Name: Creamy Shrimp Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped; 1/4 cup red onion, diced; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 tbsp Dijon mustard; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped; 1/2 tsp paprika

If you’re looking for a light, refreshing, and flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for warm days, this crunchy and creamy shrimp salad is exactly what you need. It’s a perfect combination of juicy, tender shrimp, crisp celery, zesty red onion, and a rich, tangy dressing that makes every bite incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re serving it at a summer picnic, as a meal-prep lunch, or as a fancy appetizer for guests, this shrimp salad is sure to impress.

I first fell in love with shrimp salad during a beachside vacation. The restaurant I visited served a chilled shrimp salad with the perfect balance of flavors—creamy, citrusy, and a little crunchy. When I returned home, I knew I had to recreate it. After several tweaks, I finally nailed a version that’s just as delicious but even easier to make. The best part? It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy days when you still want something fresh and satisfying.

What makes this shrimp salad extra special is the balance of textures and flavors. The shrimp are tender and juicy, the celery adds a refreshing crunch, the red onion provides a mild bite, and the dressing—a creamy blend of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and fresh dill—ties everything together beautifully. It’s a simple dish, but when made with the right ingredients, it feels incredibly luxurious.

If you love seafood, this recipe will quickly become a favorite. It’s versatile, easy to customize, and absolutely delicious whether served on its own, in a sandwich, or as a party appetizer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to make this Creamy Shrimp Salad. Here’s why you’ll love it:

Easy to Prepare: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect quick meal or appetizer.
Packed with Flavor: The combination of fresh shrimp, creamy dressing, and crisp vegetables creates an incredibly delicious dish.
Great for Meal Prep: You can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a quick grab-and-go meal.
Versatile: Serve it on its own, in sandwiches, wraps, or even as a dip with crackers.
Healthy and Satisfying: It’s high in protein and can be easily adjusted to fit different dietary preferences.

One of the best things about this salad is how adaptable it is. If you prefer a lighter version, you can swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt. Want a little heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños. You can also experiment with different herbs and mix-ins to make it your own. No matter how you customize it, the result is always delicious.

Health Benefits

Not only is this shrimp salad incredibly tasty, but it also comes with a variety of health benefits:

High in Protein: Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, which helps build and repair muscle tissue.
Low in Calories: Despite being creamy and satisfying, this salad is relatively low in calories, making it a great choice for those watching their intake.
Rich in Omega-3s: Shrimp contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health and reducing inflammation.
Good for Digestion: Celery is packed with fiber, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling full.
Loaded with Vitamins: The lemon juice, fresh dill, and red onion provide essential vitamins and antioxidants that support overall health.

This is the kind of dish that feels indulgent but is actually quite nutritious. With the right balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber, it’s a meal that will keep you full and energized without feeling heavy.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 218 kcal
Protein: 16g
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Cholesterol: 198mg
Sodium: 730mg

Ingredients List

To make this creamy shrimp salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Salad:

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced

For the Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Cook the Shrimp

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and a quartered lemon to the water to enhance the shrimp’s flavor.
Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery.
Immediately transfer the cooked shrimp to an ice bath (a bowl of ice water) to stop the cooking process.
Once cooled, pat dry with a paper towel and set aside.

Chop the Vegetables

Finely dice the red onion and celery.
Add them to a large mixing bowl.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh dill, paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

Assemble the Salad

Add the cooled shrimp to the mixing bowl with the vegetables.
Pour the dressing over the shrimp mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Serve and Enjoy

Give the salad a final stir before serving.
Garnish with extra dill or a sprinkle of paprika for added color.

How to Serve

This shrimp salad is incredibly versatile. Here are some great ways to enjoy it:

Serve it chilled on a bed of lettuce for a light and refreshing meal.
Use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps for a more satisfying lunch.
Scoop it onto crackers or cucumber slices for a simple yet elegant appetizer.
Fill toasted brioche buns for a shrimp roll-style sandwich.

Pairing Suggestions

To make this a complete meal, consider pairing your shrimp salad with:

Grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.
A fresh fruit salad with berries, pineapple, and citrus.
A light soup, such as gazpacho or a creamy tomato bisque.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days.
Avoid Freezing: Since the dressing is mayonnaise-based, it doesn’t freeze well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the shrimp – It only takes a few minutes to cook, so keep an eye on them.
Skipping the ice bath – This step keeps the shrimp tender and prevents them from becoming rubbery.
Adding too much dressing – Start with a little and add more as needed.

Pro Tips

Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor.
Let the salad chill before serving to enhance the flavors.
Swap mayo for Greek yogurt if you want a lighter version.

How to Customize Your Shrimp Salad for Any Occasion

One of the best things about this shrimp salad is how versatile it is. With a few simple tweaks, you can customize it to suit any occasion or dietary preference. If you’re hosting a summer gathering, consider adding diced mango or pineapple for a tropical twist. For a low-carb version, swap the mayonnaise for mashed avocado or Greek yogurt to keep it creamy while reducing calories. If you love bold flavors, mix in chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for some heat. You can also turn this salad into a more filling meal by serving it over quinoa, mixing it with cooked pasta, or using it as a topping for baked potatoes. For those who enjoy extra crunch, adding toasted almonds or sunflower seeds can take the texture to the next level. No matter how you customize it, this shrimp salad remains a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying dish.

The Best Shrimp to Use for This Recipe

The key to a perfect shrimp salad lies in selecting the right shrimp. Fresh shrimp from the seafood counter will always provide the best flavor, but frozen shrimp is a great alternative if fresh isn’t available. Look for raw, deveined shrimp with the shells removed to save time on prep. Medium or large shrimp work best for this salad, as they provide a satisfying bite without being too bulky. If you’re using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water before cooking. Wild-caught shrimp tend to have a sweeter, more robust taste than farmed varieties, making them a great option if available. No matter what type you use, avoid pre-cooked shrimp, as they can become rubbery when mixed with the dressing.

How to Make This Shrimp Salad Ahead of Time

This shrimp salad is perfect for meal prep and can be made ahead of time without losing its freshness. To prepare it in advance, cook the shrimp, chop the vegetables, and mix the dressing separately. Store each component in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two days. When you’re ready to serve, combine everything and let it sit for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If you’re making a large batch for an event, you can mix the salad a few hours ahead, but avoid adding any extra moisture-rich ingredients like cucumbers until just before serving. This ensures that the salad stays crisp and not watery. For the best texture, give it a quick toss before serving, and consider refreshing it with an extra squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

Serving This Creamy Shrimp Salad for Different Meals

This shrimp salad isn’t just limited to being a side dish—it can be the star of the meal in so many ways. For a casual lunch, serve it in a wrap with fresh greens or in a sandwich with toasted whole-grain bread. If you’re looking for a low-carb option, spoon it into crisp lettuce cups or hollowed-out avocado halves. For an elegant appetizer, serve small portions in phyllo cups or on cucumber rounds. When serving a crowd, offer it alongside crackers or crostini for a delicious party dip. You can even use this shrimp salad as a protein boost by mixing it into a quinoa bowl or spooning it over a fresh garden salad. No matter how you serve it, this recipe is easy to adapt to different occasions and dietary preferences, making it a go-to dish for any meal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them before cooking.

How can I make this salad spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños.

Conclusion & Call to Action

This creamy shrimp salad is the perfect blend of freshness, crunch, and flavor. Whether you enjoy it as a main course or a side dish, it’s guaranteed to become a favorite. Try it out and let me know how you like it!