Shrimp Salad – 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.
The Perfect Shrimp
Fresh vs. Frozen: Fresh shrimp are ideal, but high-quality frozen shrimp work beautifully. Look for wild-caught shrimp whenever possible.
Size: Medium-sized shrimp are perfect for salads, offering a good bite and balanced flavor.
Prepping: Thoroughly devein and rinse your shrimp before cooking. I like to leave the tails on for presentation, but that’s optional.
Best Cooking Methods
Boiling: The classic – boil salted water, add shrimp, and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Immediately plunge into an ice bath to halt the cooking.
Sautéing: A quick sauté in olive oil with garlic imbues your shrimp with extra flavor.
Grilling: Skewered and grilled shrimp add a delightful smoky note to your salad.
The Creamy Zingy Dressing
Ditch the Mayo: We’re keeping things light! Use high-quality Greek yogurt as the base of your dressing.
Lemon Love: Fresh lemon juice and zest provide a bright zing.
Herbaceous Touch: Fresh dill is a classic shrimp pairing, but sub that with parsley or chives.
Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds subtle heat.
How to prep this best shrimp salad?
- Veggie: Celery and cucumber offer crisp freshness. Diced bell peppers or red onion add color and flavor.
- Optional Add-ins: Avocado chunks provide healthy fats, or try capers for a briny note.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Prep the shrimp and dressing separately, and assemble right before serving.
How long does shrimp salad last?
Properly stored in the fridge, it’s good for 3-4 days.
I’m allergic to shellfish, any substitutes?
Diced cooked chicken or firm tofu make suitable alternatives.
Shrimp Salad – Tips
- Don’t overcook the shrimp! This leads to rubbery texture.
- Taste and adjust: Everyone’s palate is different. Adjust the dressing to your liking, adding more lemon, herbs, or spice as needed.
How to Serve This Best Shrimp Salad?
- Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option.
- On Toast: Whole-wheat bread is a satisfying base.
- Stuffed Tomatoes: A fun and elegant presentation.
- As is: Perfect for a light lunch or snack.
Recipe Variations
- Add chopped Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and oregano.
- Dress with sesame oil, rice vinegar, and a touch of soy sauce. Toss with shredded carrots and scallions.
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.
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