This salad is a true gem, as it not only boasts speed and ease of preparation but also manages to impress with its presentation and delightful taste. While I have always had a fondness for seafood salad, my husband’s love for it takes it to a whole new level. When I first made this recipe, he devoured almost the entire dish and then eagerly requested more. Thankfully, the simplicity of making this salad allows me to indulge his cravings easily.
What sets this salad apart is the freshness brought by the zesty lemon juice and aromatic fresh dill. Even when fresh dill is unavailable, using dried dill still results in an incredibly delicious dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor. The secret ingredient that truly elevates this seafood salad is the Old Bay seasoning, providing a unique and distinct flavor profile that sets it apart from others. In case you can’t find Old Bay seasoning, fear not; the Notes section offers some helpful alternatives that can still bring that special touch.
For those who share a love for seafood salad, this recipe will undoubtedly become their favorite. Prepare to be showered with praise as friends and family will rave about your creation and beg for the recipe. In fact, if someone in your household is a seafood salad aficionado like my husband, consider doubling the recipe to ensure there’s enough to go around.
So, indulge in this scrumptious seafood salad and relish the joy of its quick preparation and incredible taste. It’s a dish that will not only impress but also leave everyone craving for more. Enjoy the freshness and unique flavors that come together effortlessly in this salad, and be ready to share the recipe with those who can’t get enough of it. Happy dining!
INGREDIENTS
16 oz. imitation crab meat (preferably flaked style)
1/2 cup celery – finely diced
3 Tbsp. red onion – very finely diced
1/2 tsp. Old Bay seasoning
2 tsp. fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 1/2 Tbsp. fresh dill – chopped (or 1/2 tsp. dried dill)
salt & pepper – to taste
DIRECTIONS
In a large bowl, place the imitation crab, celery, red onion, Old Bay, lemon juice, mayonnaise, dill, salt, and pepper.
Toss gently to coat.
Either serve immediately or cover and refrigerate. Salad will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.
How you serve this is the big question! We love piling it on a crusty baguette with lettuce or eating it with crackers. Other ideas to consider:
- Scoop into a butter lettuce cup
- Add pasta for a seafood pasta salad (chilled)
- Bake puff pastry shells and fill with seafood salad
- Hollow out a tomato and fill it with seafood salad.
Notes
* Old Bay seasoning is unique, and no other seasoning matches it well. – at least to my knowledge. It is usually easy to find but if you cannot find any, you can make a spice mixture that is very close. There are 18 ingredients in Old Bay and the full list is a secret so… you do the best you can! The recipe calls for 1/2 tsp. and the following mix makes about 1/4 cup. All you need is an airtight container for storing it and I think you will find that you will use it!
SEASONING SIMILAR TO OLD BAY (I don’t think anyone has figured out what the 2 unknown ingredients are!)
3/4 Tbsp. salt
1 Tbsp. celery seed
2 tsp. sweet paprika
1 tsp. ground dry mustard
1 tsp. ground ginger
5 bay leaves
1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/2 tsp. freshly ground white pepper
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp. ground mace
1/8 tsp. ground cardamom
1/8 tsp. ground allspice
1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/16 tsp. ground cloves
MIX ALL INGREDIENTS TOGETHER AND GRIND IN A SPICE GRINDER OR COFFEE GRINDER UNTIL IT IS A SMOOTH POWDER. *Store in an airtight container/spice jar.*
Conclusion:
The Seafood Salad recipe is a delightful gem that brings together the best of both worlds: speed and flavor. It’s one of the fastest salads to prepare, yet its presentation and taste defy the simplicity of its preparation. As a lover of seafood salad, I was thrilled to discover this recipe, and my husband’s love for it took it to a whole new level. Upon trying it for the first time, he devoured almost the entire dish and eagerly asked for more. The freshness of the lemon juice and aromatic touch of fresh dill elevate the salad’s taste, making it a refreshing and delightful treat. Even when fresh dill is unavailable, using dried dill still results in an incredibly delicious salad that doesn’t disappoint. The magic ingredient that sets this seafood salad apart is the Old Bay seasoning, adding a unique flavor profile that truly makes it stand out. The Notes section provides helpful alternatives if Old Bay seasoning is not available. For seafood salad enthusiasts, this recipe will undoubtedly become a favorite, leaving everyone asking for your secret. Whether it’s for a quick weeknight dinner or a special gathering, the Seafood Salad recipe is a surefire hit that will leave your taste buds craving for more. Enjoy the ease of preparation and the burst of flavors in this delightful seafood salad!