Crab Salad Sandwich (Southern Deli-Style)

Crab salad sandwiches on a platter with lemon wedges.

5 from 1 vote

Crab Salad Sandwich (Southern Deli-Style)

Crab Salad Sandwich is a classic Southern deli-style seafood sandwich recipe made with imitation crab, crisp celery, lemon juice, and mayonnaise. The creamy filling is mixed in one bowl and chilled before being piled onto soft hoagie rolls for an easy lunch that's perfect for warm days, meal prep, and casual gatherings.

Prep Time15

Chill Time30

Total Time45

Course: Lunch, Main Course, Sandwich

Cuisine: American, Southern

Servings: sandwiches

Calories: 475kcal

Author: Jami Powell

Equipment

Large Mixing Bowl
Small Mixing bowl
Rubber spatula
Chef’s Knife
Cutting board

Ingredients

For the Crab Salad

24 ounces imitation crab meat (surimi) shredded or chopped
¾ cup mayonnaise
½ cup finely diced celery
2 tablespoons finely minced sweet onion
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
¼ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

For Serving

6 hoagie rolls
leaf lettuce optional
sliced tomatoes optional

Instructions

Place the imitation crab in a large mixing bowl. Shred it by hand or chop it into small bite-sized pieces for a classic deli-style texture.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, and black pepper until smooth.
Add the celery, onion, and parsley to the crab. Pour the dressing over the top and gently fold until evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend and the salad to firm up slightly.
Divide the crab salad evenly among the hoagie rolls and serve with leaf lettuce and sliced tomatoes if desired.

Video

Notes

Shredding the imitation crab creates the creamy, deli-style texture most people expect from crab salad sandwiches. For the best flavor, chill the salad before serving so the seasoning has time to distribute throughout the mixture.

Tips for Best Results

Shred the imitation crab rather than leaving large chunks to achieve a more traditional deli-style texture.
Mix the dressing separately before combining it with the crab to ensure even seasoning.
Chill the crab salad for at least 30 minutes so the flavors have time to develop.
Assemble the sandwiches just before serving to keep the hoagie rolls soft and fresh.

How to Know It's Ready

The crab salad should be creamy and evenly coated with no dry pockets of crab and the mixture should hold together easily when spooned onto a hoagie roll without appearing watery.

Nutrition