This crab salad with cucumber and tomato is one of those dishes that surprises you with how simple and satisfying it is.
It’s fresh, creamy, garlicky, and perfect for hot summer days or when you need something light but flavorful on the table.
Made in just 15 minutes, it’s the kind of recipe that works great as a lunch, side dish, or even a party appetizer.
Why You’ll Love This Crab Salad
No cooking required – just chop, mix, and chill
Cool and refreshing – ideal for summer or light meals
Flavor-packed – garlic, mayo, and crab are a dream combo
Easy to customize – works great with real or imitation crab
Stays crisp in the fridge – even with tomatoes and cucumber
Ready in 15 minutes – quick prep with big results
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Imitation crab meat – easy to shred, mild, and budget-friendly
English cucumber – crisp, seedless, and refreshing
Fresh tomatoes – juicy and sweet, but drained for texture
Green onions – mild, fresh onion flavor
Mayonnaise – creamy base for the dressing
Fresh garlic – adds a zesty, savory kick
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use English cucumber for fewer seeds and more crunch
Drain diced tomatoes to avoid watery salad
Pulse crab meat in a food processor for fast shredding
Adjust mayo to taste depending on how creamy you like it
Chill before serving to let flavors meld and salad firm up
How to Make Crab Salad with Cucumber and Tomato
Prep the crab
Chop or shred the imitation crab into small bite-sized pieces.
You can use a knife or pulse it briefly in a food processor for a finer texture.
Chop the vegetables
Dice the cucumber into small cubes.
Dice the tomatoes and drain off any excess juice to avoid sogginess.
Chop the green onions finely.
Mix the base
In a large bowl, combine the shredded crab, cucumber, tomatoes, and green onions.
Stir gently to mix.
Make the dressing
In a separate small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise and pressed garlic until smooth.
Combine and chill
Pour the garlic mayo dressing over the salad ingredients and toss to coat.
Adjust mayo to your preferred creaminess.
Cover and chill until ready to serve.
What to Serve It With
Crackers or toast points – for scooping
Lettuce wraps or lettuce cups – for a light lunch
Grilled fish or shrimp – perfect seafood pairing
Avocado halves – serve salad inside for a fancy twist
Cold pasta – mix with pasta for a seafood pasta salad
Variations / Substitutions
Use real crab meat for a more luxurious version
Add diced avocado for creaminess and color
Try dill or parsley in place of green onions
Swap mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter option
Add chopped boiled eggs to make it heartier
Storage & Leftovers
Fridge: Store covered in the fridge for up to 2 days
Do not freeze – texture won’t hold up
Drain excess liquid before serving again
Make ahead tip: Prep ingredients separately and mix just before serving
FAQs
Can I use canned crab meat?
Yes, but drain it well and make sure it’s high quality for best flavor.
What kind of cucumber works best?
English cucumber is ideal—crunchy, seedless, and doesn’t water down the salad.
Is imitation crab real seafood?
Yes! It’s made from white fish (usually pollock) and flavored to taste like crab.
Can I make this spicy?
Absolutely—add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.
Is this salad keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s low in carbs as long as you use a sugar-free mayo.
Can I use other veggies?
Yes—chopped bell peppers or celery add great crunch and color.
Will it get soggy in the fridge?
Not if you drain the tomatoes well and don’t overdress.
It actually stays crisp for up to two days.
Final Thoughts
This crab salad with cucumber and tomato is one of those rare dishes that’s light and refreshing, but still deeply satisfying.
It’s easy to make, easy to love, and perfect for lunch, picnics, or summer gatherings.
Once you try it, it’ll be a go-to recipe for warm weather and beyond.
Full Recipe Card
Ingredients
1 lb (16 oz) imitation crab meat, chopped or shredded
1 English cucumber, diced small
2 medium tomatoes, diced and drained
1/4 cup chopped green onions
3 cloves garlic, pressed
1/2 cup mayonnaise (or to taste)
Instructions
Chop or shred crab into small pieces.
Dice cucumber and tomatoes. Drain tomatoes.
In a large bowl, combine crab, cucumber, tomatoes, and green onions.
Mix mayo and garlic in a separate bowl.
Add dressing to salad and toss. Chill before serving.
