Lunchtime just got a gourmet twist with our easy-to-make Crab Salad Sandwiches — perfect for a busy day or a picnic with the family.
Looking for a lunch that’s quick, tasty, and doesn’t require any cooking at all? These Crab Salad Sandwiches tick all the boxes. Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch or simply want to make your weekday lunch routine as simple as possible, these sandwiches are sure to be winners. With tender chunks of crab meat, a hint of lemon, and the crisp crunch of celery, each bite is delicious.
Using canned lump crab meat makes preparation a breeze, and when combined with creamy mayonnaise and the distinctive taste of Old Bay seasoning, it becomes super flavorful. Piled high on soft, buttery mini croissants, this crab salad becomes an easy snack or meal that’s perfect for any dining occasion, from the casual to the sophisticated.
Ingredients for Crabmeat Salad Sandwiches
This section is meant to provide an overview of the ingredients required for the recipe. For specific amounts and instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Canned Lump Crab Meat — The start of the show! Remember to drain and rinse the crab meat before adding the other ingredients.
- Mayonnaise — It binds the other ingredients together and makes for a creamy seafood salad.
- Celery — Provides freshness and a little bit of crunch to the crab salad.
- Seasonings — Old Bay Seasoning is the perfect pairing for crab salad. You can also add salt and pepper to taste.
- Parsley — Adds a little color and refreshes the palate.
- Lemon Juice — Adds a bright note to cut through the richness of the mayo and plays on the sweetness of the crab.
- Mini Croissants — Soft, but sturdy enough to hold up to the crab salad. You can sub any other bread you’d like, though.
How to Make a Crab Salad Sandwich
This section provides a brief overview of the instructions but the steps are not detailed. For exact step-by-step instructions, refer to the recipe card below.
Step 1: Drain and rinse the canned crab meat. Combine the crab with the mayonnaise, diced celery, chopped parsley, and Old Bay Seasoning. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 2: Cut the croissants in half lengthwise, and spread the crab salad on one half while topping with the other.
Serving Suggestions
You can serve so many different sides with this seafood sandwich to round out your meal. Crunchy chips would be great, as would some cool, creamy coleslaw. Pickle spears could cut through the richness of the crab salad. Of course, you can never go wrong with some well-seasoned fries!
Storage and Freezing
If you think you’ll have leftovers or want to use this for meal planning, store the crab salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the croissants at room temperature separately.
If the sandwiches are already put together, cover them with plastic wrap and store in the fridge, but eat within the next 12-24 hours to prevent the bread from getting too soggy.
Do not freeze crab meat salad.
Tips and Tricks
- Drain canned crab meat well, and rinse it. Carefully look through it for any shell pieces before adding the rest of the ingredients.
- Use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for a brighter, more natural flavor. Similarly, fresh parsley can make a noticeable difference compared to dried.
- Let the crab salad chill in the refrigerator for an hour or so before serving. This can help the flavors come together beautifully.
- Lightly toasting the croissants before putting the sandwiches together can make the croissants a little heartier and prevent them from becoming soggy too quickly.
Additions and Variations
Spice it up. Add a pinch of cayenne or a splash of hot sauce for a kick of heat in this crabmeat salad.
Add onions. Get more crunchy texture in this crab salad by adding diced red onions.
Swap the bread. While mini croissants are suggested, feel free to experiment with different types of bread like brioche buns or ciabatta rolls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh crab meat instead of canned?
Yes, fresh crab meat can be used and often provides a better flavor and texture, just ensure it’s cooked and cooled before mixing into the salad.
What can I substitute for Old Bay seasoning if I don’t have it?
A blend of celery salt, paprika, black pepper, and a touch of cayenne pepper can mimic the flavor of Old Bay seasoning.
Can the crab salad be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the crab salad up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator to let the flavors come together.
More Tasty Sandwich Recipes
Want more yummy sandwiches to nibble on? Try one of these!
Easy Crab Salad Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 12 ounces lump crab meat two cans
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 stalk celery finely chopped
- 1/2 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped
- Salt and pepper
- 8 mini croissants
Instructions
- Stir together the crab meat, mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, chopped celery, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cut each mini croissant in half lengthwise.
- Spread the crab salad over one half of the croissant and top with the other half.