery.
- Mayonnaise: Real mayonnaise tastes the best in this recipe.
- Heavy cream: Used to make a creamy dressing for crab salad.
- Shredded cheddar: Look for sharp or extra sharp cheddar for the best flavor.
- Chopped onion: Not a lot – make sure it’s finely chopped.
- Chopped celery: Adds great crunch. Make sure to finely chop for best texture.
- Spices: Some basic spices and seasonings make this crab salad taste just like deli-style, including dill, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and sugar.
Recipe Variations
Every grocery store deli makes imitation crab salad a little differently. You can, too! Experiment with different add-ins (peas, shredded carrots, sliced black olives), different dressing ingredients (use 1/2 Greek yogurt, 1/2 mayo for a lighter version), and different spices.
Serving Suggestions
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- Serve on a snack plate with crackers and veggie sticks
- Serve crab salad on bread, subs or buns
- Serve a scoop of imitation crab salad on lettuce + other veggies for a killer seafood salad
- Finely chop crab salad and use as a filling for homemade California rolls
Got leftover imitation crab?
Consider making these imitation crab cakes. A much less expensive alternative to traditional crab cakes.
Or this crab rangoon hotdish – a unique twist on Midwestern hotdish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does imitation crab last in the fridge?
A: Stored in an airtight container, it stays fresh for 3 to 4 days. The mayo-based dressing can break down over time, so give it a quick stir before serving. If it has dried out, add another spoonful of mayo or a splash of cream.
Q: Can you freeze imitation crab salad?
A: No, it’s not recommended. Mayo-based salads separate and turn watery once thawed, and the imitation crab’s texture gets mushy. This salad is best made fresh and eaten within a few days.
Q: What is the difference between imitation crab and real crab?
A: Imitation crab (also called surimi) is made from white fish, typically pollock, that’s processed and flavored to mimic crab. It’s fully cooked, budget-friendly, and has a milder flavor and firmer texture than real crab meat.
Q: Is imitation crab already cooked?
A: Yes. Imitation crab is fully cooked during processing, so this salad requires no cooking at all. Just chop, mix, and chill.
Q: What’s the best imitation crab to buy?
A: Look for flake-style or leg-style imitation crab. They hold their texture better than imitation crab sticks, which can turn watery once mixed into a creamy dressing. Check the ingredient list for pollock as the main ingredient, and avoid anything with excess added water or fillers listed first. Store brands (like ALDI) work just as well as name brands here, so no need to spend extra.
Deli-Style Imitation Crab Salad
If your salad is dried than you'd like, add another spoonful of mayonnaise or another splash of heavy cream.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. imitation crab, flake or leg style
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar, optional
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
Instructions
- Prepare the imitation crab but chopping into small or bite-sized pieces.
- In a medium bowl, mix mayonnaise, cream, sugar, and spices.
- Add crab, shredded cheese, celery, and onion. Mix to combine. Chill until ready to serve.