Effortless Shrimp Salad

Delight your taste buds with this incredibly Easy Shrimp Salad, a recipe that promises both convenience and vibrant flavor. Perfect for any occasion, this versatile salad can be enjoyed on its own as a refreshing meal, nestled within crisp lettuce wraps for a light option, or piled high on toasted bread for a satisfying and quick lunch. No matter how you choose to savor it, its deliciousness is guaranteed! Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s also a fantastic choice for those seeking low-carb and gluten-free options without compromising on taste.

Prepare to be amazed by the sheer simplicity and exquisite flavor of this shrimp salad. It strikes the perfect balance between fresh and delicious, making it an ideal choice for busy weekdays or relaxed weekend gatherings. Each bite is a medley of tender shrimp and crisp vegetables, all harmoniously blended with a zesty mayonnaise and Dijon mustard dressing. It’s truly exceptional when served on warm, toasted bread, transforming into a gourmet sandwich experience perfect for a speedy yet fulfilling lunch.

This shrimp salad isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients, especially suited for warmer weather when light and invigorating dishes are most craved. If you’re exploring more refreshing salad ideas for sunny days, don’t miss our Greek Orzo Salad, another perfect companion for enjoying under the sun!

Why This Easy Shrimp Salad Will Become Your Go-To Recipe!

• Effortlessly Easy & Quick: Life is busy, and sometimes you need a meal that’s both delicious and fast. This shrimp salad fits the bill perfectly, coming together in less than 20 minutes from start to finish. It calls for readily available ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry or can easily find at any grocery store. No complicated techniques or exotic spices needed, just simple steps for extraordinary flavor.
• Nutritious & Wholesome: Beyond its incredible taste, this seafood salad is a powerhouse of nutrition. It’s notably low in carbohydrates, making it an excellent option for those monitoring their carb intake, and impressively high in lean protein, which helps keep you feeling full and energized. This recipe yields four generous servings, with each serving containing approximately 280 calories, fitting perfectly into a balanced diet.
• Perfect for Meal Prep & Parties: One of the greatest advantages of this shrimp salad is its make-ahead friendly nature. It holds up beautifully in the refrigerator, maintaining its fresh taste and texture for up to three days. This makes it an ideal candidate for weekly meal prepping, ensuring you have healthy and delicious lunches ready to go. It’s also a crowd-pleaser and travels exceptionally well, making it a fantastic contribution to picnics, potlucks, and any social gathering where good food is appreciated.
• Incredibly Versatile: Its adaptability is unmatched. Serve it classically in a bowl, create elegant appetizers, fill fresh lettuce cups, or craft hearty sandwiches. The possibilities are endless, ensuring this salad can fit seamlessly into any dining occasion or preference.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Shrimp Salad

Crafting this delightful shrimp salad requires a selection of fresh, high-quality ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Shrimp: The star of our show! For convenience and quick preparation, we recommend using pre-cooked, extra-small baby shrimp (typically 100-150 count per pound). If using frozen, ensure they are thoroughly thawed before cooking. For those who prefer to cook their own, raw shrimp can be easily prepared to perfection.
• Garlic Cloves: Essential for infusing a subtle yet aromatic depth into both the shrimp and the dressing. Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing the shrimp, it adds a rich, fruity note and helps achieve that perfect tender texture. It’s also a key component of our flavorful dressing.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings to enhance the natural taste of the shrimp and balance all the ingredients in the salad. Always season to taste!
• Fresh Vegetables for Crunch & Color: A colorful medley of finely diced vegetables adds texture, freshness, and a vibrant burst of flavor.
  • Purple Onion (Red Onion): Offers a sharp, slightly sweet bite and a beautiful pop of color.
  • Celery: Provides that quintessential crunch and a refreshing, herbaceous note.
  • Red Bell Pepper: Adds sweetness, a pleasant crispness, and a lovely red hue to the mix.
  • Green Onion (Scallions): Contributes a mild onion flavor and a fresh, delicate garnish.

Crafting the Irresistible Tangy Dressing:

The dressing is what brings all the components of this shrimp salad together, coating each ingredient in a creamy, tangy, and savory embrace. It’s incredibly easy to whisk up!

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Prepare Your Delicious Shrimp Salad

Creating this flavorful shrimp salad is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Follow these simple steps for a perfect dish every time.

• Prepare the Shrimp: Begin by heating one tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the extra small baby shrimp to the pan. Season with ½ teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of black pepper, along with 1 minced large garlic clove. Sauté for just 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are warmed through and turn slightly pink (if using raw shrimp, cook until opaque). Be careful not to overcook, as shrimp can become rubbery. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside to cool completely.

• Chop the Vegetables: While the shrimp are cooling, take this opportunity to prepare your fresh vegetables. Finely dice ¼ cup of purple onion, ½ piece of celery stick, and ½ cup of red bell pepper. The key here is consistency in size for an enjoyable eating experience. Also, finely chop ¼ cup of green onion and 2 teaspoons of fresh dill.

• Whisk the Dressing: In a small bowl, a dressing cup, or a food processor for extra smoothness, combine all the dressing ingredients: ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, 2 teaspoons freshly chopped dill, and ½ teaspoon salt. Whisk vigorously until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.

• Combine All Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cooled sautéed shrimp with all the diced vegetables (purple onion, celery, red bell pepper, green onion, and chopped dill).

• Dress and Mix: Pour the prepared creamy dressing over the shrimp and vegetable mixture. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently fold and mix until all the ingredients are thoroughly coated with the delicious dressing. Ensure an even distribution for optimal flavor in every bite.

• Chill (Optional but Recommended): For best results and to allow the flavors to meld beautifully, cover the bowl and refrigerate the shrimp salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This chilling time significantly enhances the overall taste and refreshing quality of the salad.

• Serve and Enjoy!: Your delightful Easy Shrimp Salad is now ready to be served. Enjoy it plain, on a bed of greens, or as part of a loaded toast. Get ready to savor this fresh, flavorful, and effortless dish!

Expert Recipe Notes and Tips for the Best Shrimp Salad

• Mastering Shrimp Cooking: The cardinal rule for shrimp is “don’t overcook!” Shrimp cooks very quickly, often needing only 2-3 minutes per side, depending on its size. Overcooked shrimp turn tough and rubbery, losing their delicate texture. Look for them to turn opaque and pink. If you’re using pre-cooked frozen shrimp, a quick sauté is just to warm them through and incorporate the garlic flavor.
• Precision Dicing for Perfect Bites: For the best texture and ease of eating, aim to cut all your vegetables into small, uniform dices. This ensures that you get a balanced mix of flavors and textures in every mouthful and that the dressing coats everything evenly. A food chopper can be a great tool for this!
• Choosing Your Mayonnaise: While this recipe truly shines with a full-fat mayonnaise for its superior creaminess and richer flavor, don’t hesitate to use a low-fat or even an avocado-oil-based mayo if that aligns better with your dietary preferences. The flavor profile will still be excellent, just with a slightly lighter texture.
• Infuse Some Heat: For those who love a bit of a kick, consider adding some finely minced fresh jalapeño to the salad. Start with a quarter of a jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat) and add more to taste. A pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce in the dressing can also do the trick.
• Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: While dried dill can be used in a pinch, fresh dill is highly recommended for its vibrant aroma and superior flavor. If you can’t find fresh dill, other herbs like chives, parsley, or even a touch of tarragon can offer a delightful twist.
• The Power of Chilling: While you can serve this salad immediately, allowing it to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even a few hours, will significantly enhance its flavor. This resting period allows the flavors of the shrimp, vegetables, and dressing to meld together beautifully, creating a more cohesive and delicious experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Shrimp Salad

How long does this shrimp salad stay fresh?

Once prepared, this shrimp salad should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will maintain its delicious freshness and quality for up to 3 days. Because it contains mayonnaise, which is perishable, it’s crucial to keep it refrigerated and avoid leaving it at room temperature for longer than 2 hours to ensure food safety.

What’s the best type of shrimp to use for this salad?

For convenience and quick preparation, I typically use extra-small, pre-cooked baby shrimp (often labeled 100-150 count per pound). If you purchase these frozen, ensure they are fully defrosted before you begin preparing the salad. While these are technically “cooked,” I always give them a quick sauté with garlic and seasoning for a few minutes. This warms them through, enhances their flavor, and assures me they are perfectly cooked. You can also use larger shrimp, cooked and chopped into bite-sized pieces.

Creative Ways to Serve This Delicious Shrimp Salad?

The versatility of this shrimp salad is one of its greatest assets! While it’s fantastic on its own, here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

• On Gourmet Toast: This is a personal favorite! Take slices of your favorite bread, brush them lightly with olive oil or butter, and grill them on a griddle or cast-iron pan for a couple of minutes until golden and crisp. Then, layer with a piece of butter lettuce or regular crisp lettuce, a generous smear of fresh mashed avocado (seasoned with a pinch of salt and lime juice, if desired), and a few slices of purple onions for an extra zing. Finally, pile a hefty scoop of the delicious shrimp salad right on top. Dive into what might be the most delicious shrimp salad toast you’ve ever experienced!
• Fresh Lettuce Wraps: For a super low-carb and refreshing option, spoon the shrimp salad into crisp lettuce cups (such as butter lettuce, romaine, or endive spears). It’s a light and satisfying meal.
• With Crackers or Crostini: Serve it as an elegant appetizer. Offer a bowl of shrimp salad alongside a selection of artisan crackers or toasted baguette slices (crostini) for guests to help themselves.
• As a Sandwich or Wrap Filling: Beyond toast, this salad makes a fantastic filling for traditional sandwiches, pita pockets, or large tortillas for a quick and easy wrap.
• On a Bed of Greens: Simply serve a generous scoop of shrimp salad over a bed of mixed greens, baby arugula, or spinach for a light and healthy meal. Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil if desired.
• Stuffed Avocados or Tomatoes: For an elegant presentation and an extra boost of healthy fats, halve an avocado and remove the pit, then fill the cavity with shrimp salad. Alternatively, hollow out large tomatoes and stuff them for a beautiful and flavorful dish.

This Shrimp Salad recipe is so incredibly delicious and versatile, I wholeheartedly guarantee you’ll fall in love with it! As a cold salad, it’s an absolute dream for work lunch boxes or for your weekly meal prep, perfectly paired with a side of fresh greens like mixed greens, baby arugula, or crisp lettuce. Its remarkably low-carb profile also makes it a guilt-free pleasure to enjoy on a lettuce wrap for dinner, allowing you to indulge in a satisfying meal without worrying about excessive carb intake late at night. It’s truly a recipe that caters to both your cravings and your health goals.

Discover More Irresistible Shrimp Recipes

If you’ve enjoyed this delightful shrimp salad, you’ll be thrilled to explore our other fantastic shrimp-centric creations. Shrimp is a wonderfully versatile ingredient, and we have plenty more ideas to inspire your culinary adventures:

• Flavorful Shrimp and Vegetable Skillet
• Indulgent Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta
• Refreshing Shrimp Orzo Salad
• Deconstructed Shrimp Taco Bowl

We are passionate about sharing delicious and accessible recipes, and we genuinely hope you enjoy every single one, including this simple yet incredibly satisfying Easy Shrimp Salad. We encourage you to try it, savor its flavors, rate it, and share your culinary successes with your friends and family!

To stay updated with all our latest recipes and kitchen tips, be sure to sign up for our blog newsletter to receive new posts straight to your inbox. And don’t forget to tag us on INSTAGRAM so we can admire your delicious recreations and connect with our community! Until our next recipe adventure, XoXo…

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Easy Shrimp Salad

By: Mariam Ezzeddine

This Shrimp Salad is low carb and healthy so you can enjoy anytime during the day or night guilt free! It’s perfect for lunch box and meal-prep.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

THE SHRIMP:

• 16 oz. extra small baby shrimps, 100-150/lb., cooked
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp. olive oil
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. black pepper

OTHER INGREDIENTS:

• 1/4 cup purple onion, finely diced
• 1/2 piece celery stick, finely diced
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1/4 cup green onion, chopped

THE DRESSING:

• 1/4 cup mayo
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 3 tbsps. lemon juice
• 2 tbsps. olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tsps. dill, freshly chopped
• 1/2 tsp. salt

Instructions

• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the extra small baby shrimps to the pan along with the salt, black pepper, and 1 minced large garlic clove. Sauté for a couple of minutes until warmed through and cooked. Remove from heat and let cool.
• Meanwhile, finely dice the other ingredients: purple onion, celery, red bell pepper, and chop the green onions and fresh dill.
• In a dressing cup or food processor, combine all the dressing ingredients: mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped dill, and salt. Blend until smooth.
• Place the cooled shrimps and all the diced vegetables and chopped herbs in a large mixing bowl. Pour in the prepared dressing and mix gently to ensure everything is thoroughly coated.
• For best results, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

• Take care not to overcook the shrimp. It only needs a couple of minutes cooking; if they are overcooked, they can become rubbery.
• Cut the veggies in small dices of even sizes. This will make it easier to eat and the ingredients will be easier to combine.
• I used a full-fat mayo in this recipe as it is much creamier and richer, but you can use a low-fat one if you prefer.
• If you like to add a bit of heat, try adding in some finely chopped fresh jalapeno!
• Chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving enhances the flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g |
Calories: 286kcal |
Carbohydrates: 4.5g |
Protein: 21.8g |
Fat: 19.9g |
Saturated Fat: 3.2g |
Sodium: 1368.6mg |
Sugar: 1.9g