Subway Seafood Sensation Recipe (Copycat Seafood & Crab Salad)

This copycat Subway Seafood Salad recipe is full of imitation crab meat and has a creamy dressing. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps or just by itself, it’s a great way to enjoy a seafood salad right at home. 

What Was Subway’s Seafood Sensation?

Subway’s Seafood Sensation was a creamy imitation crab and seafood salad used as a sandwich filling. It was made with imitation crab meat, mayonnaise, and simple seasonings, and became a popular limited menu item in many regions. While some locations discontinued it, this homemade version recreates the same creamy texture and flavor at home.

If you love this type of recipe, check out this Old Bay Shrimp Salad Recipe or this Jason's Deli Chicken Salad Recipe.

Ingredients for Subway Seafood Sensation (Seafood & Crab Salad)

Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements.

• Imitation Crab Meat: is the main ingredient and closely mimics the flavor and texture of real crab meat.
• Mayonnaise: binds the ingredients together, adds a creamy texture, and provides a rich and tangy flavor.
• Sour Cream: adds extra creaminess and a tangy flavor, balancing and brightening up the recipe's flavors.
• Lemon Juice: adds a fresh, citrusy flavor that gives a tart and zesty kick, perfect for balancing the richness of the mayo and sour cream. 
• Salt and Pepper: helps with enhancing the flavors and adding an earthy flavor. 
• Red Pepper Flakes: are optional and will add a bit of heat to your seafood salad.

How to make this Subway Seafood Salad recipe

Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the full step-by-step instructions.

1. Gently pull the pieces of crab apart and roughly chop once or twice to get about 1/2-1 inch size pieces. Feel free to shred them finer if you prefer that instead. 
2. Add the crab meat to a large bowl, then top with the mayonnaise, sour cream, salt, and pepper, lemon juice, dried dill, and red pepper flakes if using.

3. Give it a good stir then cover with plastic wrap and let it chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours but up to 24 hours to allow all the flavors to meld together. 
4. Use this as the filling of your Subway style sandwiches and enjoy!

Is Subway Seafood Sensation Made with Real Crab?

Subway’s version is made with imitation crab meat, which is typically a blend of white fish and crab flavoring. This copycat recipe uses imitation crab to stay true to the original flavor and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

Can I use real crab meat instead of imitation crab meat?

You can use real crab meat instead of imitation crab, however it will change the taste of the seafood salad and will also cost a lot more. Real crab is more delicate and is sweeter than imitation crab. Real crab is also more tender than imitation crab, resulting in a seafood salad that is a bit more delicate.

Can I add vegetables to the salad?

Of course! You can add chopped bell peppers, green onions or shredded carrots. You can also use fresh herbs like fresh parsley or chives for added flavor and color. Veggies will also add a pop of color and a bit of nutrition. 

How can I add a spicy kick to this subway seafood salad recipe?

For a spicier seafood salad, you can add in finely chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce. You can also add in a sprinkle of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. You can make this salad as spicy as you’d like or leave the spicy ingredients out completely. 

How do I make sure the seafood salad doesn't become too watery?

Before making your seafood salad, remove any excess liquid from imitation crab meat by draining it thoroughly. If you’re using real crab, make sure that it is drained well as it usually contains more water. If the salad becomes watery after sitting, you can simply pour off the extra liquid and stir before serving. 

How do I serve the seafood salad?

There are many different ways to serve this seafood salad. One of the most common ways is as a filling on a sub roll, baguette or your favorite bread. You can also serve it on a bed of fresh lettuce or mixed greens for a light lunch or dinner. You can also serve it with crackers for a quick appetizer. 

What sides pair well with this seafood salad?

You can pair your seafood salad with a handful of side dishes making it a complete meal. You can serve your salad with a garden salad, a bowl of soup, or some fresh cut fruit. You can also pair it with potato salad or macaroni salad for a heartier meal. 

What should I do with leftover Seafood Salad?

Keep your seafood salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Before you eat it, mix it up and add a dash more mayo if it is dry. If it’s too watery you can pour out the excess water. 

Can I freeze this imitation crab meat salad?

I do not recommend freezing this seafood salad because it is mayonnaise based. Mayo based salads can separate when thawing and becoming overly watery creating an odd texture. I recommend storing your leftovers in the fridge instead of the freezer. 

Why did Subway discontinue the Seafood Sensation?

Availability has varied by location and region over the years. Some locations removed it due to supply costs or menu changes, which is why many fans search for a copycat recipe to recreate it at home.