Growing up in the Midwest, seafood wasn't always the star of our family meals, but when it was, it felt like a special occasion. This Southern-style creamy seafood salad with imitation crab is a nod to those rare and delightful moments. It's a dish that brings a taste of the coast to our landlocked kitchens, perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. The creamy dressing, combined with the tender imitation crab, makes for a refreshing and satisfying meal. Plus, it's incredibly easy to whip up, making it a great option for busy weekdays.

This seafood salad pairs beautifully with a side of buttery cornbread or a fresh green salad. If you're looking to make it a heartier meal, serve it with a bowl of creamy tomato soup. For a picnic or potluck, consider adding some crunchy coleslaw or a side of pickled vegetables to complement the creamy texture of the salad.

Servings: 4

1 pound imitation crab meat, flaked
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup green bell pepper, finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, and Old Bay seasoning. Mix until smooth.

Add the flaked imitation crab meat to the bowl and gently fold it into the dressing.

Stir in the chopped celery, red onion, and green bell pepper until evenly distributed.

Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed.

Sprinkle the chopped fresh dill over the top and give it one final gentle mix.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serve chilled, and enjoy!

For a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the dressing. If you're not a fan of imitation crab, you can substitute with cooked shrimp or even canned tuna for a different twist. To make this salad a bit more filling, consider adding cooked pasta like elbow macaroni or small shells. For a lighter version, swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt.

Copyright 2016 Cooktop Cove