Neptune Salad (Cold Crab Salad)
This classic Neptune Crab Salad is a protein-packed deli salad that can be whipped up in less than 10 minutes! The perfect way to enjoy real or imitation crab meat whether you have it as-is, use as a sandwich or wrap filling or serve alongside crackers for a tasty cold crab dip.
Neptune Crab Salad Recipe
As much as I like experimenting and trying new concoctions out in the kitchen, I have a deep affection for retro recipes like this nostalgic Neptune Crab Salad.
It’s one of those classic deli salads that I can’t even remember the first time I had it, only that it has always been a reliable staple whenever I hit up a deli salad bar. However, I’ve noticed that this imitation crab salad and my other favorite deli salad, Bombay Chicken Pasta Salad (sometimes called Coronation Chicken Salad), have become a bit harder to find, so naturally I had to figure out the recipe myself so I can enjoy it whenever the craving strikes.
As a bonus, my homemade version contains no added sugar. I was a bit surprised to find out that my grocery store adds white sugar to the dressing – it really doesn’t need it as the crab is pleasantly sweet on it’s own. Leaving out the sugar means that our homemade Neptune crab salad is 200 calories less per serving than the deli counter version.
Sweet, flaky imitation crab is coated in a tangy, creamy dressing with hints of paprika, lemon and dill, and the soft, tender crab meat is contrasted by the crunch of red onions and celery.
This crab salad is one of my favorite grab-and-go lunch options and it would be perfect at a BBQ or casual party. I’d probably serve as one of a trio of retro salads that everyone loves but rarely sees or even thinks about until they are right in front of them.
How to serve imitation crab salad: Personally, I just enjoy it as-is but you can serve in a wrap or sandwich, set some crackers or cucumbers alongside for dipping, or toss with some fresh cooked pasta. My cousin is a big fan of serving Neptune Crab Salad as a replacement for lobster meat in a toasted sandwich bun for an alternative to a classic lobster roll. You can also hollow out an avocado or make a cucumber boat and serve the salad in that or toss with some salad greens.
Does Neptune Salad contain real seafood? Yes, while neptune crab salad does not contain real crab, it does contain “imitation crab” which is made from whitefish or pollack. You can use real crab meat or even salad-sized shrimps if it fits your budget, but using imitation crab still uses real seafood.
How to store imitation crab salad: Since this recipe contains seafood, it’s best consumed within 3 days of preparing. As for freezing, because this salad contains mayonnaise I do not recommend freezing it.
More Deli Favorites You Can Make at Home
- Bruschetta Pasta Salad
- Green Pea Salad with Bacon
- Brussels Sprouts Salad
- Antipasto Pasta Salad from Kylee Cooks
- Meixcan Torta Sandwich from The Soccer Mom Blog
Imitation Crab Salad Ingredients
- Mayonnaise
- Lemon Juice, or more to taste
- Paprika
- Dried Dill Weed
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- Crab or Imitation Crab
- Diced Red Onion (can use green onions)
- Celery, diced
Scroll down to the printable recipe card for full measurements.
Tip: you can swap out half of the mayonnaise for greek yogurt for a lighter salad with a bit more protein.
Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful
- Sharp Kitchen Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Mixing Bowl
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula <– I like these spatulas because they are one solid piece and don’t have removable heads for bacteria to get trapped underneath. Plus they are heat-resistant and have a lifetime warranty.
How to Make Neptune Crab Salad
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice and seasonings. Adjust to personal taste.
Chop the crab and add to the bowl. Stir to coat completely.
Add the diced red onion and celery and stir to incorporate.
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Serve plain or on butter lettuce.
Makes 2 large or 4 small servings.
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Neptune Crab Salad
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoons Lemon Juice, or more to taste
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Dried Dill Weed
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 1lb Crab or Imitation Crab
- 1/4 cup Diced Red Onion (can use green onions)
- 2 Stalks Celery, diced
Instructions
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice and seasonings. Adjust to personal taste.
- Chop the crab and add to the bowl. Stir to coat completely.
- Add the diced red onion and celery and stir to incorporate.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve plain or on butter lettuce.
- Makes 2 large or 4 small servings.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 314Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 18gCholesterol: 126mgSodium: 828mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 1gSugar: 3gProtein: 23g
Sugar, Spice and Glitter uses an auto-generate nutrition calculator. Nutrition information isn’t always accurate unless analyzed in a scientific lab, so these should be considered more of a guideline than medical information.
I hope you love this easy copycat recipe for Neptune crab salad as much as I do!
For more scrumptious seafood ideas, check out our full seafood recipe collection here:
For more delicious salads, check out our full salad recipe collection here:
