🧂 Ingredients
For the salad:
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup imitation crab meat (or real lump crab for purists)
- 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup cucumber, chopped (optional for extra freshness)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
For the dressing:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise (use avocado or olive-oil-based mayo for keto)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream (adds creaminess and tang)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (or paprika if preferred)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional garnish:
- Fresh dill sprigs
- Lemon wedges for serving
- A sprinkle of paprika on top
đź•• Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (if cooking shrimp fresh)
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 2 generous portions
🥣 Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the seafood
If you’re starting with raw shrimp, bring a pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes until pink and opaque. Drain immediately and transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and maintain that juicy texture.
If using imitation or pre-cooked crab, simply chop it into bite-sized chunks. Pat both shrimp and crab dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture — this helps your salad stay creamy, not watery.
Step 2: Chop the vegetables
Finely dice your celery, red bell pepper, red onion, and cucumber. The smaller the pieces, the better the texture will blend into the salad. These ingredients add crispness, color, and freshness to balance the richness of the seafood and dressing.
Step 3: Make the keto dressing
In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, and Old Bay seasoning. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
This dressing is the star of the recipe — rich, tangy, and perfectly balanced to complement the sweetness of the seafood.
Step 4: Combine the salad
In a large mixing bowl, add your shrimp, crab, chopped vegetables, and parsley. Pour the prepared dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated.
The creamy dressing should cling to every piece of seafood and vegetable, creating a luscious consistency that’s both light and satisfying.
Step 5: Chill before serving
For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully while the salad firms up slightly.
Serve chilled on its own, over a bed of crisp lettuce, or scooped into avocado halves for an elegant, low-carb presentation.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
This keto seafood salad is incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it as:
- A light lunch served with lettuce wraps or cucumber slices.
- A protein-packed side dish for grilled meats or low-carb meals.
- A quick meal prep option stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- A party appetizer served in small cups or on cucumber rounds.
Its creamy texture and seafood aroma make it equally at home at summer barbecues or elegant dinner spreads.
🧊 Storage Tips
Store your keto seafood salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Avoid freezing, as the mayonnaise-based dressing can separate and alter the texture when thawed.
If you plan to prepare it ahead, mix the seafood and veggies first, then add the dressing just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.
🥑 Keto Benefits
This seafood salad is 100% keto-friendly — high in healthy fats and protein, and extremely low in carbs. The combination of shrimp, crab, and mayo-based dressing makes it an ideal option for maintaining ketosis while still enjoying a luxurious meal.
Seafood provides essential omega-3 fatty acids, lean protein, and minerals like zinc, iodine, and selenium — all of which support metabolism and energy levels on a ketogenic diet.
🌿 Health Benefits
Beyond being keto-approved, this dish is loaded with nutrients:
- Shrimp and crab are low in calories and high in lean protein, supporting muscle health.
- Celery and bell peppers add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
- Healthy fats from mayo and sour cream provide sustained energy.
- Lemon juice and herbs add natural flavor without sugar or carbs.
Each bite delivers a refreshing combination of flavor, texture, and nourishment.
đź’ˇ Expert Tips for the Best Results
- Use chilled seafood. Cold shrimp and crab create the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t overmix. Stir gently to keep the seafood pieces intact.
- Adjust the dressing to your liking. Add more lemon juice for tang, or a dash of cayenne for spice.
- Make it deluxe. Add diced avocado or hard-boiled egg for extra richness.
- For meal prep, pack portions separately and add dressing right before serving.
🥗 Variations
- Keto Crab-Only Salad: Use 2 cups of lump crab for an elegant version.
- Shrimp & Avocado Salad: Add 1/2 chopped avocado per serving for creaminess.
- Spicy Cajun Style: Add 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning to the dressing.
- Mediterranean Twist: Add chopped olives, feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil for a unique flavor.
These variations let you enjoy this salad in new ways without straying from your keto or low-point goals.
🍤 Texture and Flavor
Expect a perfect contrast of textures — tender seafood, crunchy vegetables, and a smooth, creamy dressing. The flavor is light, fresh, and slightly zesty, with the lemon juice cutting through the richness of the mayo and sour cream.
It’s a balanced, coastal-inspired dish that feels indulgent but stays wonderfully healthy.
đź’Ş Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 230 kcal |
| Protein | 24g |
| Fat | 14g |
| Carbohydrates | 3g |
| Fiber | 1g |
| Net Carbs | 2g |
| Sugar | 1g |
| Cholesterol | 120mg |
| Sodium | 580mg |
(Values are approximate and can vary based on ingredients used.)
🌟 WW SmartPoints (per serving)
- Blue / Green / Purple Plan: 3 SmartPoints
(using light mayonnaise and imitation crab) - With full-fat mayo and real crab: ~5 SmartPoints
This makes it an excellent low-point, high-protein meal for anyone managing both carbs and calories.
🧠Why You’ll Love This Keto Seafood Salad
- Completely low-carb and keto-approved
- High in protein and healthy fats
- Quick and easy — ready in just minutes
- Refreshing, light, and perfect for warm weather
- Great for meal prep or entertaining
- Naturally gluten-free and low SmartPoints
🥰 Final Thoughts
This Keto Seafood Salad is more than just a meal — it’s a refreshing coastal experience in a bowl. Every forkful brings a mix of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors that leave you satisfied without feeling heavy.
It’s ideal for busy days when you want something nourishing and elegant, or when you’re looking for a keto-friendly dish that feels luxurious without extra carbs or calories.
Packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and crisp veggies, it’s a true balance of health and indulgence. Try it once, and it’ll quickly become one of your favorite keto lunch or dinner staples.