Are you looking for a special side dish to go along with a celebratory meal? This recipe has been a tradition in our family for years. It always brings to mind memories of gatherings from the past and a few candlelit family dinners. Most of this side dish can be prepared the night before, so there’s no last-minute rush to get everything on the table. My mouth is watering just thinking of this easy seafood salad recipe. It’s a seafood extravaganza!
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This seafood salad recipe appeared in the Food Day section of the Oregonian a number of years ago, having been reprinted from the “Favorites of ’63” bulletin in the now-defunct Oregon Journal. Originally, it was listed as “Mrs. Hager’s Shrimp, Crab, Bread Salad”. Now, wait a minute, don’t be weirded out by the bread part. It seems strange, I’ll admit, but it really helps pull everything together. In my family, we have modified the recipe by adding more seafood and less onion. So here is the recipe for my most-favorite special side-dish of all time, which I’m very excited to share with you. First, I have to set the scene.
Table of Contents
The Perfect Scenario for this Easy Seafood Salad Recipe
In my imagination, the perfect setting for serving this marvelous salad goes like this. A candlelit table is set for two, and a fire is crackling in the fireplace. Big band music is playing softly in the background. Fine china dishes, ornate silverware, and crystal goblets grace the table, which is draped in a deep burgundy tablecloth. I invite my dear husband to have a seat across from me, and we gaze adoringly at each other over a delectable pan of bubbling lasagna. Death by Chocolate Trifle is chilling in the refrigerator for dessert. But wait, something is missing. Oh yes, the irresistible side dish, seafood salad. I bring the previously-prepared salad plates to the table, ask a blessing, and commence enjoying the romantic dinner for two. Bliss! Of course, this scenario has never really happened, but it could. Maybe.
But I digress. Without further fanfare or flights of imagination, here’s the easy recipe for my ultimate favorite special side dish.
Ingredients for Easy Seafood Salad
1 large loaf sliced white sandwich bread
Butter
1 tablespoon onion, finely chopped
4 hard-cooked eggs, finely chopped
1 pound of cooked shrimp (you could also use 2 or 3 cans of small shrimp, drained)
1/2 pound of fresh crab meat (you could also use 1 or 2 cans of crab meat)
1 cup finely cubed celery
3 cups mayonnaise (not salad dressing), more or less to taste
Directions for Easy Seafood Salad
Cut crusts from bread and spread slices lightly with butter. Cut into small cubes so that each slice is cut into about 20 cubes. (I use an electric knife for this step.)
Add chopped onion and chopped hard-cooked eggs. Refrigerate overnight.
In the morning, add shrimp, crab, celery, and mayonnaise.
Mix lightly to combine very well. Cover and let stand 3 or 4 hours in the refrigerator before serving.
To serve, pile lightly on plates rimmed with salad greens. Garnish with slices of cucumbers and cherry tomatoes, if desired. Makes 12 generous servings.
Easy Seafood Salad
Equipment
- Electric knife
Ingredients
- 1 loaf sliced white sandwich bread
- 1 cube butter
- 1 tbsp onion finely chopped
- 4 eggs hard-cooked and finely chopped
- 1 pound cooked shrimp (or 2-3 cans small cooked shrimp, drained)
- ½ pound fresh crab meat (or 1-2 cans crab meat, drained)
- 1 cup celery finely cubed
- 3 cups mayonnaise more or less to taste
Instructions
- Cut crusts from bread and spread slices lightly with butter.
- Cut into small cubes so that each slice is cut into about 20 cubes with an electric knife.
- Add chopped onion and chopped hard-cooked eggs.
- Refrigerate overnight.
- In the morning, add shrimp, crab, celery and mayonnaise.
- Mix lightly to combine very well.
- Cover and let stand 3 or 4 hours in the refrigerator before serving.
- To serve, pile lightly on plates rimmed with salad greens. Garnish with slices of cucumbers and cherry tomatoes, if desired
An Essential Tool
This recipe would not be nearly as easy to make without one crucial kitchen tool: an electric knife. The one pictured below is exactly like the one I have, complete with a storage case. This knife is also very useful for carving a turkey or slicing a ham. It makes the slicing of the buttered bread loaf in this recipe a snap.
Is There Room for This Easy Seafood Salad Recipe at Your Next Celebratory Meal?
Is there room in your recipe repertoire for seafood salad? Let me know if you give this recipe a try. Better yet, take a picture and tag me on Instagram and I’ll feature you in my story.
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If you would like even more recipe ideas, consider following my Easy Recipes board on Pinterest. Have a fabulous day, and enjoy experiencing seafood salad.
I remember this salad from 45 years ago at least. It’s the only time my mom would buy white Wonder bread! Great for a family gathering and perfect that I found this for a Labor Day celebration.
I’m so glad! This seafood salad with shrimp, crab, and bread makes any occasion special.
So glad to find this recipe again. I made a similar one more than twenty years ago then lost the recipe. It called for imitation “Krab” which was just fine, and it got compliments.
I’m adding ingredients to my shopping list to experience it again. Thank you.
The bread very good in it – kind makes it reminiscent of a sandwich, but so good as a salad,
Yes, the bread is definitely an interesting ingredient. I’m so glad you are going to try this seafood salad recipe again. Enjoy!
This seafood salad is easy! The bread is an interesting addition. Thanks for sharing this side dish recipe.
I’m glad you liked this easy seafood salad. Maybe it will become a holiday tradition for you like it is in my family.
Love this recipe! With the bread in it, it is a perfect meal for me! Thank you, I can’t wait to try this!!
Great! Thanks for your enthusiasm. I hope you enjoy trying it.
Thank you so much for joining us today at You’re The Star. Your special recipe looks delicious. I cannot wait to try it. Happy Valentine’s Day, Kippi
Kippi,
Thanks so much for having me on You’re the Star. I hope you do get the chance to try seafood salad. Happy Valentine’s Day to you as well!
Lisa
Yum, what a different salad. I have to try it. Old family recipes are the best.
Happy Valentine’s Day, Kippi #kippiathome
Kippi,
Yes, this family recipe is definitely a favorite. I hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day!
Lisa
I’ve never heard of this salad/side dish! What an interesting combos flavors. Thanks for sharing.
Cindy,
It is a bit unusual, I think. If you like shrimp and crab, you should definitely give this a try. Thanks for your comment, and have a wonderful week!
Lisa
I had no idea there would be bread in a salad like this. looks yummy!
~Emily from So Sunny Day
Emily,
Yes, the bread is kind of a surprising ingredient. I think it absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients so that the salad seems to have more seafood in it than it really does. I hope you get to try it out. If you do, please let me know what you think. Have a lovely day!
Lisa