Crab salad is a light and refreshing dish that’s perfect for summertime. This sweet seafood salad is usually served on its own as a snack or appetizer. However, crab salad becomes a more satisfying meal when paired with complementary side dishes. The right sides can take your crab salad from basic to brilliant.
After extensive research and taste testing, I’ve discovered 10 sensational sides that make crab salad taste even better. These dishes provide the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors to round out your plate. Read on to find irresistible sides to serve with your next batch of crab salad!
Crunchy, Crispy Sides Add Fun Contrast
Crab salad’s soft, creamy texture cries out for something crispy. Golden, crunchy sides like fritters, crackers, and fries provide a fantastic textural contrast. They also balance the salad’s richness. Here are some crave-worthy crunchy pairings:
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Zucchini Corn Fritters: These veggie-packed fritters offer great crunch alongside creamy crab. The corn’s sweetness complements the crab.
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Spicy Cheese Crackers: Sharp cheddar crackers deliver bold flavor and crispy satisfaction. They hold up well when dipped into the luscious salad.
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Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries provide a healthier, naturally sweeter spin on regular fries. Their starchy crunch enhances the crab salad experience.
Bread Absorbs Flavors Beautifully
Bread makes an excellent vessel for soaking up the tasty crab salad dressing. Different breads lend their own unique twist:
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Garlic Bread: Warm, garlicky bread mellows the salad’s richness. Spread the crab mixture onto crusty garlic bread for irresistible bruschetta.
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Hoagie Rolls These soft yet crusty rolls easily transform crab salad into handheld sandwiches Roll up the mixture for hearty crab subs
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Hawaiian Rolls Fluffy, subtly sweet Hawaiian rolls soak up dressing nicely Make mini crab sliders on these airy buns.
Fresh Salads Keep Things Light
Cool crisp salads provide brightness and freshness alongside rich crab salad. Tart vinaigrettes and juicy vegetables balance the sweet seafood. Try these refreshing combos
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Cucumber Salad: Quick no-cook cukes in vinegar supply tangy crunch. This salad refreshes the palate between bites of crab.
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Tomato Cucumber Salad: Diced tomatoes and cucumbers add sweet juiciness and texture. Toss in lemon vinaigrette for a punch of flavor.
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Arugula Salad: Peppery greens tossed in lemony dressing make a lively crab salad base. Crunchy and bitter, arugula balances the crab sweetness.
Grilled Veggies Add Smoky Depth
The charred flavors of grilled vegetables pair beautifully with the delicate crab salad. Smokiness enhances natural sweetness. Grill these easy veggies:
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Grilled Asparagus: Simple grilled asparagus spears make an elegant side for dressed-up crab salad. Drizzle with olive oil for flavor.
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Grilled Avocado: Stuff cool, creamy grilled avocado halves with crab salad for a fun twist. Smoky avocado ramps up the sweetness.
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Mexican Grilled Corn: Brush corn with spicy-smoky seasonings before grilling. The sweet char provides fantastic contrast to the crab.
Starchy Sides Offer Comfort
Hearty starches like potatoes, rice, and pasta provide comforting satisfaction alongside crab salad’s richness. These satisfying sides absorb flavors delightfully:
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Buttery Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, butter-laden spuds temper the crab salad’s indulgence. Mix in cheese, garlic or herbs for extra flavor.
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Coconut Rice: Nutty, subtly sweet coconut rice lends tropical flair next to the crab. Fluffy texture soaks up creamy dressing.
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Pasta Salad: Short pasta tossed in the crab salad mixture makes an easy, hearty meal. Noodles soak up the creamy dressing.
Round Out Your Plate
Finally, complete your crab salad plate with fun flavor and textural accents:
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Shrimp Skewers: For surf and turf, add sizzling garlic shrimp alongside the crab. Smoky shrimp pack a flavorful punch.
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Stuffed Peppers: Hearty bell peppers stuffed with cheese, veggies, and meat make a tasty, filling side for crab salad.
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Bruschetta: Fresh tomato bruschetta on crisp toasted bread starts the meal on a bright, lively note before the rich crab salad.
With so many fantastic sides to choose from, you can serve up crab salad for any occasion and keep guests happy. Try mixing crunchy, fresh, starchy, and grilled accompaniments for a beautifully balanced plate. Thoughtfully composed crab salad meals will delight even the pickiest eaters.
1 Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts, with their caramelized outer layers and tender interior, bring a savory, hearty element to your meal. The slight bitterness of the sprouts can balance out the sweet, rich flavors of the crab salad, creating a delightful flavor contrast.
Seafood Salad Recipe | Not Yo’ Mamas Seafood Salad Recipe
FAQ
What is a good side for crab salad?
Juicy, roasted vegetables, creamy potatoes, and classic butter dips are beloved for good reasons — versatile and minimalist, they perfectly complement the sweet taste of crab.
What pairs nicely with crab?
When serving crab, consider sides that complement its delicate flavor and texture. Classic choices include potatoes (mashed, roasted, or baked), corn on the cob, and coleslaw. For a light and refreshing option, try roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.
What side dish goes with the crab feast?
The Must Have Sides!
Corn on the Cob – Fresh from the field corn on the cob is a must have for the Maryland Crab Feast. Whether you eat it plain for slathered in butter, be sure to liberally sprinkle the Old Bay on the kernels!
What protein pairs well with crab?
- Filet Mignon Topped with Lump Crab Meat. …
- Bacon-Topped Crab Cake Sandwich. …
- Crab Dip Stuffed Chicken Breasts. …
- Crab and Sausage Soup. …
- Creamy Crab and Chicken Alfredo. …
- Crab-topped Eggs Benedict with Breakfast Sausage. …
- Crab Legs and Ribs.