The Best Homemade Seafood Salad Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This seafood salad is a breeze to make, and it’s packed with fresh, vibrant flavors that’ll have you coming back for more.
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy days or last-minute gatherings.
- Light and invigorating – A mix of tender shrimp, crab, and crisp veggies keeps it satisfying without feeling heavy.
- Versatile – Serve it on its own, over greens, or in a sandwich for a tasty twist.
Recipe

This invigorating homemade seafood salad is perfect for a light lunch or appetizer. It combines tender seafood with crisp vegetables and a zesty dressing for a delightful dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb imitation crab meat, chopped
- 1 cup celery, diced
- ½ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine shrimp, imitation crab, celery, and red onion.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, pepper, and salt.
- Pour the dressing over the seafood mixture and gently toss until well coated.
- Stir in fresh dill if using.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes:
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
Equipment:
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Time:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 0 minutes
Cuisine: American
Serving: 4-6
Nutrition
This seafood salad is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional value per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 220 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 420 mg |
| Cholesterol | 90 mg |
What To Serve With It
When I serve my homemade seafood salad, I love pairing it with warm crusty bread slices that soak up all the flavors beautifully. Fresh garden greens also make a perfect side, adding a crisp, invigorating balance to the dish. These simple additions really make the meal feel complete and satisfying.
Crusty Bread Slices
Though seafood salad shines on its own, pairing it with crusty bread slices takes the meal to a whole new level. I love how the crispy exterior and soft inside of a fresh baguette soak up the creamy dressing, adding texture to every bite. If you’re out of crusty bread, don’t worry—there are great crusty bread alternatives like toasted sourdough or ciabatta. Even crackers or pita chips work in a pinch! The key is something sturdy enough to hold the salad without crumbling. Trust me, once you try this crusty bread pairing, you’ll never go back to eating it plain.
Fresh Garden Greens
If crusty bread isn’t your thing, fresh garden greens make another fantastic pairing for seafood salad. I love tossing together a mix of vibrant lettuces, spinach, and arugula, all grown from my own seasonal harvest. There’s something special about using greens from organic cultivation—they’re crisp, flavorful, and feel so wholesome. I often sprinkle in a handful of herbs like parsley or chives for an extra pop of freshness. Pairing these greens with seafood salad feels light yet satisfying, perfect for a summer lunch or dinner. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy the bounty of your garden or local farmers’ market.