King Crab Salad Recipe (Simple and Easy)

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Alaskan King Crab Salad Recipe. Simple. Easy, Delicious! A must-try recipe that genuinely highlights fresh seafood. Served with a light vinaigrette.

Here are some more well-loved seafood recipes to try: Classic Lobster Bisque Recipe (Easy), Italian Seafood Salad (Insalata di Mare Antipasto), Crispy Calamari Air Fryer Recipe (Easy and Light), Seared Scallops Charred Lemon and Butter, and my favorite stuffed salmon recipe.

platted final dish with crab and salad on a large platter
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King Crab Salad Recipe (Simple and Easy)

This King Crab Salad Recipe is simple and delicious as an appetizer or a light meal. We’ve served king crab this way ever since I can remember and it is THE BEST. Dare I say, I like it better this way than dipped in butter!

Simple Ingredients

You will be surprised at how easy this dressing comes together with just a few ingredients in a bowl and finish by whisking it together

Vinaigrette

  • Olive oil (good quality)
  • Red wine vinegar
  • Salt and pepper

Crab Salad

  • 2 Alaskan King Crab legs (shelled)
  • 2 cups Romain salad, roughly chopped
  • A few leaves of red radicchio salad (mainly for decoration)

K.I.S.S (Keep It Simple Seafood)

When it comes to fresh seafood my advice is this: KISS (Keep it Simple Seafood). Highlight the natural fresh flavor of the fish or seafood by keeping the ingredients simple and natural.

This Alaskan King Crab is so flavorful you don’t need to add much to make it the star of the show.

Alaskan King crab legs are succulent, mildly sweet and tender, with snow-white meat with highlights of bright red. Add a little drizzle of light vinaigrette and that is all you need!

big chunks of crab meat on a plate with salad

What Sets King Crabs Apart?


King crabs have an incredible combination of size and taste. While often compared to snow crabs due to their long legs, king crabs have a unique flavor and texture.

Their meat is softer and more delicate than crabs from the east coast and has an almost sweet taste.

Alaskan king crab have a sweet and succulent flavor with moist, firm and rich meat. The claw and leg meat is somewhat firmer than the body meat.

King crab legs are always precooked and can be served either hot or cold.

Plus, since no fish farming is allowed in Alaska, you’ll know your king crab is wild and sustainably caught.

Can I Substitute Imitation Crab

In short, no! I do not substituting imitation crab for this recipe since the taste and texture is completely different. The beauty of this dish is the pure and fresh- real crab meat.

If you have a shell fish allergy than imitation crab is your best option.

Variations

We love the simple and beautiful flavors of this recipe as it is. If you want to change things a bit- try these ideas:

  • Add a little lemon juice for freshness
  • Use Bay Seasoning
  • Add a little fresh dill
  • Toss in some red onion
  • Toss with pasta to make a tasty pasta salad
  • Garnish with finely chopped green onions
  • Make it creamy by adding a little mayonnaise or sour cream

More pasta salad ideas: Easy Lemon Ricotta Pasta with Asparagus, Easy Italian Tortellini Pasta Salad, Easy Italian Style Pasta Salad with Arugula, and Greek Style Pasta Salad.

Don’t forget to make some Easy Soft Italian No Knead Bread! You can make a crab salad sandwich with any leftovers!

Serving Suggestions

We love this salad as an appetizer. It goes well with Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta in Cream Sauce, Orzo Pasta with Shrimp, Sun-dried Tomatoes, and Artichokes, and a bright lemon dessert Frozen Lemon Dessert (Creamy Lemony Treat).

Tips for Shelling Crab Legs

Watch this super helpful VIDEO for shelling crab legs.

From my cucina to your table- Mangia! Mangia! (Eat!)

More Delicious Seafood Recipes for YOU

Orzo Pasta with Shrimp, Sun-dried Tomatoes, and Artichokes

Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta in Cream Sauce

Spaghetti Frutti di Mare (Seafood Pasta)

Insalata Di Polpo

You will love this simple and easy King Crab Salad Recipe as an appetizer, light meal, or side dish!

Don’t forget to leave a star rating and review! I love to connect with all of you through my recipes.

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king crab on a plate with lettuce and cup of salad dressing

King Crab Salad Recipe (simple and easy)

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Alaskan King Crab Salad Recipe. Simple. Easy, Delicious! A must try recipe that truly highlights the seafood. Served with a light vinaigrette. 

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 2 Alaskan King Crab legs (shelled)
  • 2 cups Romain salad, roughly chopped
  • A few leaves of red radicchio salad (mainly for decoration)

Vinaigrette (this will make more than you need)

  • 1/2 cup good quality olive oil
  • 2 Tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
  • Salt and Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1.  Remove the crab meat from the shell. See tips from VIDEO.
  2.  Make vinaigrette by combining the vinaigrette ingredients in a small bowl and whisking until well combined
  3. Place Romain salad on a large platter. Add radicchio to decorate and add color. Place shelled crab meat on top of salad. Drizzle desired amount of vinaigrette on top of the salad and crab.
  • Author: Elena Davis
  • Prep Time: 20 min
  • Cook Time: N/A
  • Category: Savory
  • Method: Italian
  • Cuisine: Italian

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About Elena

My dream is to share delicious wholesome recipes that you will share around the table with all your loved ones. The memories surrounded by food are the heart and soul of CucinaByElena.

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3 Comments

  1. Want to make this for dinner. Do you cook the crab legs ? I’ve seen them frozen in grocery stores.
    Thanks

    1. Hi Renee- in most stores they are already cooked and all you have to do is thaw them and take them out of the shell. Enjoy!