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If you’re wondering what to serve with crab cakes, wonder no more since these incredible recipes will partner spectacularly with crab cakes of all kinds!
Crab cakes are a delicious and classic dish, but they can be a bit heavy on their own. That’s why it’s important to have a light and refreshing side dish to balance them out. In this article, we’ve gathered our favorite side dishes that are perfect for crab cakes, including sauces, salads, vegetables, and more.
Whether you’re looking for something simple like a salad or something more elaborate like roasted vegetables, we have something for you.
So next time you’re serving up crab cakes, be sure to check out our list of side dishes to find the perfect pairing.
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Watermelon Feta Salad
If it’s freshness overload you want, it’s freshness overload you get with this salad. Another Greek recipe that you can pair with your crab cakes, this salad is quick and easy to prepare. Just chop all the choppable ingredients, put together the dressing, crumble feta on top, and you’re good to go!
Cauliflower Steaks
Who says a steak has to be made from a cut of meat? This vegetable steak uses a whole head of cauliflower cut into 1-inch thick pieces. Serve this topped with any sauce or a salty Parmesan crust and seasonings to combat the usual bland taste of this veggie.
Crispy Roasted Chickpeas
Simple is one word that best describes this dish. This recipe shows you don’t have to overcomplicate things to get a tasty side dish for your meal. If needed, make this and freeze it for later use. Just pop in the oven to crisp these back up when you’re ready to serve them.
Mango Salsa
This salsa features ripe, juicy mango tossed with fresh and colorful vegetables for a tasty appetizer or side dish. Like Pico de Gallo, this salsa uses many ingredients you can easily reach for in your pantry. It is simple and decadent, with a bit of sweet and spicy.
This is a nice change-up from the usual guacamole or tomato-based salsa. This colorful salsa is versatile and will make every person on the table crave more.
Caesar Salad
Caesar salad is one of the most beloved salads in the world, and almost every restaurant offers them. The crispy lettuce is lightly coated in a creamy and tangy dressing, and it is topped with eggs, crispy bacon, crunchy and fresh croutons, and Parmesan cheese. The dressing of this extraordinary salad is easy to whip up.
Nothing beats a homemade one, even if you can use the store-bought kind. You can also tweak the recipe by adding more Parmesan cheese and bacon for a unique spin to this classic favorite.
Seafood Chowder
Our Seafood Chowder recipe is a comforting soup made with a variety of seafood, potatoes, corn, and a creamy broth. This soup would be an excellent side for crab cakes as it can help to balance out the rich taste of the entree.
Ingredients include: Shrimp, sea scallops, white wine, thyme, and potatoes.
Shrimp-Stuffed Avocado
Shrimp Stuffed Avocado is a light and oh-savory recipe that is ideal for a light lunch or dinner. This dish can be served with crab cakes as the creamy avocado complement the crab meat and the pineapple add a touch of sweet flavor.
Ingredients include: Shrimp, cumin, lemon juice, avocados, and pineapple.
No-Anchovy Caesar Salad
This creamy and tangy Caesar Salad calls for fresh romaine lettuce, crispy croutons, and parmesan cheese. Anchovy-free and without raw eggs, the dressing adds a light, refreshing zest that blends with the rich flavor of crab cakes.
Ingredients include: Romaine lettuce, croutons, ground pepper, mayo, and red wine vinegar.
Grilled Peach Salad With Champagne Vinaigrette
This light and refreshing salad mixes grilled peaches, shredded rotisserie chicken, pecans, goat cheese, and a champagne vinaigrette. It’s a tasty summer side dish and can be a good accompaniment for crab cakes.
Ingredients include: Lettuce, peaches, pecans, corn oil, and lemon juice.
Lemon Pepper Sauce
This versatile Lemon Pepper Sauce is a great way to add flavor and zest to your crab cakes. The sauce is made in a small skillet and takes about 5 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients include: Butter, lemon juice, pepper, garlic, and thyme.
Garlic Aioli
This creamy Garlic Aioli is a versatile condiment that can be used with a variety of foods, but is a real standout with crab cakes. It is made by blending garlic, olive oil, and egg yolks together until it resembles a loose mayonnaise.
Ingredients include: Mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic, and paprika.
Easy Bang-Bang Sauce
Move over ranch dressing; this sauce is here to steal the spotlight with its bold, versatile flavor. Simple and straightforward, it delivers a tangy and spicy kick that balances the taste of your crab cakes. If you crave an extra fiery kick, just double the sriracha.
Ingredients include: Mayonnaise, thai chili, rice vinegar, sriracha sauce, and garlic.
Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes
With this chef-inspired recipe, even beginner cooks can create a stunning side dish. No need for fancy ingredients—just grab the basics and prepare to wow everyone.
Ingredients include: Potatoes, olive oil, ground pepper, garlic, and parmesan cheese.
Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Our Savory Mashed Sweet Potatoes recipe is delectable and ideal alongside crab cakes. The sweet potatoes are mashed with butter, cream cheese, and half-and-half, and then seasoned with thyme, cinnamon, and allspice.
Ingredients include: Potatoes, cream cheese, thyme leaves, cinnamon, and allspice.
Smoked Cream Cheese Dip
Smoked cream cheese is an easy, fast side dish for crab cakes. With just a few pantry ingredients like liquid smoke, the creamy, smoky flavor complements the seafood perfectly (if you like it spicy, a pinch of cayenne will do the trick). Remember to let the flavors meld together in the fridge.
Ingredients include: Cream cheese, smoke, milk, herb seasoning, and table salt.
Cranberry-Pear Sauce With Ginger & Rosemary Recipe
This Cranberry Sauce recipe is a refreshing way to add a touch of sweetness and acidity to your meal. It works well with crab cakes as the tart flavor of the cranberries complements the crabmeat.
Ingredients include: Cranberries, pears, ginger, rosemary leaves, and maple syrup.
Jalapeno Skillet Cornbread
This side dish can stand up to the rich taste of the crab cakes. The cornbread is moist and flavorful, with a hint of heat from the jalapeños and a mild tang from the cheddar cheese.
Ingredients include: Cornmeal, all purpose flour, sugar, egg, and buttermilk.
Air Fryer Green Beans
These crisp and tender green beans suit well alongside your crab cakes. The veggies are flavored with garlic and air-fried until lightly browned.
Ingredients include: Green beans, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and salt.
Grilled Whole RealSweet Onions
If you haven’t tried our Grilled Whole RealSweet Onions, you’re missing out. This recipe demands both your oven and grill, but the payoff is delish. The onions turn out great with crab cakes and some extra melted butter on the side.
Ingredients include: RealSweet vidalia onions, bacon, garlic, butter, and salt.
Sauteed Mushrooms
This recipe has a handful of ingredients—water, olive oil, butter, and mushrooms. Every bite has an earthy flavor and a slightly chewy texture, bringing out the best of your crab cakes.
Ingredients include: Water, olive oil, butter, and mushroom.
Oven-Roasted Zucchini & Tomatoes Recipe
Our Oven-Roasted Zucchini & Tomatoes recipe tastes straight out of an Italian restaurant. It highlights roasted zucchini and tomatoes with a slightly sweet flavor and caramelized exterior.
Ingredients include: Zucchini, tomatoes, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and olive oil.
Grilled Tequila Lime Shrimp
Our Grilled Tequila Lime Shrimp recipe bursts with zesty flavors, thanks to the tequila-lime marinade. The shrimp are grilled until cooked and slightly charred, giving them a smoky flavor.
Ingredients include: Shrimp, shallot, tequila, lime juice, and honey.
Lemon Vodka Cocktail
This classic drink has a combination of tartness lemon and sweet vodka, both refreshing. Serve over ice, garnish with lemon slices and mint leaves to enhance its visual appeal.
Ingredients include: Vodka, orange liqueur, lemon juice, sugar, and soda water.
Cape Cod Cocktail
The Korean-inspired Cape Cod Cocktail is a refreshing drink that mixes cranberry juice and soju. It’s an inventive way to add a Korean flair to your table.
Ingredients include: Soju, cranberry juice, syrup, ice, and lime juice.
Cucumber Sandwiches
These Cucumber Sandwiches are a light side dish that pairs well with heavier foods like crab cakes. They can be made ahead of time, which makes them a convenient option for parties or gatherings.
Ingredients include: White bread, cucumber, mayonnaise, paprika, and salt.
Sauteed Apples
If you want a no-fuss side dish for crab cakes, this is it. These apples are sautéed until soft and tender with butter, sugar, and spices.
Ingredients include: Apples, butter, cinnamon, cornstarch, and nutmeg.
Jiffy Corn Casserole
Jiffy Corn Casserole is a classic American dish that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Even though it is made with simple ingredients, the mixture of flavors is unbeatable.
Ingredients include: Jiffy cornbread mix, cream corn, kernel corn, sour cream, and egg.
Roasted Parmesan Green Beans
This Chew side dish combines two of my favorites: garlic and parmesan. It requires a simple garlic powder, but you can also use garlic powder, minced garlic, or even finely chopped garlic.
Ingredients include: Green beans, olive oil, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and salt.
The bottom line
The choices for side dishes you can serve with your favorite crab cakes are virtually endless! Take your pick from a wide variety of salads, a long list of rice options, and a cornucopia of roasted vegetable possibilities.
