Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything required to make this delicious salad:

  • 16 oz imitation crab meat (or cooked real crab, chopped)
  • 1 cup celery, finely diced
  • ½ cup red bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons green onions, sliced
  • ¾ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
  • ¼ cup light mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor

Each ingredient plays an important role in building flavor and texture. The seafood provides lean protein. The celery and bell pepper add crunch and freshness. The yogurt-based dressing keeps everything creamy while lowering calories and points.

Choosing the Right Seafood

Imitation crab (also known as surimi) is commonly used in this recipe because it’s affordable, accessible, and easy to work with. It has a mild flavor that pairs beautifully with creamy dressing.

If you prefer, you can substitute real lump crab meat for a more premium version. Cooked shrimp, chopped into bite-size pieces, also works wonderfully in this recipe.

When selecting seafood, ensure it is fresh and properly refrigerated. If using real crab or shrimp, pat dry before mixing to prevent excess moisture in the salad.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Seafood

Chop the imitation crab or cooked seafood into bite-sized pieces. If using crab sticks, slice them lengthwise and then dice.

Step 2: Chop the Vegetables

Dice the celery finely for even crunch. Chop the red bell pepper into small cubes. Slice green onions thinly.

Uniform chopping ensures balanced texture in every bite.

Step 3: Prepare the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and dill. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If desired, add garlic powder or paprika for extra depth.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Gently fold the seafood and vegetables into the dressing. Stir until evenly coated, being careful not to break apart the seafood too much.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30–60 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully.

Flavor Development & Texture

Allowing the salad to chill is a crucial step. During refrigeration, the herbs infuse the dressing, and the seafood absorbs the subtle citrus notes from the lemon juice.

The celery remains crisp, while the creamy base thickens slightly. The result is a well-balanced, refreshing salad that tastes even better the next day.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips

Store this seafood salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving to redistribute the dressing.

For meal prep, portion into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches. It pairs perfectly with fresh greens, cucumber slices, or whole-grain crackers.

Avoid freezing, as the creamy dressing may separate upon thawing.

Serving Ideas

This salad is incredibly versatile. Here are some serving suggestions:

  • Spoon into lettuce cups for a low-carb option
  • Serve over mixed greens for a complete salad bowl
  • Fill a whole-grain wrap or sandwich
  • Top cucumber rounds for party appetizers
  • Pair with sliced avocado for added healthy fats

You can even serve it as a side dish at picnics, BBQs, or potlucks.