I don’t know about you, but crab cakes always feel like a little celebration on a plate. That tender, sweet crab meat with its crispy golden exterior deserves sidekicks that are just as memorable. I’ve pulled together 15 incredible dishes that are easy, vibrant, and totally irresistible, so you can build a meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
1. Asparagus and Tomatoes
This is another healthy option that pairs wonderfully with crab cakes. For a nice little punch, I like to tuck in a few green jalapeños to give the whole plate a lively kick.
2. Herbed Potatoes
I absolutely adore potatoes alongside crab cakes because they’re soft, satisfying, and wonderfully filling. Roasting them takes everything up a notch, delivering the best crunchy bite.
Reach for firm varieties like Yukon Gold or Russet, and give them a really good rinse so you can skip the peeling and keep those tasty skins. I slice mine into chunky pieces, toss them on a baking sheet with a generous drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, then shower them with turmeric, oregano, parsley, cilantro, salt, and pepper. Pop them into a 300°F oven for about 20 minutes and you’ll have a tray of herby, golden perfection.
3. Corn Chowder
Staying on the soup track, let me introduce you to corn chowder! It’s thick, creamy, sweet, and savory, echoing that comforting feel of a perfect crab cake. This slightly sweeter bowl is just incredible spooned next to those tender, refreshing seafood patties.
4. Grilled Veggies
There’s something magical about pairing the sweet, savory richness of crab cakes with vegetables that have kissed a hot grill. I’m talking about smoky, charred corn, eggplant, squash, asparagus, and onions that bring a whole lot of personality to your fork.
Those gorgeous pops of color on the plate make everything feel extra special. A memorable dinner should delight your eyes just as much as your taste buds, don’t you think?
5. Corn Salad
If crab cakes put you in a sunny, summery mood, this refreshing corn salad is the perfect way to lean all the way in. Honestly, nothing says summer like crab cakes and sweet corn together.
I toss corn kernels with basil and scallions, then drizzle the whole thing with a punchy salt and vinegar dressing. Just imagine that sweet, crunchy, tangy bowl resting next to soft, flaky crab cakes… pure heaven. And while we’re celebrating corn, a succotash salad with those vibrant lima beans makes another wonderfully tasty, colorful companion for your plate.
6. Gazpacho
Soups and fried foods are always a happy pair, and gazpacho brings the most amazing partnership to crispy, rich crab cakes. That smooth, cool, sweetly tart soup offers such a lovely contrast.
To whip it up, soak day-old bread in water and blend together tomatoes, onions, garlic, a celery stalk, cucumbers, bell pepper, olive oil, lemon juice, cilantro, mint leaves, salt, sugar, and pepper. That’s all it takes. But let me tell you a little secret: add some ripe mangoes to that blender and watch how incredibly well that fruity sweetness dances with your crab cakes.
7. Bread Rolls
Since crab cakes are basically shaped like burger patties, serving them on soft, fresh bread rolls feels like a deliciously obvious move. You can grab your favorite kind from the bakery, but honestly, it’s so much more fun to bake them yourself at home.
8. Roasted Veggies
Grilling gives you that irresistible char, but roasting works a different kind of magic by caramelizing every edge and coaxing out a deep, natural sweetness. This is the route to take when you want a rustic yet elegant vibe next to your crab cake.
Just preheat your oven, sprinkle on some basil and fresh parsley, and let the heat do its thing. In just a few minutes, you’ve got a simple, gorgeous side ready to shine.
9. Colorful Slaw
Who decided slaw is only about cabbage and carrots? Not me!
I love making this side extra exciting by bringing in a rainbow of color. Start with a bag of pre-shredded coleslaw mix, toss in some sunflower seeds, and stir through a creamy dressing before giving it a generous splash of white vinegar.
A little sprinkle of sugar adds a sweet note too. Those vibrant hues and lively flavors make your plate feel totally appetizing alongside the crab cakes.
10. Cocktails
When I think about cocktails for crab cakes, a classic Bloody Mary is my absolute top pick. Those layered flavors of tomatoes, peppers, and vodka complement the rich, savory crab cake perfectly.
If you’re leaning into a light, summer vibe, go with a citrusy mojito or a crisp gimlet. Your guests will love the fresh, bright pairing.
11. Grilled Avocados
Avocados bring that same rich, creamy quality that makes crab cakes so dreamy, so they’re absolutely destined to be together. And grilling them?
Life changing. That little bit of char turns them into something truly heavenly.
Just lay peeled, pitted avocado halves on a hot griddle for 2 to 3 minutes on one side, then flip and give them another minute. You can take the whole situation to the next level by slicing those creamy green beauties onto a salad with lettuce, red onions, cherry tomatoes, and coriander.
12. Mango Salsa
This isn’t your ordinary salsa; it stars my favorite summer fruit, mango, and it’s completely amazing. Sure, salsa and chips are a classic duo, but have you ever dipped a crisp, tender crab cake into a bowl of mango salsa?
It will totally blow your mind. I love that you can play it sweet and simple or bring a fiery jalapeño kick to your tropical sauce, depending on your mood. It works beautifully either way.
13. Chickpea Salad
Here’s another colorful salad that was practically made for crab cakes. It’s loaded with chickpeas, parsley, and celery, all tucked into a tangy lemon herb dressing.
Every bite is crunchy, refreshing, and satisfyingly nutritious. This is the kind of side dish that truly has it all.
14. Green Salad
Some days you just need a side that’s light, crisp, and completely effortless. A green salad with peppery arugula, radish, or mustard greens tossed in a bright vinaigrette hits the spot every time. It’s so simple to throw together and brings a refreshing, healthy moment to your crab cake dinner.
15. Remoulade
A fabulous way to add extra flavor to your crab cakes is with a dipping sauce, and remoulade is easily the most beloved choice out there. This French condiment starts with a creamy mayo or aioli base and looks a lot like tartar sauce, just with a richer yellow hue.
It’s often flavored with curry and seasoned with paprika, capers, horseradish, and anchovies. Originally created for meats, it has become the go-to for fish cakes everywhere.
To make it, stir together mayo, ketchup, mustard, shredded horseradish, capers, parsley, onion, and lemon juice. A pinch of Cajun seasoning and pepper is a wonderful addition if you’re feeling it.