Keto Crab Salad
A cool, creamy lump crab salad bound in lemony Dijon mayo with crisp celery and bell pepper. At just 3g net carbs and ready in 15 minutes, it's a fast, protein-rich keto lunch you can pile onto lettuce cups or eat straight from the bowl.
Head of Nutrition · June 18, 2026
Nutrition per serving
Per serving · makes 4. Values are estimates; brands vary.
This creamy keto crab salad comes together in 15 minutes with no cooking at all. Sweet lump crab, crunchy vegetables, and a bright lemon-Dijon dressing make it a refreshing high-protein lunch that keeps net carbs low.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lump crab meat, drained and picked over for shells
- 1/2 cup full-fat mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced (about 3/4 cup)
- 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill (or 1 tbsp parsley)
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- 1
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- 2
Add the diced celery, red bell pepper, green onions, and dill, and stir to coat in the dressing.
- 3
Gently fold in the lump crab meat, keeping the pieces as intact as possible so the salad stays chunky rather than mushy.
- 4
Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and lemon. Cover and chill for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- 5
Serve cold in butter lettuce cups, over greens, or alongside cucumber slices.
Tips & notes
- Use refrigerated lump or jumbo lump crab for the best texture; canned crab works in a pinch but drain it very well and pat dry to avoid a watery salad.
- For extra richness and healthy fats, fold in 1/2 diced avocado just before serving (adds about 1g net carb per portion).
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Do not freeze, as mayo-based salads separate when thawed.
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Frequently asked questions
- How many carbs are in keto crab salad?
- This recipe makes 4 servings, each with 3g net carbs (4.1g total carbs minus 1.1g fiber), 268 calories, 20g protein, and 19g fat, making it an easy fit for a keto or low-carb day.
- What can I serve keto crab salad with?
- Serve it in butter or romaine lettuce cups, over a bed of mixed greens, stuffed into halved avocados, or scooped onto cucumber rounds and celery sticks. Skip bread and crackers to keep it keto.
- Can I make keto crab salad ahead of time?
- Yes. It actually tastes better after chilling, so make it up to a day in advance and store covered in the fridge. Give it a gentle stir before serving and add a fresh squeeze of lemon if needed.
