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Home - Sides

Latest Updated: Feb 15, 2026 by Carrie Boyd

What to Serve with Crab Cakes? 16 Mouthwatering Side Dishes

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Have you ever wished for something new to serve with your favorite crab cakes?

Or maybe you're just trying to make the perfect plate of deliciousness.

Whatever the case may be, one thing is certain - there are many side dishes that will go wonderfully with those juicy and tasty morsels.

From classic sides like coleslaw or mashed potatoes to more unique options like cucumber salad or watermelon feta salad, we are sure you'll find the perfect accompaniment for your next crab cake dinner!

We've come up with 16 different side dishes guaranteed to bring out the flavor and texture of your homemade (or store-bought) crab cakes.

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  • 16 Tempting Side Dishes for Crab Cakes
    • 1. Pasta Al Limone
    • 2. Red Potato Salad
    • 3. Potato Salad with Dijon and Scallions
    • 4. Oven-Roasted Corn On The Cob
    • 5. Quinoa Salad with Carrots and Sugar Snap Peas
    • 6. Lemon Vinaigrette Pasta Salad with Field Peas
    • 7. Carrot Soup with Pea Pesto
    • 8. Avocado Tomato Salad
    • 9. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
    • 10. Eggs Benedict
    • 11. Easy Succotash
    • 12. Slow-Cooker Corn Chowder
    • 13. Tomato-Herb Panzanella
    • 14. Carrot-and-Cabbage Slaw with Sunflower Seeds
    • 15. Garlicky Broccoli Rabe
    • 16. Grilled Creamed Corn
  • 16 Perfect Sides to Accompany Crab Cakes
  • What to Serve with Crab Cakes? 16 Mouthwatering Side Dishes
    • Method 
    • Tried this recipe?

16 Tempting Side Dishes for Crab Cakes

1. Pasta Al Limone

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This simple recipe features pasta tossed with lemon sauce, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs.

The result is a dish that is both flavorful and satisfying.

Pasta al Limone is definitely on the tart side.

The lemon sauce provides a bright, acidic flavor that is balanced by the creamy Parmesan cheese.

The herbs add a touch of freshness, while the pasta itself lends a bit of heartiness to the dish.

As for texture, the pasta is cooked al dente, so it retains a bit of bite.

The sauce is creamy and smooth, making for a pleasant contrast with the pasta.

Overall, this dish is an enjoyable mix of flavors and textures.

This dish is also versatile.

If you want a heartier meal, you can add protein such as chicken or shrimp.

Or, if you're looking for a lighter option, you can omit the cheese.

2. Red Potato Salad

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This recipe for red potato salad is the perfect side dish to serve with crab cakes.

The potatoes are boiled until they are tender and then mixed with a mayonnaise dressing.

The salad is then flavored with celery, onion, and pickle relish.

This is a great recipe to try if you are looking for a new potato salad recipe.

The flavor of the potato salad is excellent, and the mayonnaise dressing really brings out the flavors of the celery, onion, and pickle relish.

If you are looking for a little bit of a different flavor, you could also add some chopped hard-boiled eggs to the potato salad.

If you are looking for tips on making this dish, I would recommend boiling the potatoes in their skins and then peeling them after they have cooled slightly.

This will help to keep the potatoes from falling apart when you mix them with the other ingredients.

I would also recommend chilling the potato salad in the refrigerator for an hour or so before serving, as this will help to bring out the flavors even more.

3. Potato Salad with Dijon and Scallions

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This potato salad is the perfect side dish to bring to your next potluck or BBQ.

It's a simple recipe that is easy to make ahead of time, and it's always a hit with guests.

The best part about this potato salad is that it can be customized to your liking.

Add in some diced celery or green peppers for a crunch, or switch out the Dijon mustard for your favorite variety.

The key to making a great potato salad is to start with starchy potatoes that will hold their shape after being cooked.

I like to use Yukon Gold or Russet potatoes for this recipe.

Once the potatoes are cooked, allow them to cool slightly before adding them to the rest of the ingredients.

This will help them stay nice and firm in the salad.

For the dressing, I like to use a combination of Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and apple cider vinegar.

This gives the salad a nice tangy flavor that pairs well with the potatoes.

If you want a little more sweetness in your salad, you can add a tablespoon or two of honey.

To finish it off, I add in some chopped scallions and dill weed for flavor.

4. Oven-Roasted Corn On The Cob

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Looking for a delicious and easy-to-make side dish to pair with your crab cakes?

This dish is simple to make and only requires a few ingredients, making it the perfect addition to any meal.

Oven-roasted corn on the cob is packed with flavor and is a great way to enjoy fresh corn.

The best part about this recipe is that it can be easily customized to suit your taste.

Add some butter and salt for a classic flavor, or try adding herbs and spices for something a little different.

You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as grated Parmesan or cheddar.

To make this dish, simply preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Then, remove the husks from the corn and brush each ear with some olive oil.

Place the corn on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes, or until the kernels are tender and lightly browned.

Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or toppings.

5. Quinoa Salad with Carrots and Sugar Snap Peas

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This Quinoa Salad with Carrots and Sugar Snap Peas is a great recipe to try if you're looking for something healthy and flavorful.

The quinoa is a great source of protein, and the carrots and sugar snap peas add a nice crunch to the dish.

The salad is also tossed in a light dressing, making it perfect for a summer BBQ or potluck.

One of the best things about this salad is that it's so versatile.

You can easily swap out the vegetables for whatever you have on hand.

If you don't have sugar snap peas, try using green beans or even roasted Brussels sprouts.

And if you're not a fan of quinoa, you could use brown rice or couscous instead.

To make this salad even more delicious, I like to add some shredded chicken or grilled shrimp.

But it's just as good without any meat at all.

If you're serving it as a side dish, I recommend pairing it with grilled chicken or fish.

But it would also be great as a main course served with a crusty piece of bread.

6. Lemon Vinaigrette Pasta Salad with Field Peas

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This Lemon Vinaigrette Pasta Salad with Field Peas is the perfect dish to bring to your next potluck or picnic.

It's light and refreshing but still has plenty of flavors.

The pasta salad is tossed in a lemon vinaigrette, then topped with fresh field peas, diced avocado, and crumbled feta cheese.

This dish is a great option if you're looking for something that is both healthy and flavorful.

The lemon vinaigrette is bright and acidic, while the field peas add a nice earthy flavor to the dish.

The avocado and feta add creaminess and a little bit of saltiness.

If you're making this dish ahead of time, I would recommend adding the avocado just before serving.

This will prevent it from browning.

You can also substitute any type of green pea in this recipe, such as snow peas or sugar snap peas.

7. Carrot Soup with Pea Pesto

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Carrot soup is a type of soup made with carrots as a primary ingredient.

It is usually orange in color, although the hue may vary depending on the other ingredients used.

The soup can be smooth or chunky, and it can be served with or without croutons, bread, or pesto.

Carrot soup is generally considered to be a healthy dish, as it is low in calories and fat but high in fiber and vitamins.

The soup can be made with fresh or frozen carrots, and it can be spiced with ginger, cumin, and other herbs and spices.

Pea pesto is a type of pesto made with peas as the primary ingredient.

It is usually green in color and has a creamy texture.

Pea pesto can be used as a dipping sauce, spread, or condiment, and it pairs well with carrot soup.

8. Avocado Tomato Salad

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Looking for a new salad recipe to try? This avocado tomato salad is the perfect dish to make.

It's healthy, flavorful, and easy to make.

Plus, it only takes a few minutes to prepare.

This salad is a great option if you're looking for something healthy and flavorful.

The avocado and tomato are both packed with nutrients, and the olive oil and lemon juice add a delicious tangy flavor.

If you're looking for a bit of spice, you can also add some crushed red pepper flakes.

To make this salad, simply combine chopped avocado, chopped tomatoes, olive oil, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper flakes in a bowl.

Season to taste with salt and pepper, then serve.

9. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

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If you're looking for a new, delicious salad to try, this Mediterranean Chickpea Salad is the perfect recipe.

It's packed with healthy ingredients and is full of flavor.

What makes this salad so good is the combination of fresh vegetables, herbs, and chickpeas.

The vegetables add crunch and sweetness, while the herbs give the salad an earthy flavor.

Chickpeas are a great source of protein and make the salad filling and satisfying.

To make the salad, start by chopping up your vegetables.

I like to use tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and red onions.

Then, add in a can of chickpeas that have been drained and rinsed.

For the dressing, I simply mix together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a bit of salt and pepper.

Pour it over the salad and mix everything together.

This Mediterranean Chickpea Salad is a great dish to bring to potlucks or barbecues.

It's also perfect for meal prep because it tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours.

10. Eggs Benedict

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Eggs Benedict is a delicious brunch dish that is perfect for special occasions or lazy weekends.

The dish consists of poached eggs, ham, and hollandaise sauce on top of an English muffin.

Eggs Benedict is a rich and flavorful dish that is sure to please everyone at the table.

One of the great things about Eggs Benedict is that it is a relatively easy dish to make.

The hardest part is probably poaching the eggs, but even that can be easily mastered with a little practice.

Once you've got the technique down, the rest of the dish comes together quickly and easily.

This dish is sure to impress your guests with its flavor and simplicity.

11. Easy Succotash

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Looking for a delicious and easy side dish to make?

This dish is made with corn and beans and can be easily customized to your liking.

Plus, it's a great way to get your kids to eat their veggies.

One of the best things about succotash is that it's so versatile.

You can use any type of beans you like and add in other vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, or peppers.

The dish is also very flavorful and can be spiced up with some chili powder or cumin.

If you're looking for a truly unique flavor, try adding in some bacon or sausage.

Here are some tips for making the perfect succotash:

  • Be sure to cook the corn and beans separately before adding them together. This will ensure that they are both cooked evenly.
  • If you're using fresh corn, cut the kernels off the cob before adding them to the dish.
  • Add in some chopped herbs, such as parsley or basil, for an extra touch of flavor.

12. Slow-Cooker Corn Chowder

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Looking for a new recipe to try in your slow cooker? This corn chowder is the perfect dish to make on a chilly winter day.

It's packed with flavor and has a creamy texture that will leave you feeling satisfied.

Plus, it's easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients.

This corn chowder recipe is a great option if you're looking for something that's filling and filling.

The potatoes and corn provide plenty of nutrients, while the bacon adds a delicious smoky flavor.

If you want a bit more of a kick, you can also add some cayenne pepper to the mix.

To make this dish, simply combine all of the ingredients in your slow cooker and set it on low.

Let it cook for 6-8 hours or until the potatoes are nice and tender.

When it's done, give it a good stir and ladle it into bowls.

Serve with some crusty bread on the side, and enjoy.

13. Tomato-Herb Panzanella

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This Tomato-Herb Panzanella recipe is the perfect summer dish.

It's light, refreshing, and packed with flavor.

The best part about this recipe is that it can be made in under 30 minutes.

The key to making this dish is to use fresh ingredients.

Tomatoes, herbs, and bread are the main components of this dish, so you want to make sure they are all high quality.

I also like to add some red onion for a little bit of sweetness and crunch.

You want to use a filling loaf that will hold up to the other ingredients.

I typically use sourdough or ciabatta bread.

If you can't find either of those, any good-quality bread will work.

To give this dish an extra boost of flavor, I like to drizzle it with good quality olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

You could also add some crumbled feta cheese on top.

14. Carrot-and-Cabbage Slaw with Sunflower Seeds

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This recipe is perfect for a summertime cookout.

The slaw has a bright and fresh flavor, and the sunflower seeds add a nice crunch.

The dish is also very easy to make - simply shred the carrots and cabbage, mix in the sunflower seeds and dressing, and you're done.

If you're looking for a flavorful and healthy side dish, this carrot-and-cabbage slaw is a great option.

The slaw gets its sweetness from the carrots, while the cabbage provides a slight bitterness that balances out the flavors.

The sunflower seeds add a nice crunch, and the overall dish is light and refreshing.

To make this dish, simply shred the carrots and cabbage, mix in the sunflower seeds and dressing, and enjoy.

15. Garlicky Broccoli Rabe

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Broccoli rabe is a leafy green vegetable that is related to the more well-known broccoli.

It has a slightly bitter taste and is often used in Italian cooking.

This dish is simple to make and only requires a few ingredients, but it packs a flavorful punch.

The key to making this dish taste great is to not overcook the broccoli rabe.

You want it to be tender but still have a slight crunch to it.

The garlic and red pepper flakes give the dish a nice kick of flavor, while the lemon juice brightens everything up.

If you're feeling adventurous, you could also add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the dish for an extra bit of heat.

This recipe is perfect as a side dish to grilled chicken or fish.

It would also be delicious alongside some roasted potatoes.

If you're looking for a vegetarian main course, this dish would be delicious with some grilled tofu or tempeh.

No matter how you eat it, this garlicky broccoli rabe is sure to please.

16. Grilled Creamed Corn

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This recipe for grilled creamed corn is the perfect side dish to accompany your crab cakes.

The corn is sweet and creamy, with a hint of smokiness from the grill.

Plus, it's so easy to make.

Just a few minutes on the grill, and you're done.

The key to making this dish great is to use fresh corn.

If you can find it, look for Sweet White corn, which has a higher sugar content and will be extra sweet and delicious.

But any fresh corn will work well.

Just be sure to cook it until it's tender but not mushy.

Another tip is to use good quality cream cheese for the creaming process.

This will make a big difference in the taste of your finished dish.

And finally, don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices.

A little bit of cilantro or chili powder can really improve the flavor of this dish.

16 Perfect Sides to Accompany Crab Cakes

In conclusion, there are many delicious side dishes that go well with crab cakes.

You can't go wrong with classics like roasted potatoes or a simple salad.

But if you're looking to be a little more adventurous, try something like roasted Brussels sprouts or roasted corn on the cob.

Whichever route you decide to go, your guests are sure to be impressed.

So get cooking and enjoy.

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What to Serve with Crab Cakes? 16 Mouthwatering Side Dishes

5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Servings: 4 Servings
Course: Sides
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1. Pasta Al Limone
  • 2. Red Potato Salad
  • 3. Potato Salad with Dijon and Scallions
  • 4. Oven-Roasted Corn On The Cob
  • 5. Quinoa Salad with Carrots and Sugar Snap Peas
  • 6. Lemon Vinaigrette Pasta Salad with Field Peas
  • 7. Carrot Soup with Pea Pesto
  • 8. Avocado Tomato Salad
  • 9. Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
  • 10. Eggs Benedict
  • 11. Easy Succotash
  • 12. Slow-Cooker Corn Chowder
  • 13. Tomato-Herb Panzanella
  • 14. Carrot-and-Cabbage Slaw with Sunflower Seeds
  • 15. Garlicky Broccoli Rabe
  • 16. Grilled Creamed Corn

Method
 

  1. Select your favorite sides from the list above.
  2. Prepare the side dish according to the recipe instructions.
  3. If you're short on time, some of these can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving.
  4. Serve and enjoy!

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

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The Complete Side Dish Guide - your complete resource for this topic.

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Frequently Asked Questions
What are good side dish pairings for Crab Cakes?

When pairing sides with Crab Cakes, consider texture as much as flavor. Creamy dishes benefit from something crisp; grilled preparations love a bright, herby accompaniment.

What sides add the most nutritional balance to a Crab Cakes meal?

To balance the meal nutritionally, add a leafy green side and a fiber-rich starch like quinoa or sweet potato alongside your main.

How do I keep it warm without drying it out?

Cover loosely with foil and keep in a low oven (around 200°F / 93°C). For delicate greens, dress just before serving to prevent wilting.

What makes this a complete, balanced meal?

A complete, balanced plate includes protein, a fiber-rich carbohydrate or vegetable, and something with brightness - an acid-dressed green or pickled element rounds everything out.

Carrie Boyd

Carrie is a food writer and editor with more than 15 years of experience. She has worked for some of the biggest names in the food industry, including Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Martha Stewart Living.

As the Editor in Chief of EpicureDelight, Carrie oversees all of the content on the site. She also manages the team of contributing writers and editors, who help to create delicious recipes, helpful tips, and informative articles that you’ll find on the site.

A native of the Chicago area, Carrie is passionate about all things food. She loves trying new restaurants and experimenting with new recipes in her kitchen. She’s also a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, so she knows a thing or two about food!

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