Cold Crab Dip Recipe with Old Bay Seasoning

Last updated on January 22nd, 2024

This super easy Cold Crab Dip Recipe with Old Bay Seasoning is a delicious and healthy recipe that will totally satisfy your love of crab meat!

With mostly fresh ingredients and no mayonnaise, you’ll feel good about eating this perfect appetizer.

Being born and raised in Maryland, crabs and anything crab related have been a staple in my diet all my life.

Because, as most people know, Maryland is for Crabs!

There’s absolutely nothing better than having a big platter of Old Bay spiced steamed crabs placed in front of you, alongside a bowl of hot melted butter.

However, crabs aren’t always in season, and even when they are, sometimes I just don’t feel like picking them to get that wonderfully delectable crab meat inside!

So, I decided I needed to make a healthy, easy dip recipe to contribute to my lifelong crab addiction.

Needless to say, this is one of my favorite dip recipes to serve at summer parties, on game days, or even for New Year’s Eve.

Just remember to let all of your guests know that crab meat is included in the recipe in case you have anybody with shellfish allergies.

Cold Crab Dip Recipe with Old Bay Seasoning

Healthy Cold Crab Dip Recipe

First of all, this easy appetizer is extremely healthy!

As a matter of fact, it’s very low carb and has lots of protein and good fats!

In addition, if you happen to be following the Weight Watchers plan, this recipe comes out to about 4 Smart Points per serving.

Not bad!

Easy Crab Dip Recipe

Secondly, this healthy cold dip recipe is super easy to make!

It only requires a little bit of chopping, juicing and some pan frying to prepare this wonderful dip!

Check out my 17 second video below showing the easy steps for making this Cold Crab Dip Recipe.

Ingredients

• Jumbo Lump Crab Meat, preferably fresh crab meat
• Fresh Tomato
• Red Onion
• Fresh Cilantro
• Minced Garlic
• Old Bay Seasoning
• Corn
• Avocado
• Lime
• Sea Salt

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Roast Ears of Corn

You don’t have to use corn on the cob.

Absolutely, you can save time and either use canned corn or frozen corn.

BUT, roasting and lightly browning your corn is a great way to really bring out the taste of the fresh corn on the cob.

So, if you decide to do this, first, boil your ears of corn for 4 to 5 minutes until they are cooked through.

Then, place the corn on the cob into a preheated, cast iron frying pan with some olive oil and salt.

Pan roast your corn over medium-high to high heat and turn the ears of corn frequently with tongs until all sides are lightly browned.

The roasting process adds that smokiness to the corn, which really enhances the flavors in the Cold Crab Dip Recipe.

Once your corn is roasted and has cooled somewhat, cut the corn off the cob and place it into a large bowl.

Step 2: Add Tomato, Cilantro, & Red Onion

Then, add your chopped tomato, finely chopped cilantro and red onion to the corn and mix well.

Step 3: Chop Avocado & Add Lime Juice

Because avocado can brown quickly, when you add it to the other ingredients, don’t mix it in yet.

First, juice your lime and drizzle the lime juice on top of the avocado to help prevent it from browning.

Then blend in with the other ingredients.

Step 4: Add Old Bay Seasoning, Salt, & Minced Garlic

After adding your spices, mix well with a large spoon.

Step 5: Add Lump Crab Meat & Combine

Finally, add your lump crab meat and gently fold it in with the other ingredients until it is fully combined.

Then, garnish with some sprigs of cilantro and a couple shakes of Old Bay Seasoning.

How Did It Turn Out?

At first, I was going to be stingy and save this easy appetizer for just my little family to eat.

But it was so darn good, I just had to invite over my neighbors, who happen to be my sister’s family, to partake in this crab meat goodness!

Everybody loved it and went back for seconds and thirds.

Additional Ingredients OR Substitutions 

• Lemon Juice and/or Lemon Zest
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
• Diced Bell Peppers
• Substitute Imitation Crab Meat for real Crab Meat
• Green Onion or Spring Onion
• Fresh Parsley
• Cayenne Pepper for a more spicy crab dip
• Black Pepper
• Fresh Chives
• Dash of Worcestershire Sauce

What To Serve With Cold Crab Dip?

Here are some delicious ‘dippers’ to serve with this easy Cold Crab Dip Recipe:

• Ritz Crackers
• Saltine Crackers
• Tortilla Chips
• Raw Vegetables – Celery Sticks, Carrots, 
• Pita Wedges or Pita Chips

In addition, to make it more of a meal, you can put a nice size scoop of this cold crab dip on a sandwich roll and eat it that way.

How To Store Cold Crab Dip

To store any leftover cold crab dip, place it in an airtight container.

If you don’t have a lid, use plastic wrap.

This crab dip keeps well in the refrigerator for a day or two.

As long as you store it properly, it will taste just as good the next day after making it.

Old Bay Seasoning

Obviously, another key to making this Cold Crab Dip Recipe is the Old Bay Seasoning.

It’s a Maryland made seasoning (did I mention I’m a proud Marylander?) and it spices the crab meat just the right amount without taking away from the taste of the crab.

For this crab dip, the more Old Bay Seasoning, the better!

Can You Buy Lump Crab Meat?

Thank goodness, yes!

I found the lump crab meat for this tasty dip in the seafood section of my local grocery store.

Most grocery stores carry lump crab meat.

In addition, you can find it at any local seafood market.

Want to learn more about lump crab meat?

Check out this article from Southern Living: This Is What You Need To Know About Lump Crab.

Cold Crab Dip Recipe with Old Bay Seasoning

Lastly, here are a few more crabby posts from us:

Maryland Hot Crab Dip

Crab Cakes with Remoulade Sauce

Maryland Crab Pizza

Cream of Crab Soup: Maryland’s Grand Prize Recipe

Maryland Deviled Eggs with Crab and Old Bay Seasoning