Low Carb Keto Crab Salad Recipe

I used to side-eye crab salad at potlucks because it was always gloppy, sweet, and suspiciously… imitation.
When I finally made a keto version at home, it hit way different: juicy real crab meat, a punchy lemony dressing, and actual crunch from fresh veggies.
No weird fillers, no sugar bombs, and it actually fits my macros. Plus? It’s stupid-fast—ready in 10 minutes flat.

💡 WHAT SOLVES THE “SAD KETO” PROBLEM

Forget the sad, soggy seafood salads you might have suffered through before.
This one works because:

• Real lump crab meat — juicy, sweet, naturally low-carb, no mystery starches.
• Mayo + lemon + Old Bay — creamy, bright, and just enough seasoning to wake it all up.
• Fresh herbs — makes it taste clean and vibrant, not heavy.

🧾 INGREDIENTS THAT KEPT IT KETO

Here’s what you need and why it matters:

• Lump Crab Meat (12 oz) – 0g net carbs per serving, if you skip the imitation junk.
• Celery (1/3 cup, finely diced) – Crunch without the carbs. About 1g net carb.
• Red Onion (1/3 cup, finely diced) – Flavor punch. You could sub shallots or green onion if you want it milder.
• Mayonnaise (1/3 cup) – Fat carrier. Makes it rich and satisfying. I use an avocado oil mayo.
• Lemon Juice (2 tbsp) – Brightens everything. Fresh is better; bottled works in a pinch.
• Dijon Mustard (1 tbsp) – Brings tang and slight spice without added sugar.
• Old Bay Seasoning (3/4 tsp) – Iconic with seafood. Don’t skip it.
• Sea Salt & Black Pepper – To taste.
• Fresh Dill, Chives, and Parsley (1 tbsp each, chopped) – Loads of flavor, basically no carbs.

🔁 KETO SWAPS THAT ACTUALLY WORK

Want to tweak it? Here’s what works (and what messes it up):

Swap	How It Changes Things	My Take
Greek yogurt instead of mayo	Tangier, lower fat	Works, but use less lemon or it’ll get sharp
Green onion instead of red onion	Milder, sweeter	Perfect if you hate “raw onion” bite
Add diced avocado	Creamier, extra fat	A+ for texture and satiety
Add cooked shrimp	Heftier, meatier	Good if you’re low on crab

⚡ Heads up: I do NOT recommend dried herbs here. They’ll make it taste dusty, not fresh.

⚠️ KETO MISSTEPS AND HOW I FIXED THEM

What Went Wrong	Why It Happens	How to Fix It
Crab salad turned watery	Excess liquid from canned crab	Drain it super well before mixing
Dressing tasted flat	Not enough seasoning	Taste and adjust salt/lemon after mixing
Crab got mushy	Over-mixing	Gently fold it like you’re fluffing a pillow

👩‍🍳 HOW TO MAKE IT (STEP-BY-STEP)

1. Mix the dressing: Whisk together mayo, lemon juice, Dijon, Old Bay, salt, and pepper until smooth.
2. Toss the veg and herbs: In a big bowl, combine crab meat, celery, onion, and herbs.
3. Combine: Pour the dressing over and gently fold everything together.
4. Chill if you can: It’s good right away, but even better after an hour in the fridge.

✅ Texture tip: You want visible crab chunks, not a paste. Be gentle, not aggressive.

🧠 SMART MOVES I ALWAYS USE

• Drain the crab meat really well — especially if you buy the refrigerated canned stuff.
• Use a rubber spatula to mix — way better than a spoon for folding gently.
• Batch it for meal prep: Portion into 4 containers for easy 1-cup servings = no tracking drama.

🧊 HOW I STORE AND TRACK IT

• Fridge: Airtight container, up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Nope. Mayo breaks and the texture turns tragic.
• Macros (per 1 cup serving):
  • Calories: 217
  • Fat: 15.4g
  • Protein: 16.1g
  • Total Carbs: 2.6g
  • Net Carbs: 1.9g

❓ REAL KETO QUESTIONS, REAL ANSWERS

Q: Will this spike blood sugar?
A: Not if you use real crab and check your mayo label. Stay away from imitation crab — it’s basically fish-flavored candy.

Q: Can I use canned crab?
A: Yes, but buy the good stuff from the refrigerated section, not the shelf-stable cans. Drain it really well.

Q: Is it good for meal prep?
A: Yes! Actually gets better as the flavors meld. Just don’t freeze it.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size = 1 cup, recipe makes 4 servings

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	217 kcal
Fat	15.4 g
Saturated Fat	Not provided (likely ~2-3g based on mayo used)
Protein	16.1 g
Total Carbohydrates	2.6 g
Fiber	0.7 g
Net Carbs	1.9 g
Sugar	1.2 g
Cholesterol	Not listed, but likely moderate due to crab and mayo (~70-90mg)
Sodium	Not directly listed, but expected to be moderate-high from crab, Old Bay, and added salt (~400-600mg)

Check out More Recipes:

• I Thought Cobb Salad Was Boring—Then I Keto’d It
• Low Carb Keto Steak Salad Recipe
• Low Carb Keto Japanese Ginger Salad Dressing
• Asian Salad Dressing – Low-Carb, Keto-Friendly