Russian Crab Salad (Classic New Year's Recipe) | CookOS

Russian Crab Salad

Name: Russian Crab Salad (Classic New Year's Recipe)
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Russian
Ingredients: 1 lb imitation crab meat, chopped; 2 large eggs, hard-boiled and chopped; 1 (15.25 oz) can sweet corn, drained; 1 fresh cucumber, chopped; 1/2 cup mayonnaise

Russian Crab Salad is a creamy, no-cook appetizer combining imitation crab, hard-boiled eggs, sweet corn, and cucumber with mayonnaise—a traditional New Year's celebration dish that's quick to assemble and satisfying as a side or starter.

🌍Russian 🏷️Russian crab salad 🏷️Crab salad 🏷️Imitation crab 🏷️Creamy salad Eastern european

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Total

15 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$13–$21

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok · by milanarussianwife

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Ingredients

1 lb imitation crab meat, chopped
2 large eggs, hard-boiled and chopped
1 (15.25 oz) can sweet corn, drained
1 fresh cucumber, chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise

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Instructions

1
Chop the imitation crab meat into bite-sized pieces.
2
Transfer the chopped crab meat to a large mixing bowl.
3
Chop two hard-boiled eggs and add them to the bowl.
4
Add the drained can of sweet corn to the bowl.
5
Chop the fresh cucumber and add it to the bowl.
6
Add mayonnaise to the bowl with the other ingredients.
7
Mix everything together until well combined and creamy.
8
Serve and enjoy.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Chill all ingredients before mixing to keep the salad cool and creamy without diluting the mayo with condensation.
Drain canned corn thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels to prevent excess liquid from making the salad watery.
Chop ingredients into uniform, bite-sized pieces for even texture and easier eating.
Fold ingredients gently into mayo rather than stirring vigorously to keep the salad light and prevent mushing the crab.

Substitutions

Imitation crab → canned lump crab or fresh crab meat (richer flavor, higher cost)
Sweet corn → frozen peas or diced bell pepper (different texture and brightness)
Mayonnaise → Greek yogurt mixed with mayo (lighter, tangier version)
Cucumber → diced celery (crunchier, slightly bitter note)

Storage & make-ahead

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The salad is best eaten cold; do not reheat.

Common Questions

Can I make Russian Crab Salad ahead of time?

Yes. Assemble the salad up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate, covered. The flavors meld together and it stays fresh. Add mayo just before serving if you prefer a firmer texture.

Can I use real crab meat instead of imitation?

Absolutely. Use lump or claw crab meat (about 1 lb). The salad will be richer, but imitation crab is traditional in Russian kitchens and more budget-friendly.

Is this salad vegetarian?

No, it contains crab and eggs. For a vegetarian version, substitute crab with chickpeas or white beans and use vegan mayo.

Why is this salad popular for New Year's in Russia?

It's an affordable, elegant appetizer that's easy to make ahead during busy holiday preparation. The creamy texture and bright ingredients symbolize festive abundance.