Shrimp Salad Recipe: Creamy, Crunchy, and Refreshing

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This shrimp salad is everything you want in a salad: it’s creamy, refreshing, and satisfying without being overly heavy. The shrimp are cooked to perfection and mixed with a tangy, garlicky dressing made with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and fresh dill. The crunch of celery and red onion adds texture, while the fresh lemon and dill give it a burst of flavor. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or just want a quick and healthy meal.

Ingredients

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 lemon, quartered
1 cup celery, finely diced
1/2 red onion, finely minced

For the Dressing:

2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (plus more for garnish)
Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Boil the Shrimp: Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the quartered lemon to the water. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque.
Ice Bath: While the shrimp are cooking, prepare a large bowl of ice water nearby. Once the shrimp are cooked, immediately transfer them to the ice bath to stop the cooking process.
Drain and Dry: After the shrimp have cooled in the ice water for a few minutes, drain them well and pat dry with paper towels.
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, minced garlic, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Salad: In a medium salad bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, diced celery, and minced red onion. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss to coat.
Chill and Serve: Transfer the salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for a few hours before serving. Garnish with additional fresh dill before serving.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings (as a side dish)
Calories: 218 kcal per serving

Variations

Add Avocado: For extra creaminess, add diced avocado to the salad.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the dressing for some heat.
Different Greens: Serve the shrimp salad over a bed of mixed greens or arugula for a more substantial meal.
Swap the Mayo: For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of mayonnaise.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover shrimp salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Reheating: This shrimp salad is best served chilled and doesn’t need reheating. Just take it out of the fridge before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I make this shrimp salad ahead of time?

Yes, this shrimp salad can be made ahead of time. It actually tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld together in the fridge.

2. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. You can do this by placing them in the fridge overnight or using the defrost setting on your microwave.

3. Can I use a different type of onion?

Yes, if you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can use green onions (scallions) instead of red onion.

4. Can I add more vegetables to the salad?

Absolutely! You can add diced cucumber, bell peppers, or even cherry tomatoes for more color and crunch.

5. Can I use a different dressing for this salad?

Yes, you can substitute the creamy dressing with a vinaigrette if you prefer a lighter dressing. A lemon-based vinaigrette works especially well.

6. Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this shrimp salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.

7. Can I make this salad spicy?

Yes! For a spicy twist, add a little sriracha or hot sauce to the dressing or stir in some chopped fresh chilies.

8. Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp to save time. Just make sure to chill them properly before adding to the salad.

9. How can I make this salad more filling?

To make this salad more filling, you can serve it over a bed of greens or add some boiled eggs, or even a scoop of quinoa or couscous.

10. Can I use a store-bought dressing?

While homemade dressing adds the best flavor, you can certainly use a store-bought mayo-based dressing or a ranch dressing for convenience.

Conclusion

This Shrimp Salad is the perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and refreshing. The shrimp are perfectly cooked and paired with a tangy, flavorful dressing that brings all the ingredients together in a satisfying way. It’s easy to make, customizable, and sure to impress at any meal. Whether you’re serving it as a side or a light main course, this shrimp salad is a crowd-pleaser every time!