Shrimp Salad is bursting with tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a zesty dressing, this salad is a delightful combination of lightness and indulgence for a quick lunch, a show-stopping appetizer, or a refreshing summer dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Salad Recipe
Shrimp salad is incredibly versatile, easy to make, and packed with nutrients. This dish offers:
- A perfect balance of protein-rich shrimp and fiber-filled vegetables.
- Customizable flavors that suit every palate.
- Quick preparation—ideal for busy weekdays or impromptu gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make a classic shrimp salad, gather these fresh ingredients:
- Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, deveined, and peeled. Medium-sized shrimp work best.
- Vegetables: Crunchy options like celery, cucumbers, red onion, and cherry tomatoes.
- Herbs: Fresh dill, parsley, or cilantro for added aroma.
- Dressing: A creamy base like mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, enhanced with lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a touch of olive oil.
- Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, paprika, and Old Bay seasoning for that classic seafood flavor.
Optional add-ins include avocado, boiled eggs, or a touch of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Shrimp Salad
- Cook the Shrimp Perfectly: Boil or sauté shrimp until they turn pink and opaque (about 2-3 minutes). Overcooking can make them rubbery.
- Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and crisp vegetables elevate the dish significantly.
- Customize the Dressing: Adjust the tanginess, sweetness, or spice level to your taste.
Delicious Variations
- Mediterranean Shrimp Salad: Add feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar.
- Mexican Shrimp Salad: Toss in black beans, corn, and a lime-cilantro dressing for a zesty twist.
- Keto-Friendly Version: Swap mayo for avocado and add bacon crumbles.
- Asian-Inspired Salad: Use sesame oil, soy sauce, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
How to Serve Shrimp Salad
Shrimp salad is as versatile as it is delicious. Here are some serving suggestions:
- On a Bed of Greens: Pair with arugula, spinach, or romaine lettuce for a complete meal.
- In a Sandwich: Spoon into a soft brioche bun or crusty baguette for a decadent shrimp roll.
- With Crackers or Toast: Serve as an appetizer or light snack.
- In Lettuce Wraps: Perfect for low-carb dining.
How to Store Shrimp Salad
Proper storage is essential to keep shrimp salad fresh:
- Refrigerate Immediately: Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Avoid Freezing: Freezing changes the texture of the shrimp and dressing, so it’s not recommended.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for shrimp salad?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
2. Is shrimp salad healthy?
Yes! Shrimp is low in calories and high in protein. Pairing it with fresh vegetables and a light dressing keeps it nutritious.
3. What type of shrimp is best for shrimp salad?
Medium-sized shrimp (31-40 count) are ideal. They’re bite-sized and easy to cook.
4. Can I make shrimp salad ahead of time?
Yes, shrimp salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors meld together.
5. What’s the best way to cook shrimp for this recipe?
Boiling, grilling, or sautéing are all excellent options. For extra flavor, try grilling with a squeeze of lemon.
Shrimp Salad (Best Creamy)
This easy creamy shrimp salad is the best summer time salad made with juicy shrimps coated with creamy mayo dressing and tossed with celery and red onion.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 rib celery, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
For the creamy dressing
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup mayo
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 minced garlic clove
- pinch freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, add mustard, mayon, dill, lemon juice and zest, garlic, salt and pepper. Combine.
- Heat a pot of water to a boil. Add shrimp and boil for about 2 to 3 minutes or until cooked through.
- Take out the shrimps from the pot and cool them directly in ice water. Remove and set aside and drain.
- Add the shrimp into the dressing bowl, add in chopped red onion, celery, and combine until creamy.
- Serve over lettuce leaves and enjoy immediately.
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Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 437Total Fat 30gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 24gCholesterol 334mgSodium 1793mgCarbohydrates 4gFiber 0gSugar 1gProtein 35g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Check my other shrimp recipes:
Conclusion
Shrimp salad is a go-to recipe for a reason—it’s flavorful, versatile, and perfect for any occasion. With endless variations and easy preparation, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light lunch or serving it at your next dinner party, shrimp salad is guaranteed to impress. Try it today and experience the magic of this classic dish!
