This post may include affiliate links. Thank you for your support.

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!

Overhead shot of four Avocado, Mango & Crab Rolls on a white platter with lime wedges and a light teal linen underneath the platter.

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.

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.

Overhead shot of king crab legs in a steamer basket - step one in the recipe to make Avocado, Mango & Crab Rolls.

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.)
Overhead shot of all the ingredients needed to make Avocado, Mango & Crab Rolls neatly organized in a glass bowl before mixing - step two of the recipe.

What is crab salad?

Crab salad, also known as crabmeat salad, is simply a mixture made up of cooked crab, veggies, and fresh herbs in a flavorful mayonnaise-based dressing. You can think of a crab salad as a sister or cousin to other creamy salads, like tuna salad or egg salad.

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).

Overhead shot of four Avocado, Mango & Crab Rolls on a white platter with lime wedges.

Tips for the best crabmeat salad sandwich recipe

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. If you are watching your carb intake, this crab salad is absolutely delicious served as a lettuce wrap – simply swap the hot dog bun for some bibb lettuce.
  5. Serving suggestions: I personally love these buttery crab sandwich rolls with tortilla chips and easy mango salsa, or pippin’ hot french fries, and a side of deliciously fresh thai mango salad with sweet red bell peppers, crisp carrots, and crunchy cashews. SO good!

Overhead, up-close shot of Avocado, Mango & Crab Rolls.

What can I serve with my crabmeat salad sandwich?

Many side dishes pair well with a crab salad sandwich:

Storing leftovers

While the crab salad stores great, the sandwich bread does not. Thus, recommend storing leftover crab salad and tossing leftover, used bread.

To store cooked crabmeat salad, place it into an airtight container. Transfer to the fridge and store up to 3 to 5 days.

Angled shot of Avocado, Mango & Crab Rolls on a white platter with lime wedges and a bottle of beer blurred in the background.

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 FacebookPinterest and Instagram!

More recipes with crab!

Overhead, landscape shot of four Avocado, Mango & Crab Rolls on a white platter with lime wedges and a light teal linen underneath the platter.

Crab Salad Sandwich

5 from 9 votes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 8 sandwiches
Craving a classic crab salad sandwich with an unexpected twist? Featuring succulent, creamy crabmeat salad with rich avocado and sweet mango piled high on a toasted hoagie roll, this sandwich is anything but ordinary!

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. 
To Reheat Crab Legs:
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

Calories: 245kcal    Carbohydrates: 24g    Protein: 12g    Fat: 10g    Saturated Fat: 1g    Cholesterol: 44mg    Sodium: 427mg    Potassium: 296mg    Fiber: 2g    Sugar: 3g    Vitamin A: 90IU    Vitamin C: 8.4mg    Calcium: 117mg    Iron: 1.9mg

Did you make this recipe?

Mention @nospoonnecessary on Instagram and tag it #nospoonnecessary!