This shrimp salad is a true delight, combining tender, perfectly poached shrimp with crisp bell peppers, celery, and the freshness of dill. The creamy mayonnaise-based dressing, brightened with a squeeze of lemon, ties all the flavors together in a harmonious, light dish. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch or a refreshing dinner option, this shrimp salad delivers a balance of textures and flavors. You can enjoy it on its own, in a sandwich, or even served with crackers or wrapped in lettuce cups for a low-carb option. It’s easy to prepare, making it an ideal dish for busy weekdays or casual gatherings.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound poached shrimp (see directions below)
- 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper
- 1/2 cup finely diced celery
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onion
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (try homemade)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh dill
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 4 twists of pepper grinder
Poached Shrimp Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2 quarts water
- 1 lemon (cut in half)
- 2 cloves garlic (smashed)
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 twists pepper grinder
- 1 1/2 tablespoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (optional)
Directions:
- Poach the Shrimp:
- Add 2 quarts of water to a large pot and bring it to a boil with garlic, lemon, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning (optional).
- Once boiling, remove from heat and immediately add shrimp. Let them poach in the hot water for 3 minutes.
- Transfer the shrimp to a plate and refrigerate to cool.
- Prepare the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine cooled shrimp, bell pepper, celery, green onion, mayonnaise, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Gently mix until well combined.
- Allow the salad to marinate in the fridge for at least an hour before serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 319 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Refreshing and Flavorful Meal Option
Shrimp salad is a classic dish that has been cherished by food lovers for its simplicity, versatility, and exceptional flavor profile. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a refreshing appetizer, shrimp salad fits the bill perfectly. This dish brings together succulent shrimp with fresh vegetables and a creamy, tangy dressing, making it a delightful option for any occasion.
One of the most remarkable things about shrimp salad is its adaptability. You can serve it on its own, stuffed in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option, piled high in a sandwich, or even paired with crackers for a tasty snack. The possibilities are endless, and that’s one of the reasons why it’s such a favorite among home cooks and professional chefs alike.
The Star Ingredient: Shrimp
Shrimp is the star of this dish, and its unique flavor and texture make it a perfect canvas for various dressings and add-ins. In this recipe, the shrimp are poached, which is one of the best methods to cook them, as it ensures they remain tender and juicy. Poaching involves gently cooking the shrimp in water that’s been flavored with aromatics such as garlic, lemon, and bay leaves. This process infuses the shrimp with subtle flavors while maintaining their natural sweetness.
Choosing the right size of shrimp can also affect the overall texture and taste of the salad. Large shrimp, typically 31-40 per pound, are ideal for this recipe as they hold their shape well and provide a satisfying bite. However, you can also use smaller shrimp if you prefer, just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
If you’re pressed for time, using pre-cooked shrimp is a viable option, though freshly poached shrimp will always yield a more flavorful and perfectly textured result. Fresh shrimp provide a firm yet tender bite that’s hard to achieve with pre-cooked or frozen shrimp, making it well worth the extra effort.
Fresh Vegetables: Adding Crunch and Color
In addition to the shrimp, this salad is loaded with fresh vegetables that not only add a satisfying crunch but also bring vibrant color and nutrition to the dish. Diced bell peppers, celery, and green onions are the key vegetables used here. Each of these ingredients contributes something unique to the salad.
Bell peppers, particularly the red ones used in this recipe, provide a sweet, slightly fruity flavor that complements the savory shrimp and creamy dressing. They also add a pop of color, making the dish visually appealing.
Celery, on the other hand, brings a crisp, fresh texture with a hint of bitterness that cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise dressing. It’s a classic ingredient in many shrimp salad recipes because of its refreshing qualities.
Green onions offer a mild, oniony flavor that adds depth to the salad without overpowering the delicate taste of the shrimp. You can adjust the amount of green onion according to your preference, or swap it out for chives if you want a milder flavor.
The Dressing: Creamy and Tangy
The dressing is another highlight of this shrimp salad, providing a rich and tangy complement to the shrimp and vegetables. Made with mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, and a generous amount of fresh dill, the dressing is both creamy and zesty. The mayonnaise forms the base of the dressing, creating a smooth and luscious texture that coats each ingredient perfectly.
Lemon juice is essential in balancing out the creaminess of the mayonnaise. Its bright acidity cuts through the richness and adds a refreshing tang to the salad. Lemon and shrimp are a match made in heaven, and the addition of fresh lemon juice enhances the natural flavor of the shrimp, making it taste even more vibrant.
Dill, often considered a classic herb to pair with seafood, brings a slightly sweet and grassy note to the dish. It’s a must-have ingredient in this recipe because it ties all the flavors together, giving the salad a distinctly fresh and herbaceous finish.
While these are the core ingredients for the dressing, you can easily modify the flavor to suit your preferences. If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper. For a more tangy bite, you could increase the amount of lemon juice or add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
Customizing the Shrimp Salad
One of the great things about shrimp salad is its versatility. While the base recipe is simple and delicious on its own, you can customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas to make this recipe your own:
- Add more veggies: If you want to pack in more nutrition, consider adding extra vegetables like cucumbers, radishes, or even avocado for a creamy texture. These ingredients add variety to the texture and flavor of the salad.
- Experiment with herbs: While dill is the herb of choice in this recipe, you could experiment with others like parsley, cilantro, or tarragon. Each herb will bring its own unique flavor profile to the dish.
- Spice it up: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, you can add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or diced jalapeños to the salad.
- Make it low-carb: For a lighter, low-carb version of this dish, serve the shrimp salad in lettuce cups instead of bread or crackers. Butter lettuce or romaine hearts work particularly well for this.
- Switch up the dressing: If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to mayonnaise, you can swap it out for Greek yogurt. The yogurt will give the salad a tangy, creamy consistency while adding protein.
Serving Suggestions
Shrimp salad is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving options. It’s perfect for a light lunch, an appetizer, or a quick dinner. Here are a few ways you can serve this salad:
- On a bed of lettuce: For a classic presentation, serve the shrimp salad on a bed of crisp greens such as arugula, romaine, or spinach. This adds even more freshness and texture to the dish.
- In a sandwich: Shrimp salad makes a fantastic sandwich filling. Use soft sandwich rolls or toasted baguettes for a satisfying lunch or dinner option.
- With crackers: If you’re looking for a lighter snack or appetizer, serve the shrimp salad with a side of crackers. The crunchy crackers provide a great contrast to the creamy shrimp salad.
- In lettuce wraps: For a low-carb alternative, spoon the shrimp salad into lettuce leaves for a healthy, bite-sized treat. Butter lettuce or romaine lettuce work best for this purpose.
- Stuffed in avocado halves: For a fun and visually appealing presentation, try serving the shrimp salad in avocado halves. The creaminess of the avocado pairs beautifully with the shrimp and provides a nutrient boost.
Nutritional Benefits
Shrimp salad is not only delicious but also offers several nutritional benefits. Shrimp is a great source of lean protein, providing about 28 grams of protein per serving. It’s also low in calories and contains essential nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart and brain health.
The fresh vegetables in the salad add important vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, while the mayonnaise and dill contribute to healthy fats and antioxidants. If you use homemade mayonnaise or opt for a lighter alternative like Greek yogurt, you can further boost the nutritional value of the dish.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, shrimp salad is an incredibly versatile and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. The combination of tender shrimp, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, tangy dressing makes it a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, dinner, or as an appetizer, shrimp salad is sure to impress with its bright flavors and refreshing qualities.
This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a go-to option for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. With a few simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, you can create a flavorful and nutritious meal that everyone will love.
