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Craving a classic crab salad sandwich with an unexpected twist? Featuring succulent, creamy crab salad with rich avocado and sweet mango piled high on a toasted hoagie roll, this sandwich is anything but ordinary!
Update: This recipe was originally published in June 2016. I made updates to the article below to include more information about making crab salad sandwich rolls at home.
Hi, friends! With the fourth of July right around the corner, I thought it was the perfect time to share one of my favorite summer sandwiches – a crab salad sandwich roll.
Most people will be celebrating our freedom with ribs, burgers, hot dogs, etc., but personally, I’ll take a fresh and fabulous creamy, rich crab roll over all that any day.
Table of Contents
About this crab salad sandwich
Step aside lobster rolls, there’s a new sandwich roll in town and it will solve all your boring hot dog bun problems. These rolls… you guys, these rolls(!!), they are the answer to your boring hot dog problem. Let’s discuss:
Featuring generous chunks of sweet, succulent king crab meat tossed with juicy mangoes, creamy avocados, plenty of fresh herbs, a hint of lime, a touch a spicy jalapeno heat, and a dollop of mayonnaise – all piled high and lovingly stuffed into a buttery, toasted, top sliced hoagie bun. Honestly, its like sweet and savory crab heaven up in these sammie rolls.
Fresh, light, and seriously satisfying, these crab sandwiches are little portable handheld bites of seafood salad scrumptiousness stuffed in a bun.
Oh! Best part of all? They require no real cooking. If you’re anything like me, you’ll love these simple crab salad sandwiches so much you’ll want one for each hand.
Why you’ll love crabmeat salad sandwiches
This creamy and succulent crab salad piled on buttery toasted hoagie buns leaves a lasting impression! Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Minimal cooking: Unless you reheat crab legs, there is essentially no cooking required for this crabmeat sandwich recipe.
- Fun twist: This sweet and savory crab meat mixture for a sandwich is an exciting way to enjoy classic crab salad as a decadent meal.
- Make ahead: Cooked crab meat salad will last in the fridge for 3-5 days. Make the crab roll salad in advance and easily assemble on freshly toasted hoagie rolls within minutes!
- Lunch or dinner: This crab salad sandwich is great as a light lunch or dinner with a variety of side dishes.
Ingredients in crab meat sandwich
- Crabmeat: You can use your favorite variety of crab meat to make the salad mixture, just be sure to cook it first. (Please scroll down to read all about the different varieties of crab you can use in this recipe.)
- Mango: Fresh mangoes lend juicy flavor and fruity, sweet, and slightly floral flavors to this salad.
- Avocado: Make sure you select a firm avocado for the best creamy taste.
- Jalapeno: One jalapeno lends little heat to the otherwise sweet crab salad. Be sure to remove the seeds and ribs from the jalapeno before mincing for the mildest flavor.
- Shallot: For an allium flavor with a hint of garlic finish.
- Chives: Fresh chives lend a delicate fresh, grassy flavor.
- Mayonnaise: For richness and creaminess. However, you can swap in Greek yogurt if you prefer.
- Lime Juice: Fresh is best.
- Salt and Pepper: To enhance all the flavors.
- Bread: For serving your crab salad. (Please scroll down to read all about the different types of bread you can use.)
Recipe variations
- Bread: I love to pile the creamy crab salad onto a toasted hoagie roll as a fun twist on the classic crab salad sandwich. You can also enjoy this crab salad sandwich on hot dog buns, toasted sourdough bread, buttery croissants, or healthy wheat or grain bread.
- Creamy dressing: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a dressing that is lower in saturated fat.
- Crab meat: This crabmeat salad sandwich recipe calls for King crab meat. You can also use lump crab meat, snow crab meat, or imitation crab meat. Or swap the crab out all together and use plump poached cocktail shrimp or butter poached lobster instead.
- Low-carb: If you are watching your carb intake, ditch the bread roll and pile your crab meat sandwich mixture on sturdy lettuce leaves, such as bibb or boston lettuce to make crab lettuce wraps.
Level up your lunch with this summer-perfect crab salad sandwich on a hoagie roll. Regular hotdogs are now a thing of the past!
FAQs: frequently asked questions
Below you’ll find the most common questions and answers about making creamy salad with crabmeat for sandwiches. If you have a question you’d like answered, please drop it in the comments section below!
What kind of crabmeat should I use for the crab salad?
There are several varieties of crab that work well in crab salads, each offering slightly different textures and flavors:
- Lump crabmeat: Large, flaky pieces considered the highest quality for crab salad.
- Jumbo lump crabmeat: Even larger flakes than lump crabmeat, offering the most luxurious texture.
- Special crabmeat: A combination of lump and smaller flake crabmeat, offering a good balance of price and texture.
- Imitation crabmeat: A more affordable option with a similar texture and flavor to real crabmeat.
- King crabmeat:
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide on selecting crabmeat at the store, check this article out from Spruce Eats.
What can I add to my crab salad for extra flavor?
This crab salad mixture for sandwiches is super easy to customize. Here’s a few delicious ideas:
- Veggies: Finely chopped celery and red onion or shallots will give your salad a classic flavor and textural contrast.
- Fruits: Diced mangos or pineapples lend a delicious juicy, sweetness that complements crabmeat well.
- Fresh herbs: Herbs such dill, chives, or parsley lend a touch of brightness.
- Lemon juice or zest will brighten up your salad by adding a touch of acidity.
- Seasonings: A pinch of Old Bay seasoning is perfect if you’re looking for a savory, robust kick.
- Mustard: A dollop of Dijon mustard or a dash of mustard powder gives a touch of tang.
What type of bread is best for a crab salad sandwich?
This recipe highlights a toasted hoagie roll, but many options work well here:
- Hoagie roll: As shown in the recipe, offers a soft and slightly substantial bread base. I recommend toasting your hoagie for the best crispy texture.
- Sourdough bread: A classic choice with a tangy flavor that compliments the crab salad. Like hoagies, I recommend toasting it for added texture.
- Croissants: My personal favorite – a decadent croissant which offers a buttery and flaky base. You can also consider toasting croissants for a warm and crispy experience.
- Wheat or grain bread: A healthy and flavorful option with a slightly nutty taste.
Can I make this crab salad for sandwiches advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare this crab salad recipe up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Please note however, that you’ll want to wait to assemble the sandwiches just before serving to ensure the bread stays fresh (otherwise, your sandwiches will get soggy).
Tips for the best crabmeat salad sandwich recipe
- The recipe for Avocado, Mango & Crab Rolls calls for approximately 12 ounces of king crab meat. You will need roughly 2 pounds of king crab legs to yield 12 ounces of meat. Unless you caught fresh crab, the crab legs you purchase at the store have already been cooked, but they do need to be reheated. I have included instructions on how to reheat crab legs in the notes section of the recipe below.
- You can substitute snow crab legs or lump crabmeat if you would like, but fair warning, the rolls will not be as decadent as if you use king crab.
- The entire recipe below calls for only ¼ cup of mayonnaise, because I don’t know about you but I want to taste the crab, mango and avocado. I do not want a seafood salad laden with mayonnaise. You can use more mayonnaise if that’s your thing, I don’t judge. Add more mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired creaminess is achieved. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise if you prefer, but I would go very light handed, as the tanginess of the yogurt might overpower the delicate crab taste.
Ditch the dog and opt for refreshingly delicious Avocado, Mango & Crab Rolls instead. Trust me, your belly (and bun) will be thankful for the upgrade. 😉
Until Thursday friends, cheers – to scrumptious summer seafood at your next soiree!
Cheyanne
Craving MORE? Follow all the deliciousness on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram!
More recipes with crab!
- Deviled Eggs with Crabmeat
- Crab Rangoon Dip Recipe
- Shrimp and Crab Bisque
- Crab Pasta
- Crab Stuffed Avocados
Crab Salad Sandwich
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Cooked Crab Meat – roughly chopped (SEE NOTES)
- 1 large Mango – peeled, pitted and small dice
- 1 whole Avocado – peeled, pitted and small dice
- 1 whole Jalapeno – seeded and finely diced
- 1 whole Shallot – finely diced
- 2 TBS Chives – thinly sliced
- ¼ Cup Mayonnaise (SEE NOTES)
- 1 TBS Cilantro – minced
- ½ whole Lime – Juiced
- to taste Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper
- 8 whole Hoagie Sandwich Rolls – toasted (SEE NOTES)
Instructions
- Make Dressing for Crab Salad: In a large bowl mix together mayonnaise, cilantro, lime juice, ¼ tsp salt and 1/8 tsp pepper.
- Start Crab Salad: To the bowl, add the mangoes, avocados, jalapeños, and shallot and then gently stir together.
- Add Crabmeat and Chives: Add in crab meat and chives and gently stir again. Taste and adjust for seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve Crab Salad as Sandwiches: Spoon lobster salad into hoagie rolls or onto your preferred sandwich bread. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
- Crabmeat – You can use whatever variety of crabmeat you love best – lump crab, king crab, snow crab, imitation crab, and so on. Please check the article for a full list.
- Hoagies Rolls, Hot Dog Buns and/or Sandwich Bread is completely optional. I really love to serve this crabmeat salad as a lettuce wrap on bibb or boston lettuce.
1. Fill a large pot with steamer basket insert with 1-2’’ of water and bring to a boil.
2. Add crab legs and cover. Steam for 4-5 minutes, or until you can smell crab.
3. Remove crab legs and allow to cool. Use kitchen shears to cut shells and remove meat. Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and the nutrition facts are an estimate based upon 8 servings. Exact information will depend upon the brands of ingredients and precise measurements used.
Nutrition
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Annie @ The Garlic Diaries
You crack me up…”I will eat the hot dog, I just won’t love it.” I know what you mean. I do love a good hot dog, but there’s no way it could compare to this beauty!! DANG. Yum.
karrie @ Tasty Ever After
I can’t wait until all the July 4th weekend parties!! July is def my favorite month 😉 So much yum on these king crab rolls, Chey. Good lordy they look delicious! I’m going to make extra and have leftovers the next day on a salad for lunch. Heck yeah!
Miriam – londonkitchendiaries.com
What a delicious combination! Avocado, Mango and Crab – this is just right up my alley. Love it! ♡
Alaina @ A Not So Quiet Kitchen
OH MY GOSH!! I need one (or 2) of these right now!! They look so incredibly delicious!
Denise | Sweet Peas & Saffron
These look SO good! I can only imagine how delicious crab + mango + avocado are together…YUM!!
Beeta @ Mon Petit Four
These rolls look UHmazing! I need these in my life. I love how you combined the crab with sweet mangoes and creamy avocados… you always know just what ingredients to combine together!! <3
Ashley | The Recipe Rebel
You are QUEEN of awesome flavor combinations! I am loving mango in everything these days — it adds the perfect touch of sweetness! These are SO fun for summer!
Amanda
WOW…that’s all that I have to say! Well not really lol But these look unbelievable! I haven’t had king crab in so long! I wish I could reach into the picture and grab on to eat! Thank you so much for sharing 🙂
Michelle | The Secret Ingredient Is
Oh girl, I am totally all about this over a hot dog ANY day. Such a great idea to make these for the 4th — so incredibly fresh and light, the perfect way to make the most of these hot summer days that are flying by! Count me in.
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy
Can you believe that I only had a crab roll for the first time a few weeks ago? I am hooked on them now! But having seen this, WHY DIDN’T I HAVE AVOCADO ON IT???? That is genius! Loving all the colours going on too.
Thao @ In Good Flavor
These crab rolls are AMAZING!!! I wish I could have two of them right now (I won’t be able to have just one)! I’m a fan of mayo, but I’m with you, when it comes to seafood, I want the seafood to shine. Pinned. Have a wonderful July 4th, Chey!
Abbe@This is How I Cook
I don’t eat meat any more but for some reason I do love hot dogs, though I haven’t had one in years Trust me though when I say that this would make me more than thrilled to eat. Hurray for these. Good bye hott dog!
Stacey @ The Sugar Coated Cotted
I don’t mind a good hotdog but who wants a hot dog when you could have these rolls? These are what my dreams are made of, king crab is it for me and mango + cilantro….I’m drooling, lol. Each pic made me want one more. Excellent!!! Pinned. Take care.
annie@ciaochowbambina.com
The first time I had king crab, that just about knocked me off my chair, was in N to the C! In Wilmington, to be exact! And it’s always held a special place in my heart! Which means – this sandwich? Oh baby! Fills my heart and tastebuds with joy!! Thanks for sharing! Cheers! xo
Phi @ The Sweetphi Blog
OMG girl, these sound totally delicious – and ummmm, right there with you – i’d have these over a hot dog any day! Hope you have a wonderful day next Monday.
Kushi
We love seafood and this combo sounds so delicious and flavorful. Bookmarked!
Jessica @ Citrus Blossom Bliss
I’m not a big fan of seafood (I know, GASP!) but my boyfriend would LOVE these. I’m also not a big fan of hot dogs, but I’ll definitely eat one if that’s the only offering. You can usually find my face over the fruit salad or vinegar-y pasta salad tossed with cheese and Italian meats. And the desserts…always the desserts. If I was a seafood fan, I would definitely be all over these though – they’re gorgeous!!
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop
The summer is flying by….I don’t know where the days are going! These crab rolls look like a perfect way to stop and enjoy the fact that it is summer! Love the addition of avocado and mango! Yum!!!
Mir
First of all, I’m right here with you in Type A world. I hate it when anyone tells me to relax. I can’t! Stress reduction is definitely a priority.
And my husband is with you on hot dogs. He just can’t. So alternatives are always welcome, like a big fat juicy steak. Or wow, these look incredible. You are amazing!
Kate @ Framed Cooks
I find the fact that it is almost the 4th amazing too (winter is soo long and summer is sooooooo short!), and also amazing is that you have taken the lobster roll one step better and made this delectable crab roll! Pinning, pinning, pinning! xoxo
Kathleen | Hapa Nom Nom
I must admit, I am a big of the hot dog on the 4th. But… put this beauty in front of me and then it would be like, hot dog what? I grew up in the DC area and so grabbing some MD crabs was always a holiday favorite. So for me, crabs and the 4th go together like peas and carrots. Girl… this roll is the bomb-diggity! Put me down for 3 🙂
Cathy | whatshouldimakefor.com
I am a crab lover through and through and that combo of crab, mango and avocado has me swooning. Perfect for summer entertaining. Who am i kidding? Perfect for just me tonight!
Kelly
I can’t believe how quickly June flew by too! And I’d much rather have these rolls over a hot dog! They look awesome! Love the flavors!
allie @ Through Her Looking Glass
Hey girl – what deliciousness is going on here! Loving these crab rolls. In fact, I’m drooling big time. So while I’m busy posting lots of chocolate decadence and tempting you – you are busy posting CRAB and tempting me. I am wicked allergic to crab and lobster, but seriously they are some of my favorite foods ever. I love them, thye don’t like me. What a great crab roll — and this would be perfect for the 4th – nice, cool and summery. No need to fire up the grill for these yummy rolls. Wish I were eating this delicious roll, lobster and crab rolls are definitely a New England tradition for sure. Hope they have crab in heaven. I’ll be first in line. (‘Cuz we all know there’s no allergies in heaven.) Cheers to a great week my friend, I hope it is a good one for you! XO
marcie
I can’t believe the 4th is in a week and I don’t even know what I’m doing yet. How sad is that? I know what I won’t be eating…a hot dog! I’d much rather indulge in these gorgeous rolls — I love these flavors, Cheyanne! Bang up job, my friend!
Danielle
I’m over here wondering where in the world this year has gone too! But I do love 4th of July and I think I would love it even more with these delicious crab rolls! What a creative idea to add some mango and avocado, the two of them together are one of my favorite combinations. Beautiful pictures, Cheyanne!
mira
These rolls look awesome! Love crab! Need to make them asap! I can’t believe it is almost July ! Time flys!
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom
Cheyanne, I’m with you! I’m all for fresh and fabulous and I’d take this avocado-mango-king-crab-roll over a hot dog any day!! This looks sooooo good!! Have a great 4th!!!!
deb@glutenfreefarina
OMG – my mouth is watering. I absolutely adore crab meat in any form and this looks amazing. I’ll have to skip that big beautiful roll and do it as a salad, but delicious all the same. And, you’re right about how time is flying by. I lived for the longest day of the year and I’m losing a minute of daylight hours every day since then. Sorry, that was unnecessary!!! Thanks for the beautiful pictures and recipe.
Ashley@CookNourishBliss
I’m with you on the hot dogs – they just really aren’t my thing! I’ll pick a burger any day over a hot dog!! Ha – and I so need a leash for my type A personality as well sometimes! (or, ahem, most of the time if we’re being real)
PS these rolls look delicious!
Kevin | Keviniscooking
Holy crab rolls Batman! Love the big chunky crab meat throughout these bad boys. I’m with you and would grab at least 2 (because thats how I roll) of these before a hot dog. Between the mango and avocado here with the sweet crab, I’d be in heaven. So happy to read that 1/4 cup mayo, never been a fan of it and Greek yogurt is my go too. Thanks!
Kathryn @ Family Food on the Table
Now THIS is totally how I want to celebrate! I don’t do hot dogs… however un-American that makes me, I just can’t. So this gorgeous king crab roll is the perfect substitute for me. And such an amazing upgrade!! I am loving that mango mixed in, too! Creamy summer seafood deliciousness!
Lauren Gaskill | Making Life Sweet
Sooooo I just did a backflip because THAT’S HOW EXCITED I AM ABOUT THESE CRAB ROLLS! The avocado. The mango. The crab!! And beautiful photos, too. Well done m’dear! XOXO
Keri @ Fashionable Foods
Ok, I need one of these NOW. Totally dying over these rolls Cheyanne! I LOVE king crab.. and everything else involved here, too. If I made these for the 4th, I just know I’d eat them all before my guests even arrived 😉 I want them allll to myself! Pinned!
Anu – My Ginger Garlic Kitchen
Hahaha! ‘Happy Monday’ is really conflicting! 😉 Mondays are really blue for me! I feel for you, girl! But your rolls can surely make my Monday or any other day! Because mango and avocado is the BEST combination ever! This is a deliciousness bursting in the form of a roll! So much yes to these! Have lovely week, girlfriend! 🙂 <3
Shashi @ RunninSrilankan
Ohmergawsh – am feeling you on so many levels today – first, there’s the whole **happy** Monday dealio – I couldn’t agree more – those 2 words together are all kinds of wrong! And – Gosh Cheyanne, I would eat the hot dog too, but, I’d LOVE a roll stuffed with this crab, mango, avocado, jalapeno and herb concoction! All sorts of deliciousness there in those rolls – thanks so much for sharing – hope you have a wonderful day (despite the fact that it’s Monday) and your week is wonderful! XOXO
Ben Maclain
*Monday haha
Ben Maclain
Chey, you’re absolutely right – “Happy Monday” does sound wrong. Especially if said with a good smile. That just sounds like a sarcasm to me. And guess what? I don’t like hot dogs either! Or is it just because nobody gives them to me? Hmmm I’m confused. Anyway, these rolls sound and look like the better alternative. With crab meat, mango, and avocado? That simply cannot be wrong! Happy Monder hehe (With a sinister laugh).
Sarah
I love that you’re fearless with seafood. I am definitely going to try my hand at king crab after this inspiration. Looks wonderful Cheyanne!
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks
Dang, girlfriend! I wish I had two of these in each hand right now! I love every single thing going in these rolls! Crab, avocado, mango, and even the mayo are all super high on my list of favorites! These would definitely make my Monday happy! XO
Demeter | Beaming Baker
And finally, we have come to something I’m allergic to! It’s the new cocoa. Lol.
Happy Monday: RIGHT. It’s kind of an oxymoron? Or perhaps wishful, hopeful thinking? Or is it just way to make ourselves feel better even though we know it’s not gonna happen? Wait a minute, I might’ve gotten bit by the stream of nonsense bug. … Oh well! Lol.
Chey, my mom would ABSOLUTELY love these king crab rolls! In fact, she’ll probably adopt you if you make these for her… So, when ya coming over? 😉
And if you need a cage for your Type A, I’m gonna need one too. Do they come in titanium? Sending you big hugs (and no cages at all–bc I love you just the way you are). Muah! Wishing you a semi-okay Monday. 😉 xoxoxo
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers
You’re speaking my language with that king crab! So lovely and love all the flavours going on in these pretty rolls 🙂
Dawn @ Girl Heart Food
Well, of course, I would totally rather eat this deliciousness over a hotdog any day! How fresh and so loaded with flavours. LOVING the avocado in there…gimme all the avocado! This is definitely a huge step up (floor up, really 😉 ) from a run of the mill hot dog. Not even a question of which I would choose 🙂 Hope you have a more relaxing weekend this upcoming one! We have a long one coming up with Canada Day July 1st so really looking forward to that. Pinned! Have a lovely week, girlie!. xo
Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice
I can’t believe the 4th is a week away, either! Where has the time gone?! I wish there was a pause button that I could hit…life just needs to slow down! Now onto these rolls…amazing!! Crab is my favorite seafood (next to salmon and scallops) so these rolls were made for me. I love the avocados and mango in here, too. Just perfect for the summer, Cheyanne! Pinned, of course!
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen
OMG Cheyanne what a perfect addition to a 4th of July shindig! I love myself a grilled hot dog, I have to say, but this roll really looks ten times better. Crab is a staple at our house during the summer, so these will be on our menu at some point for sure! Thanks for sharing my friend and hope you have a “happy Monday”!
Adina
Those crab legs look impressive, I have never had crab meat, it is not something one would find around here… 🙁 And you talking about Independence Day makes me think of the film with Will Smith, soooo patriotically kitschy and full of empty phrases, but I love it, I watch it everytime it comes on TV… 🙂 My husband makes fun of me all the time because of it…
Cheyanne Bany
Omg, I’m sorry you haven’t had crab meat before!! That is a travesty! If I could ship some to you, I would girlfriend! Independence day the movie! Hahaha I haven’t seen that in forever! Too funny. Thanks for the comment! Cheers, Adina!
Angie@Angie’s Recipes
The fresh crab meat is killing me..bet it would be great to stuff some pita pockets too.
Cheyanne Bany
Fresh crab meat is the best, right? Thanks Angie!