There’s something about a creamy, chilled crab salad that takes you straight to a summer buffet or family picnic — and if you’ve ever been to Golden Corral, you know how popular their version is.
Lightly sweet, creamy, and full of tender imitation crab meat, it’s a crowd-pleaser you can pile onto a plate or scoop into a sandwich. This homemade version captures all that nostalgic flavor but lets you tweak it to your own taste.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t want to cook, or when you need a simple side dish to go with grilled chicken or a seafood dinner. Bonus: it only takes 10 minutes to put together!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This crab salad is chilled, creamy, and has the perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet. The tender imitation crab pairs beautifully with crunchy celery and a quick homemade dressing.
It’s also super versatile — serve it with crackers, over greens, in a sandwich, or straight from the bowl with a fork (no judgment here). It’s always a hit at potlucks and BBQs, and even picky eaters tend to go back for seconds.
What You’ll Need
- 1 pound imitation crab meat (flake or chunk style)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced thin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning or paprika
- Optional garnish: fresh parsley or dill
Pro Tips
- Use flake-style crab meat for the most authentic texture — but chop if it’s in large chunks.
- Let it chill for at least 30 minutes before serving so the flavors meld.
- Want a lighter version? Use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream or part of the mayo.
- Add a pinch of sugar if you like it more like the classic buffet-style sweetness.
- Serve in lettuce cups for a fresh, low-carb option that looks great on a platter.
Tools You’ll Need
- Medium mixing bowl
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring spoons
- Citrus juicer (or your hands)
- Spoon or silicone spatula for mixing
Substitutions and Variations
- Real crab meat: Use lump crab if available, but keep in mind it’s more delicate and may need gentler mixing.
- Add-ins: Chopped hard-boiled eggs, sweet corn, or shredded carrots add extra flavor and color.
- Spice it up: Add diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
- Herbs: Dill and parsley work great, but try chives or tarragon for a twist.
Make Ahead Tips
This crab salad tastes even better after it sits. Make it the night before or a few hours ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. If serving for a party, give it a quick stir before serving to freshen it up.
Instructions
1. Prep the Crab
Roughly chop the imitation crab into bite-sized pieces if it’s in large chunks. Place it in a medium mixing bowl.
2. Chop and Add the Veggies
Finely dice celery and slice green onions. Add both to the bowl with the crab.
3. Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add paprika or Old Bay if using.
4. Mix Everything Together
Pour the dressing over the crab and vegetables. Gently fold everything together until well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
5. Chill and Serve
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Garnish with parsley or dill just before serving. Serve cold with crackers, in a sandwich, or over a bed of lettuce.
Leftovers and Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a quick stir before serving again. Do not freeze — the creamy dressing will separate and lose its texture when thawed.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I use canned crab meat instead of imitation crab?
Yes! Just be sure to drain it well and handle gently to avoid breaking it apart.
Q: What kind of mayo should I use?
A good-quality full-fat mayonnaise works best for creaminess and flavor. Duke’s or Hellmann’s are great choices.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as your imitation crab and any seasonings (like mustard) are certified gluten-free.
Q: Can I use this in a sandwich?
Absolutely! It’s delicious on a croissant, sandwich roll, or stuffed in a pita with lettuce.
A Cool and Creamy Classic
This Golden Corral-Inspired Crab Salad is the kind of chilled side dish that brings everyone back for seconds. It’s simple, satisfying, and endlessly versatile — perfect for sunny days, family gatherings, or easy make-ahead lunches. Whether you serve it fancy or picnic-style, it never goes out of style.
Try it this week and let me know how it turned out! Did you add anything extra? Serve it on toast? I’d love to hear your favorite twist in the comments below.