What To Serve With Crab Salad? 15 BEST Side Dishes

Craving crab salad but not sure what to pair it with? Look no further. This iconic dish, with its delicate, sweet flavors, can be wonderfully complemented with a range of different sides.

In this guide, we will explore 15 delicious side dishes that can elevate your crab salad experience from simply scrumptious to absolutely heavenly.

Looking for a quick answer?

The best side dishes to serve with crab salad are zucchini fritters, corn on the cob, grilled shrimp, mashed potatoes, salad Nicoise, Hawaiian roll breakfast sliders, chicken drumsticks, sweet potato fries, garlic bread, grilled asparagus, coconut rice, quinoa salad, bruschetta, cucumber salad, and roasted Brussels sprouts.

Now, let's get cooking!

1. Zucchini Fritters

These fritters offer a fantastic accompaniment to crab salad. The slight bitterness of the zucchini balances the sweetness of the crab, and the crispy exterior contrasts beautifully with the soft salad. Topped with some yogurt or sour cream, these fritters bring an unexpected yet delicious edge to your meal.

2. Corn on the Cob

Embrace summer vibes with this side dish. Its sweet crunchiness pairs wonderfully with the delicate flavors of the crab salad. Slather your corn in butter, sprinkle a pinch of salt, and you've got a delightful side that holds its own against the crab's sweetness.

3. Grilled Shrimp

Shrimp and crab, it's a match made in seafood heaven. Grilled shrimp, with their smoky flavor and firm texture, provide a contrasting element to the soft, sweet crab salad. Whether you serve it with garlic butter or a squeeze of lemon, it's sure to impress.

4. Mashed Potatoes

This might seem like an unusual choice, but the creamy, comforting flavor of mashed potatoes pairs wonderfully with crab salad. The starchiness of the potatoes can make the meal more filling, and with a hint of garlic or cheese, you're in for a delightful flavor combination.

5. Salad Nicoise

This traditional French salad combines tomatoes, hard-boiled eggs, olives, and anchovies. It's a bold, vibrant dish that stands up to the rich flavors of crab salad. Not only does it complement the crab's flavor profile, but it also adds a splash of color to your meal.

6. Hawaiian Roll Breakfast Sliders

Although the name might suggest otherwise, these sliders can be served any time of day. The sweetness of the Hawaiian rolls pairs perfectly with the salty, rich flavor of the crab salad. This delightful flavor contrast will keep you and your guests coming back for more.

7. Chicken Drumsticks

For a heartier accompaniment to your crab salad main course, try chicken drumsticks. Whether they're barbecued, baked, or fried, their robust flavor and hearty texture make a great counterpoint to the delicate crab. They add satisfying protein to the meal, ensuring a balanced and filling dining experience.

8. Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries offer a sweeter alternative to traditional fries and they pair perfectly with crab salad. The natural sweetness of the fries can highlight the crab's inherent sweetness, while the crispy texture contrasts with the softness of the salad. Season with a hint of rosemary or thyme, and you're in for a real treat.

9. Garlic Bread

Warm, crunchy, and loaded with garlic butter - garlic bread is an irresistible addition to any meal, including crab salad. The strong, savory flavors of the garlic provide a wonderful contrast to the crab's mild sweetness. Plus, the bread's crusty texture offers a nice change from the soft crab meat.

10. Grilled Asparagus

This simple and healthy side dish is a lovely counterpart to crab salad. The slightly bitter, earthy flavor of asparagus can cut through the richness of the crab, while its firm texture adds a nice crunch. Drizzle with some olive oil, sprinkle some salt, and grill to perfection.

11. Coconut Rice

For something a bit different, try pairing your crab salad with coconut rice. The aromatic, subtly sweet rice elevates the sweetness of the crab salad and adds a tropical twist to your meal. It's a mild, creamy side dish that complements the crab beautifully.

12. Quinoa Salad

A quinoa salad filled with fresh veggies can bring a lot of flavors and textures to the table. The light, fluffy quinoa and crunchy vegetables offer a wonderful contrast to the soft crab salad. Plus, it's packed with protein and fiber, making it a healthy side option.

13. Bruschetta

Crusty bread topped with tomatoes, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze - bruschetta is a flavorful, refreshing side dish that works well with crab salad. The acidity of the tomatoes and vinegar can cut through the richness of the crab, creating a balanced, delicious meal.

14. Cucumber Salad

This light, refreshing salad can be a great palate cleanser. The crunchiness of the cucumber, the tang of the vinegar, and the freshness of the dill can enhance the flavors of your crab salad. It's a simple, no-cook side dish that's easy to whip up.

15. Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts, with their caramelized outer layers and tender interior, bring a savory, hearty element to your meal. The slight bitterness of the sprouts can balance out the sweet, rich flavors of the crab salad, creating a delightful flavor contrast.

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