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What to Serve with Crab Cakes (35+ BEST Sides)

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Posted by:

Erin Lynch

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Updated:

January 30, 2025

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5 from 1 vote

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Wondering what to serve with crab cakes? Look no further! Here’s a list of the best sides for a crab cake dinner! These recipes are all quick, easy and delicious.

Collage of what to serve with crab cakes with text overlay.

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When it comes to serving crab cakes, you can never go wrong with the classics, like this vinegar slaw and asparagus. And, of course, don’t forget the classic crab cake sauce.

But, what else goes with crab cakes for a side?

There are so many options! From veggies, soups, salads, and more.

Keep reading to discover a new favorite side dish recipe and sauce to pair with your meal…

The BEST Side Dishes for Crab Cakes

Spears of asparagus cooked sous vide topped with parmesan shavings.
Sous Vide Asparagus
How to cook perfect asparagus sous vide. Bright green, perfectly cooked spears. With three options for flavoring – garlic, parmesan or lemon.
Sous Vide Asparagus
Close up of apple slaw in serving bowl.
Apple Celery Root Slaw
Apple Celery Root Slaw is an exciting twist on your basic coleslaw. Crisp apples and celery root combine with jalapeno, cilantro & pickled onions. It's sure to be a stand out side dish!
Apple Celery Root Slaw
Risotto in large dutch oven.
Lemon Risotto with Mascarpone
Indulge in this luxurious Lemon Risotto with Mascarpone. Rich, creamy, and tangy – Its bright flavor makes a perfect vegetarian entrée or a delicious side dish.
Lemon Risotto
Arugula Salad ready to be served.
Simple Arugula Salad Dressing
This Arugula Salad recipe with red wine vinaigrette is my go-to green salad. The arugula has a peppery bite to it which pairs wonderfully with the acid in the vinaigrette. It’s the perfect salad for pairing with rich dishes.
Arugula Salad
Overhead shot of bowl of cold cucumber soup.
Cold Cucumber Soup
Enjoy this cold Cucumber Soup as a refreshing summer appetizer or side dish. Made with garlic, jalapeno, yogurt, and olive oil, this easy recipe blends up in seconds and has playful and savory flavors.
Chilled Cucumber Soup
Peppers with grill marks scattered on counter.
Grilled Bell Peppers
Learn how to make perfectly tender and blistered Grilled Peppers at home! It’s one of the best and easiest side dishes for crab cakes.
Grilled Peppers
Overhead close up of snap pea salad in pink bowl on pink background ready to be served.
Snap Pea Salad
This Snap Pea Salad is the best warm-weather side dish. Crunchy and sweet snap peas, fresh basil, and almonds are tossed in a tangy lemon and Dijon dressing, giving you a simple meal that’s incredibly refreshing and flavorful!
Snap Pea Salad
Overhead shot of Prepared asian quinoa salad in bowl with serving tongs.
Asian Quinoa Salad
This vibrant Asian Quinoa Salad has a colorful blend of fresh vegetables topped on a bed of fluffy quinoa. Dressed in a tangy vinaigrette, it’s a delicious and naturally vegan meal you can make for meal prep or a healthy dinner.
Edamame Quinoa Salad
Tomato Orange Soup is the creamiest tomato soup recipe you will find. Plus, it's got a great tang for the orange juice. It's the perfect winter soup for chilly days.
Tomato Bisque
This Tomato Bisque Soup is the richest, creamiest tomato soup you've ever tried, with a splash of fresh orange juice for a bit of extra tang! Inspired by Elephant's Deli in Portland, Oregon.
Tomato Bisque
Shirazi salad centered in frame with serving spoon.
Shirazi Salad
This simple Shirazi Salad recipe features fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and crisp red onion. Dressed with plenty of fresh herbs and tossed with a tangy dressing made with lime juice and olive oil. Every bite is bursting with refreshing flavors!
Shirazi Salad
Shrimp scattered on air fryer basket liner with lemon wedges.
Air Fryer Shrimp
This tasty Air Fryer Shrimp takes less than 10 minutes to make with a handful of flexible ingredients. Cooking perfectly plump and juicy shrimp has never been easier!
Recipe
Overhead close up of combined vinegar slaw in large white mixing bowl.
Red Cabbage Coleslaw (No Mayo)
Red Cabbage Slaw is a super simple side dish recipe made without mayo. It’s tangy, delicious and crunchy. 
Red Cabbage Slaw
Serving spoon in bowl of tomato cucumber salad.
Mediterranean Tomato Cucumber Salad
This Tomato Cucumber Salad features fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and crisp red onion. Dressed in a tangy homemade red wine vinaigrette, every bite is bursting with refreshing Mediterranean flavors!
Tomato Cucumber Salad
Two sliced air fryer filet mignons topped with garlic butter on plate.
Air Fryer Filet Mignon
Learn how to cook filet mignon in the air fryer in less than 20 minutes! The foolproof cooking method and temperature guide yield an effortless yet impressive steak dinner every time. Top your filets with homemade compound butter and enjoy!
Air Fryer Filet Mignon
Blistered shishito peppers served on a black plate with lemon wedges.
Blistered Shishito Peppers Recipe
These Blistered Shishito Peppers are the perfect finger food. They’re so easy to make too. Lightly seasoned and slightly smoky, you’ll find that most are mild… one out of every ten might surprise you. 
Blistered Shishito Peppers
Overhead shot of lemon pasta in bowl next to charred lemon halves.
Easy Lemon Pasta
This easy Lemon Pasta is deliciously tangy and creamy, plus it comes together in under 15 minutes!
Lemon Pasta
Plate of filet mignon bites ready to be served.
Filet Mignon Appetizers
These Filet Mignon Bites with Creamy Horseradish Sauce are the perfect elegant appetizer to serve at your next party. Tender bites of filet mignon are wrapped in bacon and served with a thick and tangy horseradish sauce.
Filet Mignon Bites
Overhead shot of din tai fung cucumber salad on grey plate with chopsticks.
Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad
This copycat Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad is bursting with flavor. Beautifully marinated cucumbers drizzled in chili oil is an outstanding vegetarian appetizer you can enjoy for any special occasion!
Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad
Hawaiian coleslaw in white serving bowl.
Hawaiian Coleslaw
Hawaiian Coleslaw with pineapple, cabbage, carrots, sesame seeds and a ginger-soy lime vinaigrette brings a tropical taste to traditional slaw.
Hawaiian Coleslaw
Overhead shot of mac and cheese in speckled bowl with spoon and grated cheddar scattered about.
Instant Pot Mac and Cheese
This is the BEST Instant Pot Mac and Cheese! Made extra creamy with evaporated milk, plus delicious cheddar & parmesan cheese. It can be made in just 4 minutes with your electric pressure cooker.
Instant Pot Mac & Cheese
Platter of grilled broccolini
Grilled Broccolini with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
This grilled broccolini is topped with a tangy apple cider vinaigrette and marcona almonds for a delicious crunch. It’s a perfect side dish for autumnal menus or Thanksgiving. 
Grilled Broccolini
Sauteed zucchini and squash in skillet.
Sauteed Zucchini and Squash
You can serve Sauteed Zucchini and Squash with practically anything! It’s a simple side dish that showcases sliced and seared summer squash and savory Italian flavors.
Sauteed Zucchini
Din Tai Fung Green Beans
These copycat Din Tai Fung Green Beans are deliciously crispy and coated with lots of savory garlic and a spicy chili crisp. It’s the best umami-forward side dish to pair with all of your takeout-inspired favorites!
Din Tai Fung Green Beans
CLOSE UP OF ROASTED SWEET POTATOES ON SERVING TRAY WITH SPOON.
The BEST Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Roasted Sweet Potatoes are a salty, crispy, savory, and slightly sweet side dish you can pair with almost anything! Lightly spiced and so simple, this easy recipe is a total crowd pleaser and a must-have for weeknight dinners.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Cooked french fries in air fryer.
Air Fryer Shoestring Fries
These Air Fryer Shoestring Fries come out exactly like your favorite fast food fries! They’re crispy, golden on the outside and perfectly fluffy inside. SO much better than deep frying or baking! Plus, you can cook different types of fries – waffle fries, steak fries and more!
Air Fryer Fries
Overhead shot of cherry tomato salad in grey bowl.
Cherry Tomato Salad with Roasted Lemons
This Cherry Tomato Salad with Roasted Lemons is the perfect side dish. Sweet tomatoes combine with a tangy vinaigrette and delicious roasted lemons. 
Cherry Tomato Salad
Prepared radicchio salad in grey bowl with serving utensils.
Italian Radicchio Salad
This delicious Italian Radicchio Salad is dressed in a creamy lemon-vinaigrette and tossed with buttery calvestrano olives, tasty breadcrumbs and nutty parmesan cheese. And, a special tip ensures that your radicchio won't be bitter!
Italian Radicchio Salad
Hand holding bowl of chickpea salad.
Avocado Chickpea Salad
This Chickpeas and Avocado Salad has all the traditional elements of a great guacamole and makes a healthy, protein and fiber-filled dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. Plus, it comes together easily in just 10 minutes!
Avocado Chickpea Salad
Shaved brussels sprouts salad in large bowl with serving spoon.
Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad
This Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad with Mustard and Parmesan is tossed in a light red wine vinaigrette and makes a delicious, crunchy side dish.
Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad
This Israeli Couscous Tabbouleh Salad recipe combines pearl couscous with tomatoes, cucumber, fresh herbs and a light citrus dressing. It's a perfect make-ahead salad recipe! | platingsandpairings.com
Israeli Couscous Tabbouleh Salad
This Israeli Couscous Tabbouleh Salad combines pearl couscous with tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh herbs and a light citrus dressing.
Israeli Couscous Tabbouleh Salad
Ears of corn on the cob in a grey serving dish with a pat of butter and sprinkling of parsley.
Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
Learn how to make the BEST Instant Pot Corn on the Cob. This pressure cooker corn on the cob recipe uses a simple, secret ingredient to guarantee that your corn is sweet, tender and delicious! 
Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
Italian chopped salad in large bowl on white table.
Italian Chopped Salad
This simple Italian Chopped Salad dresses fresh veggies, salami, mozzarella & chickpeas in a delicious homemade Italian dressing.
Italian Chopped Salad

6 Yummy Crab Cake Sauces to Try

Crab cakes topped with lemon wedges and dollops of crab cake sauce.
Crab Cake Sauce
This cool and creamy Crab Cake Sauce has just enough tanginess, smokiness, and spice to pair with far more than crab cakes. It’s fantastic with fries and other crispy finger foods, spread on sandwiches, and even with steak!
Crab Cake Sauce
Jar of chipotle crema with spoon on small plate next to lime wedges and small bowl of chipotles.
Chipotle Crema
Add some smoke and spice to your favorite recipes with this Chipotle Crema. A Mexican-inspired sauce, this creamy mix is made with chipotles in adobo to give a spicy boost to your crab cakes.
Chipotle Crema
Overhead shot of shrimp arranged on white plate with cocktail forks and bowl of cocktail sauce in the middle.
Cocktail Sauce Recipe
This easy Cocktail Sauce recipe is a zesty and tangy dipping sauce that’s perfect for prawn cocktails, po’ boys, and crab cakes. 
Cocktail Sauce
Spoon stirring yellow herb sauce in small white bowl
Easy Lemon Dill Sauce
This lemon butter sauce, made with dry white wine and fresh dill, is the upgrade your next crab cake dinner craves!
Lemon Butter Sauce
Overhead shot of remoulade in bowl with shrimp surrounding it.
Easy Remoulade Sauce
This easy Louisiana-style Remoulade Sauce is a smoky and tangy dipping sauce that’s perfect for po’ boys, fried green tomatoes, and crab cakes.
Remoulade Sauce
Crema arranged on plate with limes and cilantro.
Cilantro Lime Crema
This quick and tangy Cilantro Lime Crema is ready in just 5 minutes. Better than sour cream, this Mexican condiment is flavored with fresh cilantro and lime juice to create a creamy and vibrant crab cake sauce.
Cilantro Lime Crema

How to Make Ahead and Store

Many of these crab cake side dish recipes and sauces can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or even in the freezer. Simply check the individual recipes for full storing instructions and details on how to make ahead. 

More Seafood Side Dish Recipes

  • Sides for Ceviche
  • Sides for Salmon
  • Sides for Clam Chowder
  • Sides for Shrimp
  • Sides for Sushi
  • Sides for Tuna Steaks

Did you Make Any of These Crab Cake Side Dishes?

Please leave a comment and rating below, if you loved this round up of what to serve with crab cakes. Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.

For more great Platings and Pairings recipes, be sure to follow me on  Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and Facebook.

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Collage of sides for crab cakes.

Full Recipe

What to Serve with Crab Cakes (35+ BEST Sides)

Wondering what to serve with crab cakes? Look no further! Here’s a list of the best sides for crab cakes! These recipes are all quick, easy and delicious. Try this cool and creamy Crab Cake Sauce. Tangy, smoky and delicious!
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin
Serves 6 people
Created by Platings and Pairings
Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
Cook Time: 0 minutes mins
Resting time: 1 hour hr
Total Time: 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Equipment

  • Small Bowl

Ingredients

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sour cream
  • 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh chives
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon creamy horseradish
  • 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice (plus 1 teaspoon lemon zest)

Instructions

  • Combine ingredients in a small bowl and stir to combine.
  • After mixing the ingredients, give the sauce a taste and adjust the flavors if needed.
  • For best results, let the sauce rest in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours before using to allow the flavors to meld together.

Notes

For a spicy sauce:
Add a couple chopped chipotle peppers or hot sauce to your remoulade. 
Storing and freezing: 
  • This sauce will keep in an airtight container for about 2 weeks.
  • You can also freeze this sauce for about 3 months, but some separation may occur during thawing.

Nutrition

Calories: 148kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 122mg | Potassium: 33mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 400IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.2mg
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!
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Hi, I’m Erin!

Can I pour you a glass of wine? Let’s have some fun in the kitchen! Maybe some pasta? A juicy steak? I’ve got loads of yummy, easy recipes for you! Because cooking should feel as comfy as your favorite yoga pants. ♥

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