Creamy Shrimp and Crab Seafood Salad – Easy, Delicious, and Perfect for Sandwiches

A Creamy Seafood Salad Made with Shrimp and Crab

If you’re craving something creamy, cool, and full of seafood flavor, this easy creamy seafood salad with shrimp and crab checks all the boxes. It’s made with tender poached shrimp, flaky imitation crab, and a tangy homemade dressing that brings everything together just right. This salad is perfect for stuffing into sandwiches, piling on crackers, or tucking into crisp lettuce cups. It’s the kind of dish that feels light but filling—great for warmer days, make-ahead lunches, or when you just want something fresh and satisfying without much fuss.

Why This Salad Stays on Repeat in My Kitchen

This salad is so easy to make, it almost feels like cheating. While it’s perfect tucked into a nice buttered sandwich roll, I’ll be honest—I love it most on buttered crackers. You know the ones... those little Captain’s Wafers? Oh, so good. During the summer months, this recipe becomes a regular in my fridge. It holds up well, and on those days when the heat makes turning on the stove feel like a crime—or when I’m in full-on lazy cook mode (or just plain too busy)—this salad saves the day. Cool, creamy, and waiting in the fridge like a little gift to yourself.

What Makes This Creamy Shrimp and Crab Salad So Good

The shrimp and crab are really the heart of this dish—they bring that fresh, slightly sweet seafood flavor that makes this creamy seafood salad with shrimp and crab so satisfying. I’m using imitation crab here (budget-friendly and easy), but if you’re going for that deeper, rich seafood taste, feel free to use some nice lump crab meat instead. The seafood gives it just enough natural sweetness, so no sugar needed—another win!

This recipe is also totally customizable. You can go all shrimp, all crab, or stick with the half-and-half like I do. Not much prep is needed for the shrimp these days—you can buy them already peeled and deveined, which is a huge time-saver. I usually go a little overboard and devein both sides (don’t judge me), but you don’t have to.

How to Poach Shrimp Just Right (Tender Every Time)

Poaching shrimp sounds fancy, but it’s actually one of the easiest ways to keep them tender and flavorful—perfect for this creamy shrimp and crab salad. I like to add some seasoning and aromatics to the water to give the shrimp a little extra love while they cook.

Start by bringing the seasoned water and aromatics to a boil—then turn the heat down before adding the shrimp. You don’t want a full rolling boil once they’re in the pot. A gentle poach is key. The shrimp only need about 2 to 3 minutes—just until they turn pink and opaque. Keep an eye on them, because they cook fast!

Once they’re done, immediately drain the shrimp and toss them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This keeps them tender and perfectly cooked, without rinsing away any of that lovely flavor. Just make sure you get them chilled quickly, and then let them rest until they’re cool enough to chop.

And here’s a tip from my kitchen to yours: If you can, leave the shells on while poaching. It helps the shrimp stay juicy and adds more flavor. But don’t worry—if all you’ve got are shelled shrimp, you’re still good to go. No need to overthink it. This recipe is about ease and flavor, not perfection.

Watch Me Make This Creamy Shrimp & Crab Salad (Plus a Zesty Twist!)

If you're anything like me, sometimes it's easier to watch it come together than read step-by-step instructions. In this video, I show you exactly how I make this cool and creamy shrimp and crab salad—yes, complete with those buttery crackers I can't stop talking about.

🍤 You’ll also get a peek at a second version that skips the mayo and goes bold with a Cajun vinaigrette—so good, especially if you want something a little lighter but still full of flavor.

Grab a seat, bring a snack, and hang out with me in the kitchen!

The Creamy Dressing that Makes This Salad Shine

I’m all about the creamy, and this dressing is just that—rich, smooth, and absolutely dreamy. Now, you’ve got a couple of ways you can go with this. You could use all mayo or even Miracle Whip if you’re into that tangy kick. Or, if you want a little extra depth, you can mix in sour cream or Greek yogurt. Personally, I love thinning out my mayo with some sour cream—it makes it feel lighter and more refreshing, which is perfect for me. But, like I always say, it’s up to you! Make it yours. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s flexible, so you can adjust the creamy factor to match what you love best.

Light on Veggies, Big on Flavor

You don’t need a ton of veggies or extra ingredients to make this salad pop. A little celery for crunch and some onion is all you need. I’m using spring onions here, but a nice, sweet onion works just as well. The key is not to let the onion overpower that beautiful seafood flavor—after all, it’s all about the shrimp and crab! And the seasonings? I keep them light but full of flavor. I’m all about that Old Bay seasoning—especially the hot version, because I love a little kick! I don’t add too much directly to the salad itself; instead, I like to sprinkle a little extra on top of the finished dish for a bit of extra heat and flavor. It’s all about balance, right?

Serving Suggestions for Your Creamy Shrimp and Crab Salad

This creamy shrimp and crab salad is so versatile, it’s practically begging to be served in a variety of ways. You can pile it high on a buttered sandwich roll, slap it between two crispy crackers (Captain Wafers are my personal favorite), or spoon it into crisp lettuce cups for a lighter option. It’s perfect for summer picnics, a simple weeknight meal, or even as a starter for a special occasion. You could also pair it with a fresh green salad or even some homemade coleslaw to really bring out those fresh seafood flavors. The possibilities are endless!

And if you're feeling particularly daring, double the dressing and mix that creamy goodness with some pasta—shells or rotini work great! It’s a twist on seafood pasta salad that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Don't Miss the Cajun Zesty Twist—Watch the Video!

If you loved the creamy version, then you’ve got to check out the Cajun vinaigrette version in the video! It’s just as satisfying but without the mayo—more zing, more zest, and packed with that Cajun heat. Want to see how it all comes together? Head to the video to watch the full recipe in action, including both versions. It’s the perfect way to up your salad game, no matter your preference. Be sure to subscribe for more tasty creations and tips, and don’t forget to let me know which version you’re loving the most!