This seafood dip is super super easy and tasty! There’s a rich cream cheese base that’s topped with seafood sauce, imitation crab and plenty of fresh veggies, dill and zesty lemon!
Hey friends!
Today I’m resharing a favourite easy imitation crab dip with you all.
It literally takes about 10 minutes to whip up (which makes it a fabulous candidate for taking to parties this summer).
And, I don’t know about you, but whenever I see a delicious dip at a party, I gravitate towards it. I’m pretty sure I could make an entire meal out of dip. You too?
Ingredients for Seafood Dip
- Cream cheese
- Mayonnaise
- Plenty of fresh lemon juice (and zest) to brighten things up
- Seafood (cocktail) sauce
- Imitation crab
- Veggies, like celery and green onion
- Dill & a little black pepper
How To Make This Dip
Basically, this seafood dip has a creamy base and is topped with everything else. Super duper easy! Full details are in the recipe card below, but here are the basics:
- In a food processor, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise and lemon juice. Cover and process until smooth & creamy.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly onto a large platter (about a 12-inch platter).
- Spoon over seafood sauce.
- Then distribute imitation crab, chopped celery, green onion, black pepper, dill, lemon juice and lemon zest over top. Enjoy!
Can I Use Another Type of Seafood?
Absolutely!
This dip is made with imitation crab (which is super convenient) because it’s all ready to use when you are.
If you don’t like imitation crab, though, you have other options (which is always a good thing, if you ask me). Other delicious options are:
- Chopped cooked fresh crab
- Small cooked shrimp, roughly chopped
Tip: If you opt to use frozen shrimp that are already cooked, thaw them, chop and squeeze any excess water out of them with a tea towel before adding to the dip.
What To Serve With This Dip
- I love to serve this seafood cream cheese dip with crackers. Nothing fancy, it just works.
- Chips (like thick-cut) are delicious with this dip.
- Veggie sticks, like carrot and celery, or slices of bell pepper or cucumber are yummy lower carb options.
Tip: When entertaining, serve this easy seafood dip as part of a seafood platter with some other seafood faves. This smoked salmon appetizer would be lovely to go along with.
Tips and Variations for Making This Imitation Crab Dip
- Ensure your cream cheese is softened so it blends well with the mayonnaise and lemon juice.
- Chop the imitation crab, celery and green onion small. Nobody wants big chunks when dipping.
- Both dried dill or fresh dill works. Use whatever you have. Just remember, if using fresh you want about ⅓ more (dried is more potent).
- Zest lemon before juicing (it’s way easier to get the zest off that way).
- Don’t have a lemon zester? Use a box grater on the smallest size.
- You can use sour cream or yogurt in place of mayonnaise if you like.
More Easy Dip Recipes
If you make this imitation crab dip, be sure to leave a comment below!
This seafood dip was originally published in September 2015 but has been updated.
Seafood Dip
Ingredients
- 1 (8-ounce) package light cream cheese, softened (a 250-gram package)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- ½ cup seafood sauce (cocktail sauce)
- ½ pound crab flavoured alaskan polluck (imitation crab), chopped
- 1 rib celery, chopped small
- 3 stalks green onion, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon dried dill (dill weed)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Chopped fresh dill, garnish to taste (optional)
Instructions
- Add cream cheese, mayonnaise, and juice from half a lemon (about 1.5 tablespoons of juice) to a food processor. Process until combined and smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes. Stop to scrape sides of processor with a spatula, as necessary.Note: Before juicing, zest your lemon (it's easier to zest that way).
- Spread mixture evenly over a round serving platter or plate, about 12 inches in diameter.
- Next, spread seafood sauce evenly over cream cheese mixture.
- Top with imitation crab, then celery, green onion, dill and black pepper.
- Squeeze remaining half of lemon (about 1.5 tablespoons of lemon juice) over the dip. Sprinkle with lemon zest and garnish with fresh dill, if using. Serve with your favourite crackers, chips or veggie sticks. Enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure your cream cheese is softened to room temperature so it blends well with the mayonnaise and lemon juice.
- Chop the imitation crab, celery and green onion small. Nobody wants big chunks when dipping.
- Both dried dill or fresh dill works. Use whatever you have. Just remember, if using fresh you want about ⅓ more (dried is more potent).
- Zest lemon before juicing (it’s way easier to get the zest off that way).
- Don’t have a lemon zester? Use a box grater on the smallest size.
A note on times provided: appliances vary, any prep and/or cook times provided are estimates only.
© Girl Heart Food Inc. Photographs and content are copyright protected.
Tried this recipe?
If you do make this recipe, thank you!! It would mean so much if you could leave a comment below. Love to know how you enjoyed it, and it helps other readers too!
Leanne | Crumb Top Baking says
Seafood dips take me back to my childhood. We always had them at family get-togethers! This one is sure to be a crowd pleaser this summer. And gotta love the convenience of imitation crab!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
Definitely!! Thanks so much, Leanne 🙂
Sabrina says
You had me at seafood dip…then again at 10 minutes! This recipe is a crowd pleasing winner, a nice cold appetizer on a hot day and I really appreciate the ease and speed of prep. Thanks!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
Lol…right?? Thanks Sabrina!