Keto Creamy Crab and Macaroni Salad
This is the cool, creamy classic — sweet crab chunks, crunchy celery, and tender low-carb macaroni folded into a tangy sour cream and Dijon dressing with fresh dill and lemon. Every bite is creamy, fresh, and satisfying, the kind of salad that disappears first at every cookout and potluck.
High in protein, keto-friendly, and ready in 15 minutes — the summer side that never lets you down.
Why You'll Love This
Sweet crab, crunchy celery, creamy dill dressing
~18g protein per serving, only ~5g net carbs
15 minutes, no cooking if the pasta's ready
The cookout classic, made keto
Amazing Protein Recipes
Keto Creamy Crab and Macaroni Salad
- Prep10 min
- Cook10 min
- Total20 min
- Servings6 servings
- Calories253 kcal
- saucepan
- colander
- mixing bowl
- whisk
- spoon
Ingredients
- For the salad
- For the dressing
Instructions
- Cook the low-carb macaroni according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and cool completely.
- In a large bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon, lemon juice, Old Bay, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Add the cooled macaroni, crab chunks, celery, red onion, and dill. Fold gently until everything is coated.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Chill at least 30 minutes before serving — the flavors marry and the dressing thickens.
- Serve cold, garnished with extra dill.
Notes & Tips
- Cool the pasta completely: Warm pasta soaks up the dressing and turns the salad dry — cold pasta keeps it creamy.
- Fold, don't stir: Crab chunks break apart easily — fold gently to keep them in beautiful pieces.
- Chill is mandatory: 30 minutes minimum, but 2 hours is even better — the flavors deepen dramatically.
- Taste before serving: Cold dulls seasoning — check the salt again right before serving.
- Nutrition: Per serving (estimate): 260 calories, 18g fat.
- Fridge: Store airtight up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended — mayo-based salads don't freeze well.
Variations & serving ideas
- Real crab: Lump crab meat is a delicious upgrade — fold it in even more gently.
- Shrimp version: Swap half the crab for cooked shrimp.
- Extra crunch: Add diced cucumber or bell pepper.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
Storage
- Perfect for meal prep — it tastes even better on day two.
- The Secret to Macaroni Salad That Stays Creamy
- The secret is the cold pasta plus the chill time. Warm pasta drinks up dressing like a sponge, leaving the salad dry by serving time. Completely cooled pasta holds its texture, and the 30-minute chill lets the dressing cling to every piece instead of pooling at the bottom of the bowl.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving · makes 6 servings
| Nutrient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 253 kcal |
| Total fat | 16 g |
| Saturated fat | 2.2 g |
| Cholesterol | 23 mg |
| Sodium | 489 mg |
| Total carbohydrate | 5 g |
| Fibre | 2.9 g |
| Sugars | 0.5 g |
| Protein | 18 g |
Nutrition values are approximate and vary with brands and portion sizes.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to make Keto Creamy Crab and Macaroni Salad?
About 20 minutes in total: 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking.
What ingredients do I need for Keto Creamy Crab and Macaroni Salad?
The key ingredients include celery, red onion, dill, dijon mustard, old bay seasoning and garlic powder. The recipe card lists every ingredient with exact amounts.
How should I store leftovers?
Fridge: Store airtight up to 3 days.
How many servings does this recipe make?
It makes 6 servings.
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