What is this shrimp salad recipe? Is it one of those dishes that I grew up on, the kind my grandma used to make for every summer? Think of it as a slightly elevated tuna salad, but with sweet, succulent shrimp instead of fish. And honestly, sometimes I think it’s even better! Is it incredibly easy to throw together, requires almost no actual cooking, and it’s always a good meal. Every time I make it, it brings back those happy memories of sunshine, laughter, and family. What are some of the best recipes to make all summer long? I’ve had it at every barbecue and it’s become my go-to for quick lunches. Even my picky-eater nephew devours it!
What is shrimp salad?
What is shrimp salad? At its heart, it’s a mixture of cooked shrimp, mayonnaise, and some sort of flavorful additions. Think celery, onion, herbs, spices. What is more than the sum of its parts? What is comfort food in a bowl? Is it a good idea to eat straight from the spoon? What is the beauty of shrimp salad? Can you add more spices to your favorite hot sauce? What is a little kick in the gut? What is a good way to use up leftover cooked shrimp? My grandma always said, “Waste not, want not!” and this recipe definitely embodies that philosophy.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some good reasons to eat shrimp salad? What is the best combination of sweet shrimp, creamy mayonnaise, and crunchy celery? Is it the perfect balance of textures and flavors? I’ve played around with different seasonings, but I always come back to the classic combination of spices. What are some good ways to serve dill, lemon juice, and black pepper? What are some of the easiest recipes to make? It takes less than 15 minutes to make, from start to finish. I don’t have time to cook a meal. It’s like waking up in the middle of the night. What are some of the best recipes for Shrimp? Can you use frozen shrimp? What are some pantry staples that you already have on hand? • **Versatility: ** As I mentioned before, you can enjoy this shrimp salad in so many different ways. Serve it on crackers as an appetizer, stuff it into a croissant for scrumptious lunch, or pile it up in your lunch. What are some good ways to serve a salad on top of lettuce? What are some good ideas for potlucks? What I love about this particular shrimp salad recipe is that it’s so adaptable. How do you adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences? If you’re not a fan of celery, you can substitute it with chopped cucumber or bell pepper. What are some good ways to add cayenne pepper to a dish? Is there a blank canvas for culinary creativity?
How do you make shrimp salad?
Quick Overview
What are some easy ways to make shrimp salad? You basically cook (or buy pre-cooked) shrimp, chop up some veggies, mix everything together and then serve. Can I mix mayonnaise and seasonings, and chill? What’s the hardest part? Waiting for it to chill before diving in. Is it worth the wait to try it in the fridge? This method is special because it focuses on fresh, simple ingredients and lets the natural flavors. How do shrimp shine through? No fancy techniques required!
Ingredients
What is the recipe for Shrimp Salad?
• 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined (I prefer medium-sized shrimp) – You can buy pre-cooked shrimp. I always cook my own shrimp to save time, but I still find that I have the best flavor. If you’re cooking, don’t overcook! I like to use 12 cup mayonnaise (I use a good quality mayo) – Don’t skimp here! What are some good ways to make mayo? • 14 cup finely chopped red onion – For a little zing! Is it true that yellow onion works too, but I prefer the subtle bite of red onion? • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill – It really brightens up the flavor. Dried dill isn’t the same as a tomato. • 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Adds a touch of acidity and helps to balance the flavors. • 12 teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground is always best. • Salt to taste – Be careful not to over-salt, as mayonnaise already contains salt.
How do I follow
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
If you’re using pre-cooked shrimp, make sure it’s thawed and patted dry with paper towels. If you’re cooking shrimp yourself, bring a pot of salted water to brisk boil. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Don’t overcook them, or they’ll be tough and rubbery. I drain the shrimp and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Once they’re cool enough to handle, peel and devein them. I always do this over the sink to avoid making a mess.
Step 2: Chop the Vegetables
What is the best way to chop celery and red onion. The smaller the pieces, the better they’ll incorporate into the salad. I like to use a sharp knife for this, but you can also use food processor if you’re feeling lazy. Just be careful not to over-process them, or they’ll turn into mush.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, celery, chopped red onion and chopped fresh dill. Serve immediately. What are the ingredients for mayonnaise, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt? Gently stir everything together until well combined. If you overmix shrimp, it will break apart. I always use a rubber spatula for this, as it’s gentle on the ingredients.
Step 4: Chill
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill. I know it’s tempting to eat it right away, but trust me, it’s worth the wait. I usually make this in the morning so it’s ready to go for lunch.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the shrimp salad on crackers, in sandwiches, or on top of lettuce. Garnish with fresh dill. Enjoy! I like to serve it with a side of potato chips or steamed salad. Is it good with iced tea or lemonade?
What should I serve it with?
What are some good ways to enjoy shrimp salad?For Lunch:What is a good lunch to make? Add lettuce and tomato for extra flavor and nutrients. I love packing this for picnics – it’s so easy to transport and everyone always loves it.For a Party:Serve it on crackers or crostini as an appetizer. I like to use a variety of crackers, such as Ritz, Triscuits, and Wheat Thins to give my guests. I use them all the time. Can you serve it with a side of raw vegetables, such as carrots, celery, and cucumber?As a Light Dinner:What is a good salad to serve on top of lettuce? Add some avocado slices and cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and healthy fats. What is a great meal to cook on chilly summer nights?For a Potluck:What are some good ways to serve shrimp salad at a potluck? I like to serve it with a platter of assorted breads and crackers so people can make their own. What are some good appetizers? Don’t forget the serving spoons! My family has a tradition of serving shrimp salad at our annual Fourth of July barbecue. What is the first dish that disappears? I think it’s because it’s so refreshing and flavorful, and it pairs perfectly with all the other drinks.
How do you prepare a shrimp salad?
What are some of the best ways to make a shrimp salad?What is the quality ofUse good quality shrimp. Is it fresh or frozen? I prefer wild-caught shrimp, as it tends to have a better flavor and texture.Mayonnaise MattersWhat is the best mayonnaise flavor? I like to use Hellmann’s or Duke’, but any good quality mayonnaise will work. What is the best way to use low-fat mayonnaise in salads?Don’t overcoHow do you cook shrimp? Cook it just until it turns pink and opaque. If you’re using pre-cooked shrimp, don’t heat it up too much, as it will become dry and tasteless.Chill Out:What is the best way to serve shrimp salad? How do I make a salad to chill? The longer it chills, the better it will taste.Herb Power:Fresh dill is a must! It really brightens up the flavor. Why is dried dill not the same as fresh chives? If you don’t have fresh dill, you can substitute it with other fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme.Lemon Love:Why don’t you skip the lemon juice? It adds a touch of acidity and helps to balance the flavors. Can you use lime juice instead of lemon juice?Customization:How can I get creative with ingredients? What are some good substitutes for cucumber, bell pepper or avocado? Can you add other seasonings, such as garlic powder, onion powder or paprika? I once added a pinch of Old Bay seasoning and it was delicious! I learned the importance of chilling the shrimp salad after making a batch for party and serving. Is it immediately? Is this a bad thing? I always make sure to chill it for at least 30 minutes before serving, and it makes a world of difference.
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
How do you properly store and maintain the best possible taste for your shrimp salad?Room Temperature: 20Is it safe to leave shrimp salad at room temperature for more than 2 hours? What are the best ways to keep bacteria at room temperature? If you’re serving it outdoors on a hot day, keep it in ice to keep cool.Refrigerator Storage:What are some good ways to store leftover shrimp salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days? After 3 days, the shrimp may start to become mushy and the flavors may begin to fade. I like to use glass containers, as they’re non-reactive and won’t leach any flavors into my salad.How do I useI don’t recommend freezing shrimp salad, as the mayonnaise will separate and become watery when it is steamed. If you absolutely must freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and wrap it tightly in plastic. What are some of the best ways to freeze a recipe in the refrigerator before serving? Do you notice that the texture of the ice is slightly different after thawing?Glaze Timing: What is theSince there’s no glaze, this isn’t an issue! Just be sure to keep the shrimp salad properly chilled for the best flavor and texture. I once made a big batch of shrimp salad and forgot to put it in the refrigerator. It sat on the counter for several hours before I realized my mistake. I had to throw it away, which was such a waste! Now I’m always extra careful to store it properly.
What are the most frequently asked questions on
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my absolutely favorite shrimp salad recipe! I hope you love it as much as I do. It’s the perfect dish for summer picnics, potlucks, or a quick and easy lunch. The simplicity and flavor are just unbeatable. If you’re looking for more easy and delicious seafood recipes, be sure to check out my other posts! And I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share it with your friends. Happy cooking!
Shrimp Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups Celery, finely chopped
- 1 cup Red onion, finely chopped
- 0.5 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook shrimp until pink and opaque. Let cool completely.
- Chop celery and red onion.
- In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Add cooked shrimp, celery, and red onion to the bowl. Gently mix.
- Serve chilled.
