Updated on September 29th, 2025
This crab salad sandwich recipe is a quick and refreshing way to make lunch or dinner without much effort. Imitation crab gets combined with mayonnaise, lemon juice, celery, and green onion for a creamy filling that’s both light and flavorful. The crunch of the vegetables adds texture, while the lemon juice brightens the mix. Whether you’re preparing it for a simple weeknight meal or packing it up for a picnic, this sandwich always works.
Why this recipe works
- Quick preparation: With only a few ingredients and minimal chopping, this sandwich can be made in minutes, making it great for busy days.
- Flavorful balance: The combination of mayonnaise, lemon juice, and seasonings creates a creamy, tangy filling that complements the mild crab perfectly.
- Crunchy texture: Fresh celery and green onion add crispness, giving the sandwich a nice contrast to the creamy base and soft bun.
- Flexible protein: Imitation crab works well here, but real crab can be used for an upgraded version with even more seafood flavor.
- Everyday ingredients: All components are easy to find at any grocery store, making this a budget-friendly recipe you can prepare anytime.





Serving suggestions
- Classic sandwich: Serve on a soft hamburger bun with lettuce leaves for a traditional crab salad sandwich that’s simple and satisfying.
- Picnic lunch: Pack the sandwiches with chips, fruit, and a drink for an easy picnic meal that travels well and tastes refreshing.
- Party platter: Prepare mini crab salad sliders on small rolls for a fun finger food option that works well at gatherings or potlucks.
- Light dinner: Pair with a green salad or coleslaw to turn the sandwiches into a balanced dinner without needing much extra effort.
- Seafood spread: Serve alongside shrimp cocktail, tuna salad, or smoked salmon for a seafood-themed meal or appetizer buffet.
Crab salad sandwich recipe
Make a crab salad sandwich recipe that’s quick, creamy, and delicious. Perfect for lunch, picnics, or a light and refreshing dinner idea.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 (8 ounces) package imitation crab
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 stalks celery (finely chopped)
- 3 tablespoons green onion (finely chopped)
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- 4 large lettuce leaves
- 4 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Break up the crab into small chunks. You can do this with your hands or use two forks to shred the imitation crab meat. Place crab into a medium bowl.
- Add mayonnaise, lemon juice, celery, and green onion. Season with salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Place lettuce onto the bottom half of a hamburger bun, top with crab mixture and the top half of the bun.
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 347
- Sugar: 4.9 g
- Sodium: 999.2 mg
- Fat: 22.9 g
- Carbohydrates: 28.7 g
- Protein: 0.9 g
- Cholesterol: 12.1 mg