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Ultimate Shrimp Salad

A delightful blend of juicy shrimp, crunchy vegetables, and creamy dressing, perfect for picnics and gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American, Coastal
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Seafood
  • 1 pound Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined Use freshest shrimp possible; frozen shrimp is acceptable if properly thawed.
Dressing
  • ½ cup Mayonnaise High-quality mayonnaise is preferred; Greek yogurt can be a lighter option.
  • 1½ tablespoons Fresh lemon juice Freshly squeezed for optimal flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Optional for extra depth of flavor.
  • ½ teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste.
  • ¼ teaspoon Black pepper, freshly ground Freshly ground spices enhance flavor.
Vegetables
  • 2 ribs Celery, finely diced Adds crunch; jicama or cucumber can be alternatives.
  • 2 tablespoons Red onion, finely minced For a milder flavor, use green onions.
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh dill, chopped Dried dill can be used if fresh is unavailable.
Optional Enhancements
  • 1 tablespoon Parsley or capers Adds flavor and freshness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Take shrimp from the fridge and let come to room temperature.
  2. Finely chop all ingredients and have them ready.
Cooking
  1. Fill a medium saucepan with water and bring to a gentle simmer. Add a pinch of salt and optional aromatics like lemon slices or bay leaf.
  2. Add raw shrimp to simmering water and poach for 2–3 minutes until pink and opaque.
  3. Immediately transfer shrimp to an ice water bath to stop cooking. Chill for 5–7 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
Preparation of Salad
  1. In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dill, salt, and pepper.
  2. Gently fold in shrimp, diced celery, and red onion, avoiding breaking shrimp pieces.
  3. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes to meld flavors.

Notes

Add more mayo or olive oil if the salad seems too dry. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days, but avoid freezing.