Ingredients
Method
Method
- Spread the cooked crab meat on a plate or shallow tray. Gently pick through it with clean fingers, removing any pieces of shell or cartilage without breaking up the larger lumps.
- If the crab appears wet, place it in a fine-mesh strainer for several minutes, then gently blot it with paper towels. Excess liquid can thin the dressing.
- Finely dice the celery, thinly slice the green onions, and chop the parsley and dill. Small, even pieces distribute throughout the salad without overpowering the crab.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, black pepper, and salt. The dressing should look smooth and lightly speckled with seasoning.
- Stir the celery, green onions, parsley, and dill into the dressing until evenly coated.
- Place the crab meat in a large mixing bowl. Spoon the dressing mixture over it, then fold gently with a flexible spatula. Stop once the crab is evenly coated so the larger pieces remain intact.
- The salad should be creamy enough to hold together on a spoon without excess dressing pooling in the bowl. If it looks dry, fold in 1 additional tablespoon (15 g) mayonnaise.
- Taste the salad and add more salt, black pepper, or lemon juice only if needed. Crab and seafood seasoning can both contribute significant salt.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes. The salad should be thoroughly cold before serving.
- Fold the chilled salad once or twice to redistribute the dressing. Avoid vigorous stirring, which can break the crab into fine shreds.
- Transfer the crab salad to a chilled serving bowl. Garnish with dill, lemon wedges, and sliced green onion as desired. Serve with crackers, toasted bread, lettuce leaves, or sliced vegetables.
