If you’re looking for a recipe that’s as vibrant as it is effortless, Shrimp Salad is about to become your new staple. It’s a crisp, creamy, and irresistibly fresh dish that brings together juicy shrimp, crunchy veggies, and zesty dressing for a meal that’s satisfying without ever weighing you down. Whether you’re planning a quick weeknight dinner, refreshing lunch, or a brunch show-stopper, this Shrimp Salad fits the bill every time—delivering flavor and elegance with barely any effort required!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Shrimp Salad lies in its simple, well-chosen ingredients. Each one brings something special to the bowl: sweetness from shrimp, crunch from celery, tang from the dressing, and color from fresh herbs. Don’t skip these little touches—every component has a purpose!

Cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chilled (1 pound): The star of the show, juicy and ready to soak up the creamy dressing. Use large or medium shrimp for the best bite!
Celery, finely chopped (1/2 cup): Adds essential crunch and a subtle freshness that wakes up the salad.
Red onion, finely chopped (1/4 cup): Brings sharpness and color; soak it briefly in cold water if you prefer a milder onion flavor.
Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Lends a classic creamy base—choose good quality for the best flavor.
Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream (2 tablespoons): Lightens up the dressing and adds a gentle tang.
Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens everything up; freshly squeezed makes all the difference.
Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle heat and complexity to the dressing.
Fresh dill or parsley, chopped (2 tablespoons): Brings gorgeous color and a burst of herbaceous flavor—choose your favorite or mix both!
Salt and black pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that unlock big flavor; don’t be shy with the pepper.
Butter lettuce leaves or mixed greens for serving: These greens act as a crisp, delicate bed for the Shrimp Salad, making every bite feel extra refreshing.

How to Make Shrimp Salad

Step 1: Mix the Shrimp and Veggies

Start by adding your chilled, cooked shrimp to a large mixing bowl, followed by the finely chopped celery and red onion. Give everything a gentle toss just to combine—you want every piece of shrimp to get cozy with a sprinkle of crunch and color.

Step 2: Whisk the Creamy Dressing

In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and chopped dill or parsley. Don’t forget to sprinkle in a little salt and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and flecked with herbs. The result: a creamy, tangy, gorgeous dressing that’s ready to coat every bite.

Step 3: Combine and Toss

Pour the dressing over the shrimp mixture. Using a spatula or big spoon, gently fold everything together. Take care not to break up the shrimp—let the creamy, herby dressing hug each ingredient lovingly. Taste, and if it needs a bit more salt, pepper, or lemon, add it now.

Step 4: Chill and Let the Flavors Mingle

For Shrimp Salad that tastes even better, pop the bowl in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This quick chill time lets the flavors meld into something extra special. It’s worth the wait!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

When you’re ready to eat, spoon the Shrimp Salad over crisp butter lettuce leaves or a big pile of mixed greens. If you’re feeling creative, try it inside a sandwich roll or alongside sliced avocado for a heartier meal.

How to Serve Shrimp Salad

Garnishes

A flourish of extra fresh dill, a few thinly sliced radishes, or a sprinkle of paprika instantly elevates your Shrimp Salad—making it as beautiful as it is delicious. Garnishes add not just color, but also bursts of flavor and freshness that complement the salad’s creamy base.

Side Dishes

Shrimp Salad shines brightest with light, summery sides. Pair it with a chilled glass of white wine, some crusty bread or crackers, and maybe a simple tomato salad on the side. For a picnic feel, fresh fruit or corn on the cob are equally at home.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the bowl! Pile Shrimp Salad onto mini croissants for brunch, stuff it into avocado halves for an elegant starter, or spoon onto cucumber rounds for party-ready hors d’oeuvres. This versatile dish brings a touch of coastal flair wherever it goes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got a bit left after lunch? Cover your Shrimp Salad tightly and pop it in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 2 days, making it perfect for sandwich filling or quick snacks. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again, as the dressing may settle.

Freezing

Unfortunately, freezing isn’t ideal for Shrimp Salad. The creamy dressing tends to separate after thawing, and shrimp’s lovely texture can turn a bit mushy. For best results, enjoy this dish fresh from the fridge.

Reheating

The beauty of Shrimp Salad is that it’s meant to be enjoyed cold or at cool room temperature. If it’s straight from the fridge and you prefer it less chilled, simply let it sit out for a few minutes—but avoid heating, as that can affect both flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Salad?

Absolutely! Thaw your shrimp overnight in the refrigerator or under cold running water, then pat dry before using. Make sure the shrimp are fully cooked and chilled before adding them to the salad.

What herbs work best in Shrimp Salad?

Fresh dill is classic for Shrimp Salad, bringing a delicate, aromatic touch that perfectly complements seafood. Parsley is a great alternative for fresher, brighter flavor—or you can mix both for extra color and complexity.

Can I make Shrimp Salad ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, making Shrimp Salad a few hours in advance gives the flavors more time to develop. Just keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

How can I make this recipe lighter?

To lighten up Shrimp Salad, use reduced-fat mayonnaise or swap more of the mayo for extra Greek yogurt. Serve it atop lettuce leaves for a low-carb option and add extra veggies for more crunch.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, Shrimp Salad is naturally gluten-free when served on lettuce or mixed greens. If you’re using sandwich rolls or crackers, check the labels to be sure they’re gluten-free if needed.

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s a sweltering summer day or you just want a lively, no-fuss meal, Shrimp Salad brings delicious simplicity to your table every time. Grab your ingredients, toss them together, and treat yourself to this fresh, creamy favorite—you’re going to want to make it again and again!

Shrimp Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 8 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A refreshing and light Shrimp Salad recipe that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. Loaded with tender shrimp, crunchy celery, and flavorful dressing, this salad is a delicious and healthy option.

Ingredients

Scale

Ingredients:

1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chilled
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste
Butter lettuce leaves or mixed greens for serving

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Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the chilled shrimp, chopped celery, and red onion.

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, chopped dill or parsley, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

Pour the dressing over the shrimp mixture and toss gently until the shrimp are well coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to develop.
Serve the shrimp salad on butter lettuce leaves, mixed greens, or in a sandwich roll for a light meal.