Tender shrimp, sweet lump crab, crisp greens, and a light dressing that ties it all together. Now imagine taking that classic shrimp and crab salad and giving it a fresh, vibrant twist—without complicating your weeknight dinner plans.

That’s where herbs come in. These four unexpected herb combos will turn your go-to seafood salad into a showstopper worthy of weekend entertaining or meal prep royalty.

I remember the first time I made a shrimp and crab salad—I was hosting a small dinner party and wanted something elegant but easy. I threw together what I had on hand, added a sprig of dill from my windowsill garden, and suddenly… magic . My guests couldn’t stop raving. That one little herb made all the difference.

This recipe is not only quick and budget-friendly—it's also endlessly customizable. And if you love seafood salads, don’t miss our equally crave-able grilled shrimp avocado salad for more ocean-inspired goodness.

Let’s dive into how you can upgrade your bowl with just a handful of fresh herbs!

What Is Shrimp and Crab Salad?

Ever wonder why we call it shrimp and crab salad ? It’s not exactly poetic, but sometimes simplicity speaks volumes. After all, when you’re working with two of the ocean’s most flavorful proteins, there’s no need to overcomplicate things.

Would it be as appealing if we called it “Marinated Crustacean Medley Over Greens”? Probably not. But isn’t that just proof that food doesn’t have to sound fancy to taste divine?

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach—but let’s be honest, it works for everyone. Whether you're serving it at lunch, dinner, or packing it for work, this dish always hits the spot.

And trust me—you’ll want to keep reading. Because once you learn how to jazz it up with these four fresh herb combos, you may never go back to plain old parsley again.

Why You'll Love This Shrimp and Crab Salad

There’s so much to love about this shrimp and crab salad , starting with its perfect balance of creamy and crunchy textures. The natural sweetness of the seafood pairs beautifully with a light dressing, while the herbs add layers of aromatic freshness that elevate every bite.

It’s incredibly cost-effective, too—especially if you opt for high-quality frozen seafood (more on that later). Compared to dining out for a similar dish, making this at home can save you nearly half the price tag.

What really sets this salad apart are the fresh herbs —they bring brightness, complexity, and chef-level flair without any extra effort. Think of it like swapping out regular salt for flaky sea salt: same concept, completely different experience.

If you’ve ever enjoyed our crab avocado lettuce wraps , you’ll appreciate how this salad builds on those same clean, satisfying flavors—just with a refreshing green base and more protein power.

Ready to whip up a bowl that tastes like summer in every bite? Let’s get started!

How to Make Shrimp and Crab Salad

Quick Overview

This shrimp and crab salad comes together in under 30 minutes and requires minimal cooking. Simply prepare your seafood (or use pre-cooked), toss everything with your favorite greens, a light dressing, and finish with one of our game-changing herb combos.

The flavor profile is fresh, slightly briny, and delicately sweet—with just the right amount of herbal pop. Perfect for warm weather, yet hearty enough to enjoy year-round.

No special equipment needed—just a few bowls, a knife, and a fork. Ready in 25 minutes total.

Key Ingredients for Shrimp and Crab Salad

Here’s what you’ll need for one generous serving (adjust quantities for batch prep):

• 4 oz cooked shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 3 oz lump crab meat (drained if canned)
• 2 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, spinach, romaine, etc.)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, avocado, red onion
• Choose one herb combo from below:

Herb Combo #1 – Bright Basil & Mint

Herb Combo #2 – Earthy Cilantro & Dill

Herb Combo #3 – Zesty Parsley & Chives

Herb Combo #4 – Bold Oregano & Thyme

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the seafood : If using raw shrimp, cook them quickly in a skillet with a bit of oil until pink and opaque (about 2–3 minutes per side). Drain and cool. If using canned crab, rinse lightly and drain well.
2. Toss the greens : In a large bowl, combine your mixed greens with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to coat.
3. Add the seafood : Place shrimp and crab over the greens. If desired, add optional veggies like sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, or avocado chunks.
4. Finish with herbs : Choose one of the herb combos above and finely chop. Sprinkle generously over the top.
5. Serve immediately : Enjoy your salad as-is or with a slice of crusty bread for a heartier meal.

What to Serve With Shrimp and Crab Salad

To round out your meal, try pairing this salad with:

• Garlic Breadsticks – Adds a comforting crunch and complements the herbs beautifully.
• Lemon-Herb Quinoa – For an extra protein boost and nutty texture contrast.
• Sparkling Water with Lime – Keeps the palate refreshed between bites and enhances the seafood’s natural brightness.

These pairings ensure a balanced mix of textures and flavors—crunchy, creamy, tangy, and bright—while keeping the overall vibe light and healthy.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Shrimp and Crab Salad

Want restaurant-worthy results without the fuss? Here are some pro tips:

 Use high-quality seafood : Fresh or flash-frozen shrimp and crab make a huge difference. If using canned crab, look for "lump" or "jumbo lump" for better texture.

 Don’t over-dress : Keep the dressing light—too much oil or acid can overpower the delicate seafood flavor.

 Herb hack : Chop your herbs finely to release their oils and distribute flavor evenly throughout the salad.

 Avoid soggy greens : Toss the greens with dressing just before adding the seafood to maintain crispness.

 Make it ahead? Yes—but wait to add herbs and dressing until just before serving for best results.

Swap out herbs depending on seasonality or personal preference. Got mint but no basil? Go for a Mediterranean twist with oregano and feta!

Storing and Reheating Tips

While this shrimp and crab salad is best enjoyed fresh, here’s how to store leftovers safely:

• Refrigerator : Store undressed salad components separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Seafood should be refrigerated within 2 hours of preparation.
• Freezer : Not recommended for full salads, but you can freeze cooked shrimp for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before use.
• Reheating : This salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature. If you prefer warm seafood, briefly sauté shrimp or crab in a pan before topping the greens.

For meal prep lovers: prep all ingredients except herbs and dressing, then assemble individual portions each day. Add herbs just before eating to preserve their flavor and color.

Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Salad

This shrimp and crab salad proves that even simple dishes can shine with a thoughtful touch—like upgrading your usual garnish with one of these four fresh herb combos.

From weekday lunches to weekend brunches, this salad delivers big flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable, budget-friendly, and perfect for anyone looking to eat lighter without sacrificing taste.

If you tried this recipe or loved the herb combos, drop a comment below—we’d love to hear which one became your favorite. And don’t forget to pin this post to your “Seafood Recipes” Pinterest board for future inspiration!

Looking for more ways to elevate your seafood game? Try our lemon garlic shrimp pasta next—it’s another crowd-pleaser packed with bold flavors.

Until next time, happy cooking—and may your salads always be fresh, flavorful, and full of life!