Simply Scrumptious Shrimp Salad

Whip up this shrimp salad recipe for lunch! It's a bright, flavourful twist on a classic. Perfect on crackers, sandwiches, or lettuce. Give it a try!

June 6, 2025
By Mia Westlake.

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Recipe Introduction: Simply Scrumptious Shrimp Salad

Fancy a shrimp salad recipe that's anything but boring? honestly, i used to think seafood salad was a bit...blah.

You know? but this recipe changed my mind. it's packed with flavour and so easy to throw together!

Quick Hook: Nan's Shrimp Salad, But Better!

This shrimp salad recipe is a vibrant twist on a classic! we're talking perfectly cooked flavorful shrimp and a zesty dressing.

It's a total game changer, and you'll want to make it again and again!

Brief Overview: From Galley to Garden Party

The seafood salad recipes originate in coastal areas, offering a refreshing taste of the sea. this shrimp salad version is super simple, taking about 50 minutes total.

It makes 4 generous servings – perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

Main Benefits: Healthy and Happy

This shrimp lunch ideas healthy is a fantastic source of lean protein. it's a light option, and you can load it up on veggies.

Plus, it's ideal for summer picnics, lazy lunches, or even as a sophisticated starter at your next dinner party. what makes this recipe special? it's the balance of fresh, simple ingredients!

Craving a light and healthy meal? This Best Salad Recipes featuring delicious shrimp is sure to be a hit! Keep reading to see what goes into this amazing salad! Let's dive into the ingredients!

What You'll Need for This Shrimp Sensation

Here's a peek at the goodies you need to whip up this shrimp salad recipe . Don't worry, you can find everything at your local supermarket!

For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups (950ml) water
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
For the Salad:
- 1/2 cup (115g) mayonnaise, preferably full-fat
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) celery, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) red onion, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon (1g) black pepper
- Pinch of salt (to taste)
- Optional: 1/4 cup (25g) chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch

Equipped for Success

Before we start, make sure you have a medium saucepan, mixing bowl, and some sharp knives! Good prep makes the cooking a breeze!

Simply Scrumptious Shrimp Salad presentation

Getting Started: Poaching Perfection

First, we need to cook the shrimp. in a medium saucepan, combine 4 cups (950ml) of water, 1 tablespoon (15ml) of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon (5g) of salt.

Then, bring to a gentle simmer. add the shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque. this takes about 3- 5 minutes, depending on their size.

Overcooking shrimp is the biggest mistake. honestly, it's the difference between a delicious salad and something rubbery. check for doneness by cutting into one.

Chilling and Chopping: The Key Steps

Once the shrimp recipes easy are cooked, immediately remove them from the hot water with a slotted spoon. plunge them into an ice bath to stop them from cooking further.

This keeps them nice and tender. once cooled, drain well and pat them dry. get rid of excess water diluting the dressing.

Finally, roughly chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces.

Next, get that dressing sorted and you are good to go!

Alright, let's talk ingredients and kit, shall we? for this cracking shrimp salad recipe , you’ll want to make sure you have the best bits to hand.

I swear, a few quality ingredients make all the difference. i remember once using some dodgy shrimp from the back of the freezer.

Never again!

Main Ingredients: Let's Get Specific!

Here's the lowdown on what you need to whip up this sea food salad recipe wonder. Get ready to dive into the freshest seafood salad .

Shrimp: 1 pound (450g) of large shrimp. Aim for plump, firm shrimp that smell fresh. Avoid anything that looks or smells fishy - you know, off . They should be peeled and deveined , unless you fancy doing that yourself.
Water: 4 cups (950ml) for poaching. Tap water's fine, unless your tap water is questionable.
Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon (15ml) for poaching and 1 tablespoon (15ml) for the salad dressing. Freshly squeezed is always better. Trust me on this one.
Salt: 1 teaspoon (5g) for poaching and a pinch for the salad. Sea salt or kosher salt is my go-to.
Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup (115g) , full-fat. Honestly, don't scrimp here. The good stuff makes a difference. I love using Hellmann's, but choose your favourite.
Celery: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , finely diced. Adds a lovely crunch!
Red Onion: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , finely diced. For a bit of zing! Soak it in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow the flavour if you're not a fan of raw onion bite.
Fresh Dill: 2 tablespoons (30ml) , chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried). Fresh is best , but dried will do in a pinch.
Dijon Mustard: 1 teaspoon (5ml) . Adds a little tang. Don't skip it!
Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1g) . Freshly ground is the way to go, mate!
Optional Crunch: 1/4 cup (25g) chopped walnuts or pecans. I adore the added texture. This shrimp lunch ideas healthy option will surely blow you away.

Seasoning: Let's Give it some Flavour!

Spice up your life with our shrimp salad recipes selection.

Spice Combos: The lemon, dill, and Dijon are key . They create that classic shrimp salad recipe taste.
Flavor Enhancers: A pinch of cayenne pepper can add a little oomph .
Substitutions: No fresh dill? Parsley or tarragon can work. Just adjust to taste.

Equipment: Keep it Simple

You do not need anything fancy for our salad recipes video .

Saucepan: A medium one will do for poaching the shrimp.
Slotted Spoon: For rescuing the shrimp from their hot bath.
Mixing Bowl: For bringing it all together.
Cutting Board & Knife: Obvious, innit?
Alternatives: If you don't have a slotted spoon, use a regular spoon and be careful! No fancy mixing bowl? Any bowl will do. This is supposed to be shrimp recipes easy , remember?

Making this shrimp avocado salad recipes healthy is easy and quick. Are you ready for the best plats healthy you have ever tasted?

Remember those awful prawn cocktails from the 70s? Honestly, they were a crime against seafood. This shrimp salad is the antidote. Fresh, flavorful, and dead easy. Enjoy, you lovely lot!

Alright, let's dive into making a simply scrumptious shrimp salad recipe ! honestly, sometimes the simplest things are the best.

We're talking proper comfort food here. but before we get started, let’s make sure we’re prepped and ready.

Ace Your Prep: The Shrimp Salad Foundation

This is where the magic begins. Let's get our ducks in a row, shall we? This bit is important.

Essential Mise en Place (Fancy term for "get everything ready")

Get all ingredients measured and chopped. dice the celery and red onion finely . have your lemon juice, dijon mustard, and fresh dill (if you're using it) ready to go.

This makes the whole process smoother than a freshly paved road.

Time-Saving Organization Tips

Cook the shrimp ahead of time and chill it. this gives it time to cool properly and lets the flavors develop.

You can even do this the day before. honestly, it's a game-changer.

Safety First!

Always make sure your shrimp is fully cooked! Undercooked seafood is a no-no. Also, use a clean cutting board for your cooked shrimp to avoid cross-contamination. Better safe than sorry.

Shrimp Salad Step-by-Step: A Doddle

Right, now for the fun bit! Follow these easy steps, and you'll be scoffing down your shrimp salad in no time!

Poach Like A Pro: Combine water, lemon juice, and salt in a pan. Simmer gently. Add your shrimp. Cook for 3- 5 minutes , until pink and opaque.
Chill Out: Plunge the cooked shrimp into an ice bath. This stops it from overcooking. Then drain and pat it dry.
Mix It Up: In a bowl, whisk together the mayo, celery, red onion, dill, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
Combine & Chill: Roughly chop the shrimp. Add it to the dressing and gently fold. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes .
Serve Like A Star: Serve chilled on crackers, in sandwiches, or on lettuce. Garnish with extra dill and nuts, if you like.

Pro Tips: Elevate Your Seafood Salad

Want to take your shrimp salad from good to great? These little tricks are golden.

Expert Techniques and Shortcuts

Toast your nuts before adding them for extra flavor and crunch. Honestly, it makes a big difference. This is one of the best salad recipes

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Don't overcook the shrimp! Rubber is not your friend. Also, taste and adjust the seasoning. You know? What tastes good to you might not to someone else.

Make-Ahead Options

The seafood salad can be made a day in advance. In fact, it's better that way! The flavors meld together beautifully.

So there you have it! a cracking shrimp salad that's easy to make and totally customizable. perfect for a light lunch or a summery snack.

Enjoy! it makes a perfect shrimp lunch ideas healthy , if you ask me! if you like this recipe check out other shrimp recipes healthy or even shrimp avocado salad recipes healthy .

Alright, mate! so, you’ve nailed your shrimp salad recipe. ace! but before you tuck in, let’s have a chinwag about a few extra bits and bobs to make it top-notch.

This bit's important, so listen up.

Recipe Notes: Shrimp Salad, Sorted!

Plating and Presentation: Looking Good, Tastes Good!

Right, first impressions matter. nobody wants a splodge of shrimp salad on a plate, do they? try serving it in cute little lettuce cups.

Honestly, it looks well fancy! or, pile it high on some crusty bread. for a posh picnic, think about layering it in a glass jar with avocado and some peppery rocket.

Flash, bang, wallop, what a picture.

Complement it with some pickled red onions and fresh dill sprigs. you could pair this with a crisp glass of sauvignon blanc, you know? or maybe a refreshing elderflower cordial if you’re not on the sauce.

It will perfectly refresh your palate.

Storage Tips: Keep It Fresh!

Nobody wants dodgy seafood, right? so, pay attention! got leftovers? pop your sea food salad recipes straight into an airtight container and bung it in the fridge.

It'll be good for up to three days. don’t leave it sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours, especially if it's a hot day! freezing? not recommended, bruv.

Mayonnaise and freezing just don't play nicely. the texture goes all weird. reheating ? this is a cold salad, mate.

So, just give it a good stir and enjoy straight from the fridge.

Variations: Get Creative!

Fancy jazzing things up a bit? swap out the regular mayonnaise for a light greek yogurt for a healthier twist.

Bam! you have some healthy lunch ideas with shrimp ! or, add a diced avocado for extra creaminess ( shrimp avocado salad recipes healthy !).

For the seasonal ingredient swaps , try adding some roasted corn in the summer. or some cranberries in the winter.

If you want to make it a plat healthy version, try to remove 1/4 cup of mayo and use fat-free Greek yogurt.

Nutrition Basics: Good for You, Too!

Alright, so this shrimp salad recipe isn't just a treat for your taste buds. it’s actually quite good for you! shrimp is packed with protein.

It's low in fat, and it’s a good source of selenium and vitamin b12. keep it in mind, when looking for shrimp recipes for dinner .

Using whole-wheat bread or crackers adds fiber, making it a more balanced meal. it's a great option as shrimp lunch ideas healthy .

And remember, you can find plenty of salad recipes video online if you need a visual guide. this means that your search for best salad recipes is over.

Salad recipes for dinner should include lots of greens. here you have some flavorful shrimp , shrimp recipes healthy and shrimp recipes easy .

Don't limit yourself to this one, look for shrimp salad recipes !

Right, there you have it! A simply scrumptious shrimp salad , prepped like a pro! Now get in the kitchen and get cracking! You've got this.

Delicious Seafood Salad Recipe: Quick Shrimp Lunch

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does shrimp salad last in the fridge? I want to make it ahead.

For the best quality and safety, shrimp salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 2-3 days. Like a good cuppa, it's best enjoyed fresh! After that, the texture can become a bit soggy and the flavors might not be as vibrant, plus, food safety is paramount, innit?

Can I use frozen shrimp for this shrimp salad recipe? Will it taste the same?

Absolutely, using frozen shrimp is perfectly fine! Just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking. Pat them dry before adding them to the salad; otherwise, your dressing will be watery. While fresh shrimp might have a slightly sweeter flavor, using good-quality frozen shrimp won't make a massive difference, especially with all the other delicious flavors going on. It's still a cracking shrimp salad either way!

What are some good variations to this shrimp salad recipe? I'm looking to spice things up a bit!

Fancy a bit of a twist? You could try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favourite hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick. A bit of diced avocado adds creaminess, or some crumbled feta cheese and olives can give it a Greek vibe. Consider using different herbs like parsley or tarragon instead of dill for a fresh twist. It is like adding a personal stamp to the recipe!

What's the best way to cook the shrimp for shrimp salad to keep it tender?

The key to tender shrimp is to avoid overcooking it! Simmering in water (or poaching, as it’s sometimes called) is a gentle way to cook shrimp and keep them juicy. Just bring water to a gentle simmer, add the shrimp, and cook until they turn pink and opaque – usually just 3-5 minutes depending on size. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Nobody wants rubbery shrimp; think of it like brewing a perfect pot of tea - time is key!

Is shrimp salad healthy? What about the mayonnaise?

Shrimp salad can be a relatively healthy option, providing a good source of protein from the shrimp. However, the mayonnaise does add fat and calories. For a lighter version, consider using a light mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, or a combination of both. Also, watch your portion sizes, like with any good thing, moderation is key. It's all about balance, isn't it?

I'm allergic to celery. What can I substitute in my shrimp salad recipe?

No worries, mate! If you're allergic to celery, a good substitute would be finely chopped green bell pepper. It provides a similar crunch and mild flavor. You could also try using some chopped cucumber for a refreshing twist. You can also omit it entirely if you prefer - the shrimp salad will still be top-notch!