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Creamy Shrimp & Imitation Crab Seafood Salad

A refreshing, creamy seafood salad made with tender cooked shrimp, imitation crab, crunchy celery, fresh herbs, and a tangy lemon dressing. Perfect for lunches, sandwiches, appetizers, and make-ahead gatherings. Yields 4 servings. Prep time: 15 minutes. Chill time: 30 minutes. Total time: 45 minutes.
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Course: Appetizer, Lunch, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chilled
  • 8 oz imitation crab meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/8 tsp salt, or to taste
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, optional garnish
  • 4 lemon wedges, optional garnish
  • 1 tbsp green onions, thinly sliced, optional garnish
  • 1/8 tsp paprika, optional garnish

Equipment

  • large mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • sharp knife
  • cutting board
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • silicone spatula
  • Airtight storage container

Method
 

  1. Make sure the cooked shrimp are completely chilled, peeled, and deveined. Pat dry, cut larger shrimp into bite-sized pieces, and place in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Cut the imitation crab meat into bite-sized chunks or gently shred it into smaller pieces. Add it to the shrimp.
  3. Finely dice the celery and red onion. Thinly slice the green onions and chop the fresh parsley.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt until smooth.
  5. Add the diced celery, red onion, green onions, and parsley to the shrimp and imitation crab. Gently toss to combine.
  6. Pour the creamy dressing over the seafood and vegetables. Gently fold everything together with a spatula until evenly coated.
  7. Cover the mixing bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
  8. Garnish with optional chopped parsley, sliced green onions, paprika, and lemon wedges. Serve chilled with crackers, lettuce wraps, croissants, or toasted bread.

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 22gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 150mgSodium: 900mgPotassium: 290mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 50IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 90mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Use fully cooked, chilled shrimp and ready-to-eat imitation crab. Pat the seafood dry before mixing to prevent a watery dressing. Fold gently to maintain the seafood texture. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. For best quality, enjoy within 1–2 days and keep refrigerated at 40°F or below. Imitation crab commonly contains fish, wheat, and sometimes egg or shellfish. Check labels for allergens. Nutrition values are approximate per serving and exclude garnishes and serving accompaniments.

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