Name: What to Serve with Crab Cakes: 28+ BEST Side Dishes & Sauces
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 65 min
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)

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Wondering what to serve with crab cakes? Look no further! Here’s a list of the 28+ best sides for crab cakes! These recipes are all quick, easy and delicious.

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

Peppers with grill marks scattered on counter.

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.

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Shirazi salad centered in frame with serving spoon.

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!

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Overhead close up of combined vinegar slaw in large white mixing bowl.

Red Cabbage Slaw is a super simple side dish recipe made without mayo. It’s tangy, delicious and crunchy.

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Serving spoon in bowl of 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!

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Blistered shishito peppers served on a black plate with lemon wedges.

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.

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Overhead shot of lemon pasta in bowl next to charred lemon halves.

This easy Lemon Pasta is deliciously tangy and creamy, plus it comes together in under 15 minutes!

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Spears of asparagus cooked sous vide topped with parmesan shavings.

How to cook perfect asparagus sous vide. Bright green, perfectly cooked spears. With three options for flavoring – garlic, parmesan or lemon.

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Overhead shot of din tai fung cucumber salad on grey plate with chopsticks.

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!

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Lemon risotto in grey bowl topped with charred lemon and basil sprigs.

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.

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Hawaiian coleslaw in white serving bowl.

Hawaiian Coleslaw with pineapple, cabbage, carrots, sesame seeds and a ginger-soy lime vinaigrette brings a tropical taste to traditional slaw.

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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.

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CLOSE UP OF ROASTED SWEET POTATOES ON SERVING TRAY WITH SPOON.

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.

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Overhead shot of cherry tomato salad in grey bowl.

This Cherry Tomato Salad with Roasted Lemons is the perfect side dish. Sweet tomatoes combine with a tangy vinaigrette and delicious roasted lemons.

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Prepared radicchio salad in grey bowl with serving utensils.

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!

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This Avocado Chickpea 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!

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Overhead shot of arugula salad next to shaved parmesan.

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.

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Shaved brussels sprouts salad in large bowl with serving spoon.

This Shaved Brussel Sprout Salad with Mustard and Parmesan is tossed in a light red wine vinaigrette and makes a delicious, crunchy side dish.

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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

This Israeli Couscous Tabbouleh Salad combines pearl couscous with tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh herbs and a light citrus dressing.

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Overhead shot of bowl of cold cucumber soup.

Enjoy this chilled 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.

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Ears of corn on the cob in a grey serving dish with a pat of butter and sprinkling of parsley.

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!

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Side view of Apple Slaw in speckled bowl.

Apple Slaw with Celery Root 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!

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6 Yummy Crab Cake Sauces to Try

Side view close up of bowl of crab cake sauce with spoon surrounded by crab cakes on parchment.

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!

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Jar of chipotle crema with spoon on small plate next to lime wedges and small bowl of chipotles.

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.

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Overhead shot of shrimp arranged on white plate with cocktail forks and bowl of cocktail sauce in the middle.

This easy Cocktail Sauce recipe is a zesty and tangy dipping sauce that’s perfect for prawn cocktails, po’ boys, and crab cakes.

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Spoon stirring yellow herb sauce in small white bowl

This lemon butter sauce, made with dry white wine and fresh dill, is the upgrade your next crab cake dinner craves!

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Crema arranged on plate with limes and cilantro.

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.

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Overhead shot of remoulade in bowl with shrimp surrounding it.

This Louisiana-style Remoulade Sauce is a smoky and tangy dipping sauce that’s perfect for po’ boys, fried green tomatoes, and crab cakes.

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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 Side Dish Recipes

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.

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