If you’re a fan of sweet, tender jumbo lump crab meat, this Kickin’ Crab Salad is about to be your new go-to. Make it a day ahead, pop it in the fridge, and let the flavors do their thing, trust me, it only gets better with time.

Easy Kickin Crab Salad Recipe

Premium jumbo lump crab meat is a splurge, no matter how you serve it. It’s one of those special ingredients we usually reserve for holidays, celebrations, or when dining out. After all, the moment you plan a dish centered around crab, it’s easy to imagine your budget disappearing fast. Classic favorites like jumbo lump crab cakes and crab macaroni and cheese are always a hit for special occasions, but this Kickin’ Crab Salad is a fresh, flavorful option that’s perfect for warmer weather.

This easy crab salad recipe features sweet jumbo lump crab meat tossed with crisp peppers, celery, and fresh green onions, all brought together with creamy mayonnaise and a few dashes of hot sauce for a signature “kick.” One of the best things about making a jumbo lump crab salad is that it helps stretch a smaller amount of crab meat further, so you can enjoy this delicious dish without going over budget.

Key ingredients you’ll need to make homemade Crab Salad: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card and quantities.)

Crab Meat – One pound jumbo lump crab meat.
Vegetables – Finely diced celery and green onions for crunch.
Bell Peppers – Red bell pepper and green bell pepper expands the flavor profile.
Dressing – Mayonnaise, prepared Ranch dressing and lemon juice for a pop of citrus flavor.
Spices – Seafood seasoning, garlic salt and few dashes of hot sauce.

How to Make Kickin Crab Salad Recipe

Make the Dressing – Whisk together the mayonnaise, Ranch dressing, lemon juice, seafood seasoning, lemon pepper and garlic salt.
Prep Vegetables – Fold in the red and green pepper, green onion and celery.
Stir in Crab Meat – Gently fold in the crab meat and add hot sauce to your taste.
Refrigerate – Chill for 4 hours in an airtight container.
Serve with crackers, garlic crostini, or make into lettuce wraps.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Copycat Kroger Kickin Crab Salad

Medium bowl.
Balloon whisk.
Rubber spatula or wooden spoon.
Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
Sharp knife and chopping board.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

Crab Meat – This recipe uses real crab meat not imitation crab meat. You could also use lobster meat.
Peppers – If you’d like to add spice, swap out the green bell pepper for poblano pepper or jalapeno pepper.
Mayonnaise – You could use Miracle Whip in place of mayonnaise for a slightly sweeter dressing.
Fresh Herbs – You could use fresh chives in place of green onions. You could also add parsley.
Serving Options – Crab salad can be prepared one day in advance for holiday entertaining. Serve it to your guests slathered on garlic crostini or your favorite crackers and served for an impressive appetizer. Alternatively, serve it in a lettuce wrap or on warm Kaiser rolls as a main dish meal on a warm day.

Storage and Leftovers

Leftovers – Store Kickin Crab Salad in an airtight container well chilled in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Freezer – I don’t recommend freezing crab salad as the mayo can separate when thawing in the fridge.

More Easy Salad Recipes to Make

Southern Style Chicken Salad for light meals and snacking.
Cherry Tomato Cucumber Salad is good and good for you.
BLT Potato Salad is the best of both worlds.
Up your side dishes with this Cowboy Pasta Salad.
Southern Ham Salad for sandwiches or to slather on crackers.
Light and full flavored Easy Fruit Salad can be enjoyed as a side dish or a dessert.
Strawberry Salad from Simple Joy.

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