Creamy Broccoli Crab Salad Recipe

When I’m craving something fresh but want a boost of fiber and something more filling than salad greens, this broccoli crab salad is first on my list. It’s packed with protein and has so many different textures and colors. Even the most seafood-adverse palate will swoon over the balance of sweet and salty flavors! Add it to your regular rotation of summer recipes or serve it in the dead of winter – you can’t go wrong! 

The Best Kitchen Tool for Broccoli Crab Salad

If you’re a big fan of salads, especially ones that air more on the side of slaws, you need to invest in a veggie cutter. This handy tool makes dicing and slicing all your favorite produce a no-brainer. It also works wonders for consistency. My all-time favorite slice is this one from Mueller. 

How to Prepare Broccoli Crab Salad 

Before you get started, rinse all your veggies under cold water in a colander. 

• Dice the Veggies: Next, use a sharp knife or veggie slicer to chop the fresh broccoli, cauliflower florets, and cucumber into similar-sized chunks. Cut the tomatoes into quarters. 
• Dice the Crab Meat: To keep the texture consistent, dice the crab meat into similar-sized pieces as the veggies. Pop the veggies and crab into a large bowl. 
• Make the Salad Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk the mayo, pressed garlic, and lemon juice together. 
• Toss the Salad; Lastly, toss the dressing into the salad until well-combined. Serve immediately and enjoy!

A Couple of Tips for the Best Broccoli Crab Salad

This salad is so simple, you can hardly call it a recipe. That said, a few tips will help you nail it and make it your own.

• Swap in your favorite ingredients. Play around with whatever ingredients you’re craving most – this salad is super versatile! Feel free to add in diced red pepper or green pepper, red onion, snap peas, or any other crunchy veggie hanging out in your fridge. Or, if you’re not.a fan of crab, swap in shrimp. 
• Make the dressing the night before. Whip up the mayonnaise-based dressing the night before and allow it to marinate in the fridge to develop its flavor. This will also help you cut down on day-of prep!  
• Toss the salad right before serving. This salad is best served fresh and crunchy, so only toss in the dressing right before you plan to serve it.

Different Ways to Serve Broccoli Crab Salad

While this salad is filling enough to be eaten as a meal all on it’s own, it also makes for the perfect side dish. Serve it anywhere you would pasta salads or potato salads. Pair it with a nice cast iron ribeye or alongside grilled chicken. 

Best Practices for Storage

Once tossed, this salad is best served straight away. If you’re trying to prep ahead, dice all the veggies and whip up the dressing, but keep the two stored in their own separate airtight containers. When you’re ready, toss the salad right before you plan to serve it. 

FAQ

More Crunchy Salads to Try

• Broccoli Cauliflower Salad – Broccoli salad with nuts and bacon
• Broccoli Cucumber and Tomato Salad – Broccoli and greek yogurt salad
• Pickled Vegetables Salad (aka Giardiniera) – Pickled cauliflower, carrots, & broccoli
• Olivier Potato Salad – Slavic-style potato salad

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Recipe

Broccoli Crab Salad Recipe (Crazy Good)

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Servings

8 Servings

Prep Time 20 mins

Total Time 20 mins

Recipe contributed by: Natalya Drozhzhin

This broccoli crab salad is texture on overload. From crunchy broccoli and cauliflower to tender, sweet crab, it has it all!

Ingredients

• 1 medium cauliflower head
• 1 medium broccoli head
• 1 lb cherry tomatoes
• 1 lb cucumbers
• 1 lb crab meat
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 4 garlic cloves pressed
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tbsp salt adjust to taste

US Units – Metric

Instructions

• Dice all the vegetables into similar-sized, small cubes (if you have a vegetable dices, it will come in handy). Dice the tomatoes into quarters. Dice the crab meat into similar-sized pieces as the veggies.
  
• In a small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, garlic, and lemon juice together.
  
• Add the dressing to the veggies and stir to combine. Season to taste. Serve fresh and crispy!
  

Nutrition Facts

Broccoli Crab Salad Recipe (Crazy Good)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 302 Calories from Fat 198

% Daily Value*

Fat 22g34%

Saturated Fat 4g20%

Trans Fat 1g

Polyunsaturated Fat 13g

Monounsaturated Fat 5g

Cholesterol 36mg12%

Sodium 1142mg48%

Potassium 787mg22%

Carbohydrates 13g4%

Fiber 4g16%

Sugar 5g6%

Protein 15g30%

Vitamin A 824IU16%

Vitamin C 123mg149%

Calcium 97mg10%

Iron 2mg11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.