The Zesty Summer Shrimp Salad Recipe You’ll Love

Crisp summer days call for a refreshing shrimp salad that combines zesty flavors with light, nutritious ingredients.

Seafood enthusiasts will adore this vibrant dish packed with oceanic goodness.

Mediterranean-inspired herbs and bright citrus notes dance across each delectable bite.

Cool cucumber and tender shrimp create a perfect protein-rich meal perfect for warm afternoons.

Quick to assemble and incredibly satisfying, this recipe offers maximum taste with minimal effort.

Crunchy greens provide a delightful texture contrast that keeps you coming back for more.

We guarantee this salad will become your new favorite quick lunch solution.

Why Shrimp Salad Is Fresh, Light, And Tasty

• Quick and Simple Prep: This shrimp salad comes together with minimal cooking steps, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Protein-Packed Freshness: Succulent sautéed shrimp delivers a lean protein punch, creating a satisfying and nutritious dish that keeps you full and energized.
• Versatile Serving Option: Adaptable for multiple occasions like light lunches, casual dinner parties, or elegant summer gatherings, this salad transitions seamlessly between different meal settings.
• Flavor-Packed Dressing: The creamy mayonnaise, zesty lemon juice, and tangy dijon mustard combine to create a vibrant dressing that elevates the entire salad's taste profile, adding depth and excitement to every bite.

What You’ll Need For Shrimp Salad

• Shrimp: A succulent seafood protein that provides a delicate and sweet flavor to the salad.

• Mixed Salad Greens: A fresh and crisp foundation that adds nutritional value and visual appeal to the dish.

• Mayonnaise, Lemon Juice, Dijon Mustard: A creamy and tangy combination that creates a smooth and flavorful dressing for the salad.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the shrimp.
• Olive Oil: A cooking medium that helps sauté the shrimp and adds a subtle richness.
• Cherry Tomatoes: A vibrant ingredient that adds color and fresh bursts of flavor to the salad.
• Fresh Herbs: An aromatic element that provides a bright and zesty finish to the dish.

Step-By-Step Instructions For Shrimp Salad

Step 1: Sizzle Succulent Shrimp

Heat a skillet and toss in the shrimp. Season generously with salt and pepper. Cook in olive oil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until shrimp turn a gorgeous pink and become perfectly tender. This should take about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

Step 2: Craft Zesty Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Fresh lemon juice
• Dijon mustard

Blend until smooth and creamy, creating a tangy sauce that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 3: Prep Vibrant Vegetables

Slice cherry tomatoes into delightful halves. This helps release their juicy goodness and spreads color throughout the salad.

Step 4: Build Salad Foundation

Spread a lush bed of mixed salad greens on your serving platter. These greens will be the crisp canvas for your shrimp masterpiece.

Step 5: Arrange Shrimp Elegantly

Gently place the cooled shrimp across the greens. Distribute them evenly so every bite promises a perfect balance of seafood and greens.

Step 6: Drizzle and Dress

Pour the zesty dressing over the salad. Use a light hand to ensure each ingredient gets a delicate coating of flavor.

Step 7: Garnish with Fresh Herbs

Finely chop fresh herbs and sprinkle generously over the top. This adds a burst of aromatic freshness that elevates the entire dish.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Present the salad immediately. The room temperature keeps the textures perfect and flavors vibrant. Get ready for a mouthwatering experience!

Top Tips To Make Shrimp Salad Shine

• Select Freshest Shrimp: Choose large, deveined shrimp with firm, glossy texture for best taste and texture.
• Prevent Overcooking: Watch shrimp closely while sautéing; they cook quickly and can become rubbery if left too long.
• Control Dressing Consistency: Adjust mayonnaise amount to create lighter or richer dressing based on personal preference.
• Enhance Herb Flavor: Experiment with different fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or basil to add unique aromatic dimensions.
• Boost Protein Options: Substitute shrimp with grilled chicken or tofu for alternative dietary needs or preferences.

Switch Things Up With Shrimp Salad

• Mediterranean Shrimp Salad: Add crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and cucumber slices for a Greek-inspired version with tangy Mediterranean flavors.
• Spicy Southwest Shrimp Salad: Mix in black beans, corn kernels, and jalapeños, then drizzle with a chipotle-lime dressing for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Asian Inspired Shrimp Salad: Replace mayonnaise dressing with a sesame-soy vinaigrette, top with mandarin orange segments, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
• Avocado Tropical Shrimp Salad: Incorporate diced mango, sliced avocado, and replace lemon juice with lime juice to create a vibrant, creamy tropical-style salad with refreshing notes.

Best Pairings For Shrimp Salad

• Pair Fresh Chardonnay: Crisp white wine complements the shrimp's delicate seafood flavor, enhancing the salad's tangy dressing with its buttery undertones.
• Serve Crusty Sourdough Bread: Rustic bread provides a satisfying crunch and helps soak up the zesty mayonnaise dressing, creating a perfect textural contrast.
• Match Citrus-Infused Sparkling Water: Light, refreshing beverage mirrors the lemon juice in the dressing, cleansing the palate between bites of succulent shrimp.
• Recommend Cucumber Gazpacho: Chilled soup offers a cool, smooth accompaniment that echoes the salad's fresh herb and vegetable components, balancing the protein-rich shrimp.

How To Store Shrimp Salad Safely

• Transfer leftover shrimp salad to a sealed glass or plastic container with a tight-fitting lid to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other refrigerator odors.
• Store the shrimp salad in the coldest part of the refrigerator and eat within 48 hours to ensure optimal taste and food safety, as seafood can spoil quickly.
• Keep the dressing in a separate small container to prevent the salad greens from becoming soggy, allowing you to add it just before serving for maximum crispness.
• Do not freeze this shrimp salad, as the mayonnaise-based dressing and delicate greens will break down and lose their texture, resulting in an unappetizing meal.

FAQs That Cover Shrimp Salad Basics

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure proper seasoning and prevent excess water.

• What type of herbs work best in this salad?

Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, and dill complement the shrimp beautifully and add a bright, aromatic flavor to the dish.

• How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn completely pink and form a C-shape. Avoid overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery.

• Is this salad considered healthy?

Absolutely! Shrimp are low in calories, high in protein, and the fresh greens and herbs make this a nutritious, light meal option.

Shrimp Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 13 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Coastal Mediterranean Shrimp Salad delivers fresh Mediterranean flavors with succulent shrimp, crisp vegetables, and zesty herbs. Refreshing ingredients combine for a light, protein-packed meal you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 cups mixed salad greens
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes

Dressing Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp dijon mustard

Garnish and Seasoning:

• 1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley, dill)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the shrimp by seasoning with salt and pepper, then sauté in olive oil over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and are completely cooked through.
2. Allow the cooked shrimp to cool completely at room temperature for about 10 minutes, which prevents wilting of the salad greens.
3. Whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, and dijon mustard in a small bowl to create a creamy, tangy dressing with a smooth consistency.
4. Slice cherry tomatoes into halves to distribute their vibrant color and fresh flavor throughout the salad.
5. Arrange mixed salad greens on a serving platter, creating a crisp and verdant base for the shrimp.
6. Gently place the cooled shrimp over the greens, distributing them evenly across the salad.
7. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the shrimp and greens, ensuring a light and even coating.
8. Chop fresh herbs finely and sprinkle generously over the salad for an aromatic and bright finish.
9. Serve immediately at room temperature to maintain the salad’s texture and maximize flavor profile.

Notes

• Seafood Freshness Matters: Choose plump, fresh shrimp with a clean ocean smell to guarantee the best taste and texture in your salad.
• Dressing Customization: Adjust mayonnaise quantity based on personal preference, using Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier alternative that reduces calories.
• Quick Cooling Technique: Spread cooked shrimp on a flat plate or baking sheet to cool faster and prevent overcooking, which can make them rubbery.
• Herb Flexibility: Experiment with different fresh herbs like dill, chives, or cilantro to create unique flavor profiles that complement the shrimp’s natural sweetness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 270
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 19g
• Cholesterol: 160mg