Zingy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe: Fresh Summer Magic

Cool summer breezes carry memories of a delectable cucumber shrimp salad that dances with crisp, vibrant flavors.

Seafood enthusiasts appreciate how fresh ingredients can create magic on a plate.

Juicy shrimp nestled among crisp cucumber slices promise a delightful culinary experience.

Each bite brings a symphony of textures and tangy undertones that awaken your palate.

Light and zesty, this dish transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Mediterranean coastal regions inspire such perfect combinations of seafood and garden-fresh vegetables.

Chefs know that balance matters most when crafting something memorable.

Cucumber Shrimp Salad For Bright Refreshment Days

• Chill and Relax: The recipe requires minimal cooking, with pre-cooked shrimp and simple chopping, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Fusion: Tangy lime, creamy dressing, and fresh herbs create a delightful combination that appeals to both seafood lovers and those seeking a light, refreshing dish.
• Summer Party Star: Its cool, crisp ingredients make this salad an ideal option for outdoor gatherings, picnics, and potlucks where guests crave something light and satisfying.

Ingredients For Cucumber Shrimp Salad Gathered Fresh

• Shrimp: Fresh, succulent seafood that provides the main protein for this light and refreshing salad.

• Cucumber, Red Onion: Crisp vegetables that add crunch and sharp flavor to the salad.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy base that creates a rich and smooth dressing.
• Lime Juice, Lime Zest: Bright citrus elements that enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy and slightly spicy undertone to the dressing.
• Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic flavor to the salad.
• Dill: Herbaceous seasoning that complements the seafood and adds a fresh note.
• Kosher Salt: Helps to balance and elevate the other flavors in the dish.

Easy Steps To Crisp Cucumber Shrimp Salad

Step 1: Whip Up the Zesty Dressing

In a spacious mixing bowl, blend mayonnaise, sour cream, freshly grated lime zest, tangy lime juice, chopped dill, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and a pinch of kosher salt.

Stir everything together until the mixture becomes smooth and well-incorporated, creating a creamy base that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 2: Combine Seafood and Veggies

• Cooked shrimp
• Crisp cucumber slices
• Thinly sliced red onion

Toss the ingredients delicately, ensuring each morsel gets a luxurious coating of the vibrant dressing.

Step 3: Chill and Let Flavors Mingle

Cover the bowl and pop it into the refrigerator.

Let the salad rest for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to harmonize and intensify.

This resting period helps the ingredients get to know each other, creating a more delectable experience.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Retrieve the chilled salad from the refrigerator.

For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle some additional fresh dill on top.

Serve immediately and savor the cool, refreshing flavors of this delightful cucumber shrimp salad.

Shrimp Salad Tips For Zingy Results At Home

• Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the dressing ingredients blend and intensify, creating a more delicious taste experience.
• Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt to reduce calories and add a tangy protein boost to the dressing.
• Select medium-sized, deveined shrimp for the best texture and easiest preparation, ensuring a quick and clean cooking process.
• Use a mandoline or sharp knife to create uniform, paper-thin cucumber slices that absorb the dressing and provide a delicate crunch.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the salad a subtle kick for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

Fun Twists On Cucumber Shrimp Salad Every Time

• Vegan Cucumber Tofu Salad: Replace shrimp with firm tofu cubes, using vegan mayonnaise and silken tofu for the creamy dressing.
• Spicy Cajun Shrimp Remix: Add Cajun seasoning to the shrimp, incorporate chopped bell peppers for extra heat and crunch.
• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Version: Serve the salad inside crisp lettuce leaves instead of as a traditional bowl, reducing carbohydrate intake.
• Mediterranean Herb Variation: Swap dill for fresh oregano and parsley, add crumbled feta cheese and kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.

How To Serve Shrimp Salad With A Twist

• Picnic Perfect Platter: Arrange the cucumber shrimp salad on a large platter with crisp lettuce leaves and garnish with fresh dill sprigs for an elegant outdoor dining presentation.
• Sandwich Sensation: Spoon the chilled salad into soft pita pockets or between toasted whole grain bread slices for a quick and satisfying lunch option.
• Light Appetizer Twist: Serve small portions in elegant cocktail glasses or on crisp endive leaves as a sophisticated starter for summer gatherings or cocktail parties.
• Mediterranean Meal Companion: Pair the salad alongside grilled fish, roasted chicken, or as a side dish with Mediterranean-style quinoa for a complete and balanced meal.

Keeping Shrimp Salad Fresh In The Fridge

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep shrimp and cucumber salad sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorbing other food odors.
• Avoid freezing this salad as cucumber and mayonnaise-based dressings will separate and lose texture when thawed, creating an unappetizing consistency.
• Gently stir the cold salad to redistribute dressing before serving. For best taste, consume chilled directly from the refrigerator to preserve crisp cucumber and tender shrimp texture.
• Always check shrimp for any signs of spoilage before consuming refrigerated leftovers, discarding if there's an off smell or slimy texture.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding to the salad to prevent excess water.

• How spicy is this cucumber shrimp salad?

The recipe is mild, with just a hint of flavor from Dijon mustard and garlic. If you want more heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.

• Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare this salad up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and add the dressing just before serving to maintain the crisp texture of cucumber.

• Can I substitute sour cream with something else?

Greek yogurt works perfectly as a substitute for sour cream. It provides similar creaminess and tanginess while being slightly healthier.

Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cool cucumber shrimp salad offers a zesty Mediterranean journey of crisp textures and bold flavors. Fresh herbs and tangy dressing elevate this light summer dish, making you crave each refreshing bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp:

• 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables:

• 2 cucumbers, sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing and Seasonings:

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1 large lime, zested and juiced (about 2 teaspoons zest and 2 tablespoons juice)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Whisk together creamy dressing components – mayonnaise, sour cream, tangy lime zest, fresh lime juice, chopped dill, zesty Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and kosher salt until smooth and well integrated.
2. Incorporate chilled, tender cooked shrimp, crisp cucumber slices, and thinly sliced red onion into the dressing, gently folding to ensure complete coating.
3. Allow salad to rest in refrigerator for 30 minutes at 40°F, enabling flavors to harmonize and develop depth.
4. Present the salad thoroughly chilled, optionally adorning with delicate fresh dill sprigs for enhanced visual appeal and aromatic garnish.

Notes

• Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, healthier version that cuts calories without sacrificing creamy texture.
• Dice cucumbers uniformly to ensure even distribution and consistent bite in every forkful.
• Marinate shrimp briefly in lime juice before mixing to enhance seafood’s natural sweetness and add bright, zesty undertones.
• Prepare salad ahead of time and store in airtight container for up to 24 hours, allowing flavors to develop and intensify.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 198 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 470 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 195 mg