We’re all about those crab cakes! These little gems are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a fancy dinner or just a casual Friday night at home, crab cakes never disappoint.
We’ve scarfed them down at beach barbecues and swanky restaurants alike, and they always hit the spot.
Now, the question is: what should we serve with them? We want sides that complement those flavors without hogging the spotlight.
Let’s face it, nobody wants a dish that competes for attention. So, if you’re looking to elevate your crab cake game, we’ve got some tasty suggestions that’ll make your meal unforgettable!
Top 13 Side Dishes for Crab Cakes
Here are some of our favorite side dishes to serve with crab cakes:
| Side Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Difficulty | Time |
| Corn and Avocado Salad | Corn, avocado, lime, cilantro | Fresh, tangy | Easy | 15 min |
| Lemon Herb Couscous | Couscous, lemon, herbs | Light, zesty | Easy | 20 min |
| Roasted Sweet Potato Fries | Sweet potatoes, olive oil, seasoning | Sweet, savory | Easy | 30 min |
| Mediterranean Orzo Salad | Orzo, cherry tomatoes, olives | Savory, tangy | Medium | 25 min |
| Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds | Green beans, almonds, garlic | Nutty, savory | Easy | 15 min |
| Garlic Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower | Cauliflower, garlic, Parmesan | Savory, cheesy | Easy | 30 min |
| Fresh Tomato and Basil Bruschetta | Tomatoes, basil, baguette | Fresh, herby | Easy | 10 min |
| Creamy Dill Potato Salad | Potatoes, dill, sour cream | Creamy, herby | Medium | 35 min |
| Grilled Corn on the Cob | Corn, butter, seasoning | Sweet, buttery | Easy | 20 min |
| Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad | Brussels sprouts, lemon, Parmesan | Light, tangy | Medium | 20 min |
| Apple and Celery Slaw | Apples, celery, dressing | Crisp, tangy | Easy | 15 min |
| Herbed Quinoa | Quinoa, herbs, lemon | Fresh, nutty | Easy | 20 min |
| Chilled Gazpacho Soup | Tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers | Cool, refreshing | Medium | 30 min |
1 – Corn and Avocado Salad
This salad combines fresh corn, creamy avocado, diced red onion, and a splash of lime juice.
It’s vibrant and refreshing, making it perfect with crab cakes. The sweetness of corn complements the rich texture of avocado.
We’ve tossed this salad into our meals time and again.
Pop it alongside crab cakes for a summer feel.
2 – Lemon Herb Couscous
Lemon herb couscous is a refreshing side dish we love.
It’s light, fluffy, and zesty, really bringing out the crab cakes. The bright lemon adds a kick, while herbs provide that fresh punch.
We usually toss it together with couscous, lemon zest, parsley, olive oil, and a bit of garlic.
Every bite is a little taste of summer. Plus, it takes hardly any time to cook, making it a go-to for busy nights.
3 – Sweet Potato Fries
We crave those sweet potato fries like they’re our secret stash. They combine sweetness with a hint of savoury that’s hard to resist. When roasted, they get crispy on the outside while remaining fluffy inside.
For this simple dish, we need sweet potatoes, olive oil, salt, and a sprinkle of paprika for an extra kick.
Cooking these in the oven gives them that roasted goodness. Each bite feels indulgent, yet they’re still a healthy option.
We love serving these with a spicy dipping sauce or even just some classic ketchup.
4 – Mediterranean Orzo Salad
We adore Mediterranean orzo salad! It’s light, refreshing, and full of flavour.
The combination of orzo, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and feta brings a lovely balance. The dressing usually consists of olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano, which ties everything together nicely.
This salad has a delightful mix of tangy, salty, and fresh notes. We’ve whipped this up for summer barbecues, and it disappears faster than we can say “seconds, please!”
Combine all the ingredients, toss, and voila! Perfect alongside crab cakes.
5 – Sautéed Green Beans with Almonds
We love sautéed green beans with almonds. These simple veggies are vibrant and crunchy. A quick sauté with olive oil and garlic takes them to the next level.
You just need fresh green beans, sliced almonds, and a sprinkle of salt.
The almonds add a satisfying crunch and nutty flavor, balancing out the tender beans.
This dish gives a light, fresh taste that complements our crab cakes perfectly.
We often whip these up as a quick side whenever we want something green on the plate.
6 – Garlic Parmesan Roasted Cauliflower
We love garlic parmesan roasted cauliflower! It’s crunchy, cheesy, and oh-so-garlicky.
For this dish, we toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, minced garlic, grated parmesan, and a pinch of salt.
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness and gives it a crispy texture. The garlic adds an amazing depth, while the parmesan gives a rich, savory finish.
Every bite feels like a snack and a side all at once! We whip this up for both fancy dinners and lazy movie nights.
7 – Fresh Tomato and Basil Bruschetta
Bruschetta is a real crowd-pleaser for us. It’s simple and fresh, packed with vibrant tomatoes and fragrant basil.
We use ingredients like ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and crusty bread.
The flavors kick in beautifully—savory, slightly sweet, and oh-so-refreshing. Each bite is a burst of summer.
We often make this for gatherings. Everyone goes back for seconds, and we bond over the easy preparation!
8 – Creamy Dill Potato Salad
What’s better than creamy dill potato salad chilling in the fridge? We love this side because it’s straightforward and packed with flavor.
Tender potatoes give a hearty bite, while fresh dill and creamy dressing bring brightness.
Ingredients include boiled potatoes, mayonnaise, sour cream, dill, and a sprinkle of garlic powder.
We often whip this up for picnics, and it vanishes in minutes. The dill really sets it apart, adding a refreshing twist to the creamy texture.
This salad complements crab cakes beautifully and always has us coming back for more!
9 – Air Fryer Corn on the Cob
Air frying corn on the cob is a summertime classic. The smoky char adds a delicious layer while the kernels burst with sweetness.
We sprinkle ours with buttery goodness and some chili powder for a kick. Corn, butter, and spices are all you need.
Each bite screams summer barbecue. We can’t resist snagging a piece every time it’s on the grill. The crispy texture pairs perfectly with our crab cakes.
10 – Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad
We love a good shaved Brussels sprouts salad. It’s crunchy, fresh, and packed with flavor. The key is thinly slicing those sprouts to create a lovely base.
We toss ours with olive oil, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of parmesan for richness.
The zesty dressing brightens every bite. We also add walnuts for some extra crunch.
This salad pairs perfectly with crab cakes, making our plates pop with color and taste. It’s a hit at every gathering we’ve had!
11 – Apple and Celery Slaw
Apple and celery slaw adds a refreshing crunch to our meals. The crisp apples blend perfectly with the crunchy celery, creating a delightful contrast. The zippy dressing features apple cider vinegar and a touch of honey, brightening every bite.
We toss in some raisins for a sweet pop and sprinkle in chopped cilantro for an extra layer of flavor.
It pairs wonderfully with crab cakes, making our plates feel vibrant and lively. The freshness of the slaw complements the richness of the crab.
12 – Herbed Quinoa
We totally dig herbed quinoa! It’s light, fluffy, and packs a fresh kick. This dish is a solid blend of quinoa, fresh herbs (think parsley and cilantro), olive oil, and zesty lemon juice.
Each bite is herbaceous, nutty, and bright. We often whip it up as a side, and it disappears quickly, especially with grilled veggies. The texture really complements crab cakes, making this combo a must-try!
13 – Chilled Gazpacho Soup
Chilled gazpacho soup is a refreshing summer standout we can’t resist. This cold soup features ripe tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and zesty bell peppers. Each spoonful delivers a burst of vibrant flavours, thanks to a drizzle of olive oil and a splash of vinegar.
We love how this soup is both light and satisfying. The freshness pairs perfectly with our crab cakes. With each ingredient blended up, it creates a silky texture that’s simply irresistible. We whip it up for hot days, and it never sticks around for long!
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.