Our Best Sides to Serve With Crab Cakes

Crab cakes are a beloved seafood dish that many people enjoy for their delicate flavor and satisfying texture. While these savory patties can certainly stand on their own, pairing them with the right side dishes elevates the entire meal experience.

From fresh salads to roasted vegetables, the options are numerous and can complement different occasions.

The perfect side dish for crab cakes should balance their rich flavor without overpowering them. You can choose lighter options like crisp salads and quick-pickled slaws for summer meals, or heartier sides like roasted vegetables and rice dishes when you want something more substantial.

Your side dish choices can transform simple crab cakes into an impressive dinner that will satisfy everyone at your table.

1. Coleslaw with Tangy Dressing

Coleslaw with a tangy dressing is a perfect match for crab cakes. The crisp texture and bright flavors create a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory crab.

Unlike traditional heavy mayo-based versions, a lighter vinegar-based coleslaw lets the vegetables shine. You can make a simple dressing with vinegar, a touch of sugar, and seasonings.

Try adding colorful ingredients like red cabbage, carrots, and green onions for visual appeal. Some recipes even include broccoli, ramen noodles, or almonds for extra crunch.

The tangy flavor cuts through the richness of crab cakes, cleansing your palate between bites.

2. Crispy Zucchini Fries

Crispy zucchini fries offer a perfect contrast to the soft texture of crab cakes. These light, crunchy vegetables provide a refreshing side that won’t overpower your main dish.

You can prepare zucchini fries in an air fryer for a healthier option with less oil. The crispy exterior and tender interior create a satisfying texture combination when paired with crab cakes.

For extra flavor, try seasoning your zucchini fries with herbs and spices that complement seafood. Serve them with a tangy dipping sauce or lemon wedges to enhance both the fries and crab cakes.

3. Roasted Red Pepper-Tomato Salad

Roasted red pepper-tomato salad brings a sweet, smoky flavor that perfectly complements the richness of crab cakes. This colorful side dish combines flavorful heirloom tomatoes with sweet roasted bell peppers for a refreshing contrast.

You can enhance this salad with a simple vinegar-based dressing to add brightness and cut through the richness of the crab. Some versions even include crispy black-eyed peas for added texture and protein.

This salad works particularly well in summer when tomatoes are at their peak flavor. The light, refreshing nature of this side dish makes it ideal for balancing the savory notes in your crab cakes.

4. Quick Pickled Vegetable Slaw

A quick pickled vegetable slaw makes a perfect side dish for crab cakes. This mayo-free option adds a refreshing tang that cuts through the richness of the crab.

Angel hair cabbage, carrots, and crunchy radishes create a colorful base with varied textures. The vinegar-based dressing gives it a bright, acidic punch that balances the seafood perfectly.

You can prepare this slaw ahead of time, allowing the vegetables to marinate and develop more flavor. The crisp, tangy nature of pickled slaw refreshes your palate between bites of crab cake.

This side dish also adds a beautiful array of colors to your plate alongside the golden-brown crab cakes.

5. Fresh Corn Salad

Fresh corn salad makes a perfect side dish for crab cakes. The sweet, crisp corn kernels complement the savory crab meat beautifully.

You can make this refreshing salad with corn cut straight from the cob during summer months. This captures the natural juices and sweetness that canned versions lack.

Add colorful ingredients like diced bell peppers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and visual appeal. A simple dressing of olive oil, lime juice, and fresh herbs ties everything together.

This light side won’t overpower your crab cakes but will add a welcome contrast in texture and temperature.

6. Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

Baked sweet potato wedges offer a delicious contrast to the savory crab cakes with their natural sweetness. They’re easy to prepare and healthier than traditional fries.

Simply cut sweet potatoes into wedges, toss with olive oil, salt, and your favorite spices. Roast them until they’re crispy on the outside and tender inside.

The earthy-sweet flavor pairs wonderfully with the delicate taste of crab. You can add a sprinkle of paprika or cinnamon for extra flavor depth.

Serve these colorful wedges alongside your crab cakes for a meal that balances textures and flavors perfectly.

7. Herbed Potato Wedges

Herbed potato wedges offer a delicious crunch that pairs perfectly with the tender texture of crab cakes. You can season them with herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley for a fragrant complement.

These wedges are easy to make – just cut potatoes into wedges, toss with olive oil and your favorite herbs, and bake until golden. The crispy exterior and fluffy interior create a satisfying contrast to the seafood.

For extra flavor, try adding garlic powder or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese. Serve them hot alongside your crab cakes for a hearty meal that balances the delicate seafood flavors.

8. Caprese Salad with Basil

A fresh Caprese salad makes a brilliant side dish for crab cakes. The combination of juicy tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, and aromatic basil creates a refreshing contrast to the rich, buttery crab.

The simplicity of Caprese salad won’t overwhelm the delicate flavor of your crab cakes. Instead, it enhances the meal with bright, clean flavors.

For the best pairing, use ripe tomatoes and high-quality mozzarella. Drizzle with good olive oil and a touch of balsamic glaze for extra flavor.

This Italian classic adds beautiful colors to your plate and works well in all seasons, though it’s especially delightful in summer when tomatoes are at their peak.

9. Creamy Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese offers a delightful pairing with crab cakes, combining two comfort foods that complement each other perfectly. The creamy, cheesy texture creates a satisfying contrast to the crisp exterior of crab cakes.

You can serve a classic mac and cheese with sharp cheddar or elevate it with gruyere and a touch of white wine for a more sophisticated flavor profile. The richness of the cheese sauce balances the delicate seafood flavor of the crab.

For the best pairing, keep your mac and cheese portion modest. This prevents it from overwhelming the star of your meal – those delicious crab cakes.

10. Air Fryer Roasted Okra

Air fryer roasted okra makes a fantastic side dish for crab cakes. This cooking method gives you the delicious flavor of okra without the slimy texture that many people dislike.

The dry heat of the air fryer creates crispy, flavorful okra that pairs perfectly with the rich taste of crab cakes. You can season your okra simply with salt and pepper or add garlic for extra flavor.

Preparation is quick and easy. Just slice the okra, toss with a little oil and your favorite seasonings, then air fry until crispy. The result is a light, crunchy vegetable side that won’t overshadow your main dish.

11. Garlic Butter Broccoli

Garlic butter broccoli makes an excellent side dish for crab cakes. The bright green vegetable offers a nice contrast to the golden brown crab cakes on your plate.

The mild bitterness of broccoli pairs wonderfully with the sweet crab meat. Simply sauté fresh broccoli florets in a mixture of butter and minced garlic until tender-crisp.

You can enhance the flavor by adding a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. This simple side dish comes together in just minutes while your crab cakes rest.

The buttery garlic flavor complements the crab without overpowering it. Plus, the broccoli adds a healthy element to balance the richness of the crab cakes.

12. Mango Salsa

Mango salsa adds a bright, tropical twist to your crab cakes. This sweet and slightly spicy combination creates a perfect balance with the savory crab meat.

You can make a simple mango salsa by combining diced mango, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice. Some versions also include avocado for creaminess.

The freshness of the salsa cuts through the richness of the crab cakes. You can either spoon it over the top of your crab cakes or serve it alongside as a refreshing accompaniment.

For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of Tajin seasoning on top of your salsa. The citrusy-spicy notes complement the sweet mango perfectly.

13. Beetroot and Apple Salad

Beetroot and apple salad offers a perfect balance of earthy and sweet flavors that complement crab cakes beautifully. The vibrant colors add visual appeal to your plate.

Combine roasted or boiled beets with crisp apple slices for contrasting textures. Add a simple dressing of lemon juice, olive oil, and a touch of honey to enhance the natural flavors.

You can elevate this salad by adding walnuts for crunch and a sprinkle of feta or goat cheese for creaminess. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley work wonderfully as a finishing touch.

This refreshing salad cleanses your palate between bites of rich crab cake, creating a balanced meal.

14. Warm Quinoa Salad

Warm quinoa salad makes a perfect companion to crab cakes. This nutty grain offers a pleasing contrast to the rich seafood flavor while adding healthy protein to your meal.

Cook quinoa until fluffy, then mix it while still warm with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes. Add a simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs.

The warmth of this salad brings out its aromatic qualities, making it more fragrant than cold quinoa dishes. You can easily customize it with whatever seasonal vegetables you have on hand.

This nutritious side complements the delicate flavor of crab cakes without overwhelming them.

15. Grilled Asparagus Spears

Grilled asparagus makes a perfect companion for crab cakes. The smoky char from the grill enhances the natural sweetness of asparagus, creating a delicious contrast to the rich crab meat.

Simply toss your asparagus with olive oil, salt, and pepper before placing on a hot grill for 3-5 minutes. The slight crunch of perfectly cooked asparagus provides a satisfying texture alongside the soft interior of crab cakes.

The earthy flavor of asparagus won’t overpower your main dish, letting the delicate crab flavor shine. For extra flavor, try squeezing fresh lemon juice over the asparagus just before serving.

16. Lemon Garlic Green Beans

Fresh green beans make a perfect side dish for crab cakes. Their crisp texture provides a nice contrast to the soft, rich crab.

To prepare them, blanch the beans until bright green and slightly tender. Then sauté them with minced garlic, lemon zest, and a splash of lemon juice.

The garlic adds savory depth while the lemon brightens the dish with acidity. This balances the richness of your crab cakes wonderfully.

You can serve these beans hot or at room temperature. They’re simple to make ahead of time and reheat just before serving your meal.

17. Spinach and Arugula Salad

A spinach and arugula salad offers a perfect balance to rich crab cakes. The peppery bite of arugula paired with mild spinach creates an interesting flavor contrast.

You can enhance this salad with simple additions like thinly sliced pears or strawberries for sweetness. A light vinaigrette works best – try apple cider or lemon-based dressings.

Add some crunch with toasted nuts or croutons. For extra flavor, include a sprinkle of feta or goat cheese.

This refreshing salad provides a healthy, light counterpoint that won’t overpower your crab cakes. It’s also quick to prepare while your crab cakes are cooking.

18. Celery Root Puree

Celery root puree offers a sophisticated alternative to mashed potatoes when serving crab cakes. This creamy side dish has a mild, slightly nutty flavor that won’t overpower your delicate crab cakes.

To prepare, simply peel and cube celery root, then boil until tender. Puree with butter, cream, salt and pepper for a silky smooth texture.

The earthy taste of celery root puree creates a nice contrast to the sweet, briny flavor of crab. As seen in Smith’s Boathouse Restaurant’s menu, this pairing works wonderfully with Maryland crab cakes.

You can easily adjust the consistency by adding more or less liquid depending on your preference.

19. Cranked Up Corn Chowder

Cranked Up Corn Chowder makes a hearty and satisfying side for crab cakes. This robust soup combines roasted fresh corn with cream-style corn for extra richness and depth of flavor.

The chowder is loaded with potatoes, celery, and carrots, creating a substantial dish that complements the delicate flavors of your crab cakes. The starchy potatoes and sweet corn balance the seafood perfectly.

You can prepare this chowder in a slow cooker for convenience. Serve it with your crab cakes and a piece of crusty bread for a complete meal that’s especially comforting during cooler months.

20. Sunshine Salad

Sunshine Salad brings brightness to your crab cake dinner with its vibrant colors and refreshing taste. This salad typically includes juicy citrus segments, like oranges and grapefruits, mixed with crisp lettuce.

You can add avocado slices for creaminess and red onion for a gentle bite. A light citrus vinaigrette ties everything together without overpowering the delicate flavor of your crab cakes.

This salad works perfectly as a palate cleanser between bites of rich crab cake. The acidity from the citrus helps cut through the richness, creating a balanced meal.

21. Vinagrete Brazilian Slaw

Vinagrete Brazilian Slaw offers a refreshing twist on traditional coleslaw that pairs perfectly with crab cakes. This colorful dish combines diced tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, and onions for a crunchy texture.

The vibrant slaw gets its distinctive flavor from a simple dressing of lime juice, olive oil, and vinegar. Fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro add brightness to balance the richness of crab cakes.

You can prepare this slaw ahead of time, allowing the flavors to meld together. The acidity from the lime and vinegar cuts through the richness of crab cakes, cleansing your palate between bites.

Complementing Flavors

The perfect crab cake experience depends on pairing the right flavors to enhance the delicate sweetness of crab meat. Strategic use of acidity and well-chosen herbs and spices can elevate your crab cakes from good to extraordinary.

Balancing Richness with Acidity

Crab cakes have a naturally rich, buttery flavor that benefits from bright, acidic companions. Lemon is the classic pairing, offering a fresh zing that cuts through richness without overwhelming the crab.

Citrus-based sauces work wonderfully – try a simple lemon aioli or a tangy remoulade with capers and pickles. Apple cider vinegar in coleslaw provides a similar balancing effect.

Consider serving pickled vegetables as a side. Quick-pickled cucumber, red onion, or fennel offers palate-cleansing acidity between bites of crab cake.

Tomato-based accompaniments like a light gazpacho or fresh salsa also provide the right acidic notes while adding visual appeal to your plate.

Enhancing with Herbs and Spices

Fresh herbs complement crab’s sweet flavor profile beautifully. Dill, chives, and parsley are classic pairings that add brightness without overpowering.

For your sides, consider these herb combinations:

Dill and cucumber for a cool, refreshing salad
Parsley and lemon in a light grain dish
Chives and butter on corn or potatoes

Spices should be used sparingly. Old Bay seasoning is traditional with crab, but black pepper, paprika, and a touch of cayenne can enhance side dishes without competing with your crab cakes.

Garlic and shallots provide aromatic depth to accompanying vegetables or sauces. Try roasting them to mellow their intensity while maintaining their flavor contribution.

Nutritional Considerations

When planning your crab cake meal, paying attention to nutritional aspects helps create a balanced dining experience. The right sides can complement the protein-rich crab cakes while adding essential nutrients.

Balancing Macronutrients

Crab cakes are primarily protein-based with moderate fat content. Balance your meal by adding carbohydrate-rich sides like quinoa, brown rice, or sweet potatoes. These provide energy and fiber while keeping you satisfied longer.

For a lower-carb option, consider cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. These alternatives maintain the meal’s texture while reducing overall carbohydrate intake.

Be mindful of additional fats in your sides. Since crab cakes often contain mayonnaise and are sometimes fried, choose sides with minimal added oils. Steam or roast vegetables instead of sautéing them in butter.

A well-balanced plate might include: 1-2 crab cakes (protein), 1/2 cup quinoa (complex carbs), and 1 cup roasted vegetables (fiber, vitamins).

Incorporating Vegetables

Vegetables add essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber to your crab cake meal without adding many calories.

Bright, colorful options like roasted asparagus, fresh corn salad, or kale provide nutritional balance.

Try a Kale Quinoa and Chickpea Salad as mentioned in search results – it offers protein, fiber, and nutrients that complement crab cakes perfectly.

Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts) add cancer-fighting compounds and vitamin K to your meal. Their slight bitterness contrasts nicely with the rich crab cakes.

For summer meals, consider: