Crab salad is a classic. It's fresh, it's zesty, and it screams summer by the sea. We're here to amp up that experience. Ever stood in your kitchen, crab salad prepped, and wondered, "Now what?" We've all been there.
Finding the right side can feel like rocket science. Yet, it's simpler than you think. Here's the deal-we've tried it all. From the fails to the wins, we've got stories that could fill a book.
Our mission? To spare you the drama. We're listing down the 10 best side dishes that we've discovered elevate crab salad from good to unforgettable. And trust us, there were taste tests. Lots of them.
Why Consider Serving Side Dishes with Crab Salad?
Crab salad is usually eaten as an entrée, but there's nothing stopping you from making it your main course.
For that, you'll want to add some sides.
Crab alone doesn't offer much nutritional value; it isn't too filling either, compared to other dishes.
Therefore, you wouldn't want to serve them alone while hosting a lunch or dinner.
Fortunately, the salad goes well with many side dishes.
You can be a simpleton and opt for bread, fruit, and cheese to accompany your crab salad.
But consider our list to level up your cooking impression.
What to Serve with Crab Salad? 10 BEST Side Dishes
Here are the ten best side dishes you can serve with your crab salad the next time you make it.
1. Mexican Corn on the Cob
One of the many dishes that pair beautifully with crab salad is corn.
It is a versatile food that tastes delicious with almost any main course.
The best thing about making Mexican corn on the cob is that it's super easy to make.
This side dish needs some melted butter, cotija cheese, mayonnaise, lime, and of course, corn (shucked).
It will take only 10 minutes to prep and another ten minutes to cook.
Crab and corn is an unmistakable combo.
Regardless of how you cook them, they will taste great.
Also, you'll love how corn can be so filling and refreshing.
2. Cheesy Stuffed Bell Peppers
Another versatile side dish that you can serve with crab salad is cheesy stuffed bell peppers.
They are tasty and hearty and will keep your dinner guests satiated and happy.
You can use red, green bell peppers, or even jalapenos for this dish.
All you need to do is stuff your favorite vegetables, cheeses, and meats into the peppers.
Make sure to stuff the peppers when they are raw, as they will hold their shape better.
Bake them for 35 minutes covered and another ten minutes uncovered.
Stuffed bell peppers go well with any protein, including seafood like crabs.
3. Balsamic Sautéed Carrots
Even non-vegetable lovers won't be able to stop raving about this side dish.
Sauté some small- to medium-sized carrots in olive oil, and add a dollop of butter, some brown sugar, and balsamic vinegar to create this fantastic item.
You might want to slice the carrots into thinner pieces if you have only large ones.
If you're running short of time, you can prepare it a day ahead and enjoy it.
Add your desired seasonings if you want a kick of spice and flavor.
4. Buttery and Fluffy Mashed Potatoes
Mashed Potatoes are the fool-proof side dish you need when you have many guests coming for dinner or lunch.
It is the one classic dish everyone will love regardless of their taste preferences.
Plus, they are effortless to make.
You can make buttery, and fluffy mashed potatoes like you always do, so spice it up this time and use interesting seasonings.
Either way, hardly anything can go wrong with this dish.
We recommend Yukon Gold potatoes to create the best texture.
Boil them in large pieces and add your desired aromatics to the fat.
Remember to taste constantly to make the best mashed potatoes.
5. Pickled Veggies
Have you ever tried pickled vegetables with crab salad? You'll be surprised by how this simple dish adds a punch of flavor and crunch to your meal.
You can use any picked veggies you already have at home or make a new batch.
Cucumbers, carrots, celery, beets, or anything else works.
Chop or slice them into small pieces and soak them with vinegar and water.
The vinegar's acidity prevents the development of bacteria and gives the veggies a tangy, refreshing taste.
You'd want to use that to keep your meal from becoming bland.
Spread some cream cheese to make it even better.
6. Crab Lettuce Wraps
There can never be too much crab on a table.
Make some crab lettuce wraps to present a delightful side dish to your friends and family.
Romaine lettuce works excellent for this dish.
Crab lettuce wraps consist of crab meat, lettuce, lemon juice and zest, mayo, sour cream, chives, and seasoning.
Ensure to squeeze out excess water if you're using store-bought crab meat.
It will prevent the mixture from getting runny.
Crab lettuce wraps are elegant, and you can serve them with almost anything, including your crab salad.
7. Chicken Fajita Quesadilla with Cheddar Cheese
If you want a different protein for your meal, you might not want to miss out on chicken fajita quesadilla with cheddar.
It contains seasoned chicken, onions, cheese, and crisp peppers that give all the flavors you need to round up your meal.
Serve this side dish with your crab salad to wow your guests.
You can add guacamole or sour cream to make it even better.
Chicken fajita quesadilla is another side dish that will complement your crab salad well.
It is a great option if you want to serve something hearty and filling.
8. Caramelized Onions
This side dish is an example to show that you don't need many items to create an exquisite meal.
Try caramelized onions if you're in a hurry and wish to make something quick and delicious.
Onions are rich in fiber, vitamin C, and potassium.
They are also rich in cancer-preventing antioxidants.
So, when you serve caramelized onions, you can be happy to give your guests something healthy to eat.
Red, white, yellow, and Vidalia onions work well for this side dish.
Make sure not to overcook them, and don't add sugar.
With this simple side dish, you can create the perfect pair for your crab salad in terms of taste and texture.
9. Butternut Squash Soup
Adding a soup to the list is only fitting when you're talking about crab salad.
Butternut squash soup screams comfort on a cold day.
Make an ultra-rich and creamy soup using a medium-sized butternut squash to present a delicious side dish.
You can roast the squash for an even better flavor.
Don't forget to add some butter to make it more irresistible.
We like fresh rosemary, sage, garlic, shallot, ground nutmeg, and black pepper for seasoning.
Use vegetable broth to bring out the flavor of the soup.
Butternut squash soup is perfect for a fall or winter day.
Don't miss out on it if you can get your hands on the vegetable.
10. Homemade Butter Crackers
Whenever in doubt about whether or not your guests will love anything else on the menu, try homemade butter crackers.
The subtle, buttery, and rich taste of freshly baked butter crackers can never go wrong with crab salad.
Every part of its flavor profile goes well with the salad; you wouldn't have any leftovers.
It will take around two minutes to prep and a maximum of 15 minutes to bake this side dish.
