Shrimp salad brings the brightness of a seaside afternoon to your table with tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and fresh citrus flavor. Juicy grape tomatoes, cool cucumber ribbons, and creamy avocado are tossed in a light yogurt lemon dressing with dill and a touch of garlic. Quick to prepare and full of protein, it’s perfect for easy lunches or relaxed weekend meals. Fresh, colorful, and satisfying, this playful salad is sure to leave everyone reaching for another bite.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This shrimp salad
- It’s a quick and easy meal, perfect for busy days.
- Packed with protein to keep you energized and satisfied.
- Fresh ingredients make it a vibrant and delicious choice.
- Customizable to suit your taste with various veggies and dressings.
- Light and refreshing, ideal for warm weather or a healthy lunch.
shrimp salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- If using raw shrimp, boil or sauté them until they turn pink and are cooked through. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Once done, let them cool.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. This will create a zesty dressing that brings everything together.
- In a large salad bowl, combine fresh lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, creamy avocado, and thinly sliced red onion. This colorful mix is the perfect base for your shrimp.
- Once the shrimp have cooled, add them on top of the vibrant vegetables in the salad bowl. They’ll add a delicious protein boost!
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients. Be careful not to mush the avocado!
- Garnish your shrimp salad with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve immediately and enjoy your healthy, delicious creation!
Notes
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Fat | 15g |
| Protein | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sugar | 2g |
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make a delicious shrimp salad!
- 1 lb cooked shrimp – peeled and deveined
- 4 cups mixed lettuce greens – a mix of your favorite greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes – halved for bite-sized pieces
- 1 cucumber – sliced for crunch
- 1 avocado – diced for creaminess
- 1/4 red onion – thinly sliced for a hint of sweetness
- 2 tablespoons olive oil – for dressing
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – to add brightness
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – for a tangy kick
- Salt and pepper – to taste
- Fresh parsley – chopped for garnish
How to Make shrimp salad
This delightful shrimp salad is not only easy to make but also packed with protein and fresh flavors. With a preparation time of about 10 minutes and a cooking time of 5 minutes, you can whip this up in no time. Just allow a few extra minutes for the shrimp to cool before assembling your salad.
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
If using raw shrimp, boil or sauté them until they turn pink and are cooked through. This should take about 3-5 minutes. Once done, let them cool.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. This will create a zesty dressing that brings everything together.
Step 3: Prepare the Salad Base
In a large salad bowl, combine fresh lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, creamy avocado, and thinly sliced red onion. This colorful mix is the perfect base for your shrimp.
Step 4: Add the Shrimp
Once the shrimp have cooled, add them on top of the vibrant vegetables in the salad bowl. They’ll add a delicious protein boost!
Step 5: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients. Be careful not to mush the avocado!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Garnish your shrimp salad with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve immediately and enjoy your healthy, delicious creation!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Salad |
| Cuisine | American |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 5 minutes |
| Extra Time | 5 minutes (Cooling time) |
| Total Time | 20 minutes |
| Dietary | High Protein |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Chilled and fresh! |
Pro Tips for Making shrimp salad
- Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor.
- Chill your ingredients beforehand for a refreshing taste.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- Experiment with herbs like dill or cilantro for a unique twist.
- Serve on a bed of greens for added crunch and nutrition.
How to Serve this shrimp salad
- Serve it chilled on a bed of crisp lettuce for a refreshing lunch.
- Pair with whole-grain crackers for a satisfying snack.
- Top with avocado slices for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
- Enjoy it in a wrap with fresh veggies for a portable meal.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a burst of flavor.
- Serve alongside a light citrus vinaigrette for an extra zing.
- Mix in some quinoa for a heartier option that’s still healthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can prepare and store your shrimp salad for later enjoyment:
Storing Leftovers
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Keep the dressing separate if possible to maintain freshness.
Freezing
- Place shrimp salad in a freezer-safe container.
- Leave some space at the top for expansion.
- Use within 1 month for best quality.
Reheating
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat.
- Avoid microwaving to prevent rubbery texture.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. What is a good side for shrimp salad?
A great side for shrimp salad could be a light, refreshing fruit salad or some crispy garlic bread. These options complement the flavors of the shrimp while adding a nice contrast in texture. You could also serve it with a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables for a more filling meal.
2. What is the most delicious salad in the world?
While taste is subjective, many people rave about the classic Caesar salad or a fresh Caprese salad with ripe tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil. However, shrimp salad is definitely a contender, especially when made with fresh ingredients and a zesty dressing that enhances the shrimp’s natural flavors.
3. Do boiled eggs go in shrimp salad?
Boiled eggs can be a delicious addition to shrimp salad, adding creaminess and extra protein. If you enjoy the combination, feel free to chop up some boiled eggs and mix them in with your shrimp and other ingredients for a heartier salad.
4. What is in shrimp salad?
Shrimp salad typically includes cooked shrimp, fresh vegetables like celery, bell peppers, and onions, and a dressing that can range from mayonnaise to a vinaigrette. You can customize it with ingredients like avocado, herbs, or even fruits like mango for a unique twist!
Final Thoughts
We hope you’re as excited to try this easy shrimp salad as we are! It’s a delightful blend of flavors that’s not only quick to whip up but also packed with protein. Perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing dinner, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy every bite and savor the simplicity!