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!
Marissa says
Yum! I bet this dip would disappear in a hot second at picnics and potlucks! Pinned to try this summer!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
Definitely! Thank you Marissa! Hope you love it 🙂
Jessica says
10 minutes! Love a quick, easy and delicious recipe – perfect for summertime potlucks too!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
Totally! Thanks Jessica 🙂
Julia says
Perfect for summer entertaining!!! Seafood and nice weather always go good together!!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
Definitely! Thanks Julia 🙂
Kevin says
What a fantastic idea for a “different” dip, definitely a must try over here! Love how fast it all comes together as well!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
Thanks so much, Kevin! It’s a yummy one 🙂
Katherine | Love In My Oven says
I’m glad you re-posted this one because I never would have seen it! Seafood! Yum. Seafood is always better in the summer, don’t you think!? This dip looks like a great summer snack!!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
Thanks Katherine!! It sure is 🙂
Laura says
Dawn, what a lovely dip! I’d be standing at the buffet table with you just scooping up the dip! So good, and such a simple recipe! On my list!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
Yay! Thank you Laura! Hope you love it 🙂
annie@ciaochowbambina says
I am with you….wherever the dip is located – you’re sure to find me! Especially if it’s this one! This looks amazing, my friend!! xoxo
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
Woo hoo! Thank you so much, Annie! XOXO
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop says
Perfect for summertime parties! Although I might just have to make it for myself and not share it at all! 🙂
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
Hahaha…I can’t blame ya there 😉 Thanks Kathy!
Haylie / Our Balanced Bowl says
Give me a box of crackers and I’m SO down for this seafood dip! I love that its layered and that cream cheese layer looks so insanely creamy! YUM! I love this idea as an appetizer for Summer…so refreshing and delish! Great one as always, girl! Happy Monday! Xo
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
Right??! Thank you Haylie! XOXO
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
This would be a total hit at the beach Dawn! And takes only 10 minutes?! I’m so in. Pinned and can’t wait to try!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
Yep! So happy to hear that! Enjoy, my friend 🙂
David @ Spiced says
What a fun recipe idea, Dawn! This is super easy, and it would be great for summer gatherings with friends. I love the flavor profile here! Also, I spent the weekend with a Newfie at a curling tournament, and I totally pulled out a couple of your “Speak like a Newfie” lines. #NotKidding We also spent some time looking through some of your traditional Newfoundland recipes. 🙂 I hope you had a great weekend, my friend!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
Yes! That’s too funny, David! You’ll be visiting Newfoundland one day, I’m sure! Hope your week is going great 🙂 Thanks so much!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
Yes please! Loving everything about this dip. So pretty, delicious and I’m loving the ready in 10 minutes part 🙂
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
Can never go wrong with an easy dip recipe, right?? Thanks so much, Jennifer!
Ben|Havocinthekitchen says
Italians would probably say that seafood and fish don’t go well together while I’d say sometimes it’s a perfect combo. Certainly, you’ve proved my statement 🙂 I’ll definitely need to try this dip. Probably, I’ll adjust the idea by using my favourite smoked mussels / oysters, too. Well done!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
Hope you love it! It’s definitely versatile with seafood options. Thanks so much 🙂
Valentina says
If this is even half as delicious as it is pretty, it’s a huge hit! Love this combination of ingredients and I’m all about dips and salsas with chips during the summer. Just hand me a cocktail and I’m all set. 😉 Cheers! ~Valentina
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
Thank you so much!! You’re so kind 🙂
Sarah says
This sounds so good!!!! I’m always up for a good dip, and I love me some seafood 😀 I need to try this for my next par-tay!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
Yay! Hope you love it, Sarah!