Summer’s heat calls for a refreshing shrimp salad recipe that delivers pure culinary bliss.
Cool, crisp ingredients dance together in this light Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Succulent shrimp take center stage, complemented by vibrant vegetables and a zesty dressing.
Every bite promises a burst of fresh flavors that transport you to coastal dining.
The combination of textures and seasonings makes this salad irresistibly satisfying.
Quick to assemble and packed with nutrition, this recipe turns a simple meal into a delightful experience.
Dive into this delectable creation and savor every mouthwatering moment.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Calories: 320 kcal
Servings: 5
Ingredients List for Shrimp Salad
For Seafood Base:
Shrimp: Ocean-fresh protein that brings delightful sweetness and tender texture to the salad, choose plump, firm, and translucent shrimp without strong fishy smell.
Rice Vinegar: Gentle acid that helps tenderize and brighten the shrimp's natural flavor, select a clean, mild variety.
For Fresh Aromatics and Herbs:
Garlic, Red Onion: Punchy flavor builders that add depth and zesty undertones, select firm and fragrant varieties.
Persian Cucumber: Crisp, watery vegetable that introduces refreshing crunch, pick small, firm cucumbers with thin skin.
Dill Fronds, Chives: Herbaceous elements that provide bright, green notes and elegant finish, choose vibrant, perky herbs with rich color.
Dijon Mustard: Sharp condiment that adds complexity and slight heat, opt for authentic French-style mustard.
Lemon: Citrusy brightener offering fresh acidity and aromatic zest, choose firm, heavy fruits with smooth skin.
Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that enhance and balance overall flavor profile, use freshly ground black pepper.
Equipment for Shrimp Salad Prep
Large pot: For boiling shrimp with plenty of water.
Large bowl: To create ice bath for quickly cooling shrimp.
Baking sheet: For drying shrimp after chilling.
Paper towels: To line baking sheet and absorb moisture.
Medium bowl: For mixing dressing and ingredients.
Microplane or grater: To mince garlic and zest lemon.
Spoon: To scoop out cucumber seeds.
Cutting board: For chopping vegetables and herbs.
Sharp knife: To finely dice onions, cucumber, and herbs.
Measuring cups and spoons: For precise ingredient quantities.
Directions for Assembling Shrimp Salad
Chilled Ocean Delight
Water Preparation Sea-salted liquid bubbling in a large pot, creating the perfect cooking environment for succulent seafood.
Shrimp Bath Gently drop fresh shrimp into boiling water, watching them transform from translucent to blush pink in just two magical minutes. Quick plunge into ice-cold water stops the cooking process, preserving their delicate texture.
Flavor Builders Chop vibrant ingredients with care – crisp cucumber, zesty onion, aromatic herbs, and bright lemon zest dance together in a mixing bowl. Each element adds a layer of complexity to the final creation.
Creamy Binding Whisk together silky mayo, tangy yogurt, and sharp mustard. This luscious mixture becomes the soul of the salad, coating each tender shrimp morsel with incredible flavor.
Final Symphony Fold shrimp into the creamy mixture, ensuring every piece gets a perfect coating. Taste and adjust seasoning to your preference. Serve nestled on crisp greens or atop golden toasted bread for a light, refreshing meal that captures the essence of coastal dining.
Tips & Mix-Ins for Shrimp Salad
Plunge just-boiled shrimp into an ice bath immediately to stop cooking and maintain tender, succulent texture without overcooking.
Swap shrimp with cooked crab, lobster, or poached chicken for a delightful variation that keeps the salad's classic creamy profile.
Sprinkle red pepper flakes, add a dash of smoked paprika, or mix in some chopped jalapeños to introduce a zesty kick that elevates the entire dish.
Store shrimp salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days, keeping the dressing and herbs fresh by adding them just before serving to prevent soggy ingredients.
Fold in toasted pine nuts, crispy capers, or diced celery for an extra crunch that provides delightful contrast to the creamy mayonnaise base.
How to Present Shrimp Salad
Seaside Sandwich Delight: Transform your shrimp salad into a mouthwatering sandwich by spreading it generously between two slices of toasted sourdough or crusty artisan bread, adding crisp lettuce for extra crunch.
Elegant Appetizer Presentation: Create bite-sized appetizers by serving the shrimp salad on delicate cucumber rounds or crisp endive leaves, perfect for cocktail parties or summer gatherings.
Fresh Salad Bed Base: Arrange the zesty shrimp mixture over a bed of mixed greens like arugula or baby spinach, drizzling with a light vinaigrette to enhance the fresh, herbal flavors of the dill and chives.
Mediterranean-Inspired Platter: Complement the shrimp salad with accompaniments like olives, feta cheese, and grilled pita bread, turning it into a Mediterranean-style mezze spread that's both colorful and delicious.
Storage Notes for Shrimp Salad
Refrigerator Storage Magic: Keep your shrimp salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days, maintaining its fresh flavor and crisp texture. The cold environment helps maintain ingredient quality and prevents bacterial growth.
Quick Lunch Prep: Assemble the salad components separately and combine just before serving to keep ingredients vibrant and prevent soggy textures. Chilled shrimp and crisp vegetables will stay delightfully crunchy.
Temperature Wisdom: Always store the shrimp salad below 40°F to ensure food safety. Use clean utensils when handling to prevent cross-contamination and extend the dish's edible lifespan.
Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare shrimp and chop vegetables in advance, storing them separately in sealed containers. Mix the dressing and combine ingredients right before serving for maximum freshness and optimal taste experience.
Mediterranean shrimp salad delivers a refreshing blend of ocean-fresh ingredients balanced with crisp vegetables and zesty herbs. Coastal flavors combine seamlessly, promising you a delightful culinary journey through Mediterranean coastlines.
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb (454 g) jumbo uncooked shrimp (21 to 25 per lb, no need to thaw), peeled and deveined
¼ medium red onion
1 medium Persian cucumber
1 clove garlic
1 bunch fresh chives
6 to 8 sprigs fresh dill
1 medium lemon
¼ cup Kewpie mayonnaise
2 tbsps plain Greek yogurt
1 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp kosher salt, plus more for salting the water
1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Toasted bread or salad greens (optional)
Instructions
Poaching: Bring a generously salted water bath to a rolling boil and prepare an ice bath. Introduce shrimp with a splash of rice vinegar, cooking until they turn vibrant pink, roughly 2 minutes.
Cooling: Transfer shrimp immediately into the ice bath to halt cooking, then drain and pat dry on a paper towel-lined surface.
Aromatic Preparation: Finely dice red onion, mince garlic, deseed and chop cucumber. Strip dill fronds and delicately slice chives. Extract lemon zest and juice.
Dressing Creation: Blend Kewpie mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper into a silky, harmonious mixture.
Assembly: Gently incorporate chilled shrimp into the creamy dressing, ensuring complete and even coating. Taste and refine seasoning as needed.
Serving: Present the shrimp salad atop crisp toasted bread or nestled on a bed of fresh, verdant salad greens for a light, elegant dining experience.
Notes
Perfectly Poach Shrimp: Add rice vinegar to boiling water to enhance tenderness and prevent rubbery texture, cooking exactly 2 minutes.
Chill Immediately: Create an ice bath to stop cooking process, ensuring shrimp remain succulent and don’t overcook.
Season Strategically: Balance creamy dressing with precise amounts of salt, pepper, and zesty Dijon mustard for depth of flavor.
Prep Ingredients Ahead: Finely chop all vegetables and herbs before mixing to distribute flavors evenly and create consistent texture.
Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.
Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.
Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.
Mia Reynolds
Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist
Expertise
Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners
Education
New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont
Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont
Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.
Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.