Okay, so let’s talk about shrimp salad. Not just *any* shrimp salad, mind you, but what I firmly believe is The absolute BEST SHRIMP SALAD! Seriously, this stuff is pure magic. It’s light, it’s bright, it’s packed with flavor, and it’s SO easy to whip up. You can pile it high on a buttery croissant, tuck it into crisp lettuce wraps, or just grab a spoon and go to town (no judgment here!). It’s my go-to for everything from a quick lunch to a last-minute picnic.
I stumbled upon this particular combination years ago, after countless attempts to recreate that perfect deli-style shrimp salad I loved as a kid, but without all the mystery ingredients. It took some tinkering – a little more dill here, a squeeze of lemon there – but finally, I landed on this recipe. It’s the one I make again and again, and the one everyone always asks me for. Trust me, once you try this, you won’t need another shrimp salad recipe ever again!
Why You’ll Love The absolute BEST SHRIMP SALAD!
Seriously, there are so many reasons why this shrimp salad is about to become your new obsession. It’s not fussy, it’s incredibly forgiving, and the payoff is HUGE. Here’s the lowdown on why it’s my absolute favorite:
- It’s lightning fast! We’re talking maybe 15 minutes of actual work here. Perfect for those “what’s for lunch?!” moments.
- No cooking necessary (if you buy pre-cooked shrimp)! This is a lifesaver on a hot day or when you just don’t feel like turning on the stove.
- Flavors that SING! The fresh dill and lemon juice just brighten everything up, and the crunch from the celery and onion is just right.
- So darn versatile! Sandwiches, wraps, scooped onto a salad, with crackers… you name it, this salad makes it better.
- It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. I’ve never met anyone who didn’t love this stuff. Bring it to a potluck and watch it disappear!
Ingredients for The absolute BEST SHRIMP SALAD!
Okay, so the beauty of this shrimp salad is that it uses really simple ingredients, but when they come together? Magic! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined, roughly chopped into bite-sized pieces.
- 1/2 cup good quality mayonnaise – go for full-fat here, trust me, it makes a difference in richness!
- 1/4 cup celery, very finely chopped. We want crunch, but not big stringy pieces.
- 2 tablespoons red onion, minced super fine. Just a little bit for a pop of flavor, not overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped. This is key! Use fresh if you can.
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice. A little squeeze brightens everything up.
- Salt and black pepper to taste. Start with a little and add more as you go.
Equipment Needed for The absolute BEST SHRIMP SALAD!
You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this! Just grab a good-sized mixing bowl, your trusty measuring cups and spoons, and a sharp knife and cutting board for getting those veggies and shrimp prepped. That’s it! See? Easy peasy.
How to Prepare The absolute BEST SHRIMP SALAD!
Alright, let’s get down to the fun part – actually making this amazing shrimp salad! It’s seriously straightforward, just a few simple steps and you’ll be well on your way to deliciousness. No complicated techniques or secret handshakes required, just good old-fashioned mixing.
Chopping the Shrimp and Veggies for The absolute BEST SHRIMP SALAD!
First things first, we need to get everything prepped. If you’re using cooked shrimp, give it a good rinse and make sure it’s totally dry. Then, get out your knife and cutting board. Chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces. I like mine not too small, so you still get a nice chunk of shrimp in every bite, but not so big they’re awkward. Next, work on that celery and red onion. Remember, we want these finely chopped, almost minced for the onion, so they add crunch and flavor without being overpowering. And chop that beautiful fresh dill too!
Mixing Everything Together for The absolute BEST SHRIMP SALAD!
Now, grab that mixing bowl you set aside. Toss in your chopped shrimp, the finely chopped celery and red onion, and that fresh dill. Next comes the mayo – spoon it in. Add that little squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Now, this is important: mix everything together *gently*. You don’t want to mash the shrimp or overwork the mixture. Just fold it all together until everything is nicely coated and combined. Season with a little salt and pepper. Taste it! Does it need a little more salt? A grind of pepper? Adjust it until it tastes perfect to *you*.
Chilling for The absolute BEST SHRIMP SALAD! Flavor
Okay, this last step is non-negotiable for getting the absolute best flavor. Once everything is mixed and seasoned, cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge. You need to chill it for at least 30 minutes. This gives all those lovely flavors time to meld and hang out together. The lemon, the dill, the onion, the shrimp – they all get a chance to really get to know each other. Plus, it helps the salad firm up a bit, which is perfect for scooping onto sandwiches or whatever you’re serving it with. Trust me, the wait is worth it!
Tips for Making The absolute BEST SHRIMP SALAD!
Okay, so while this recipe is super simple, a few little tricks can take it from “really good” to “OMG, this is amazing!” Here are my go-to tips for making sure your shrimp salad is absolutely perfect every single time:
First, the shrimp itself. If you’re buying pre-cooked, try to find good quality, plump shrimp. Size doesn’t matter too much since you’re chopping it, but flavor does! If you’re cooking your own, don’t overcook it! Just until it’s pink and opaque, then chill it completely before chopping.
Don’t skimp on the fresh dill and lemon juice. Seriously, they are the stars here! Dried dill just isn’t the same, and bottled lemon juice lacks that fresh brightness. A little zest from the lemon can be a fun addition too if you’re feeling fancy.
Seasoning is key, but taste as you go! Everyone’s salt and pepper preference is different, and mayo can vary in saltiness. Add a little, stir, taste, and add more if needed. It’s much easier to add than to fix if you’ve added too much!
Finally, don’t be afraid to adjust the mayo amount. If you like a really creamy salad, add a little more. If you prefer it less dressed, use slightly less. It’s your salad, make it how you like it!
Variations and Serving Suggestions for Your Shrimp Salad
Okay, so the basic recipe is perfect, but it’s also super forgiving if you want to play around! If you like a little more crunch, try adding some finely diced bell pepper (any color works!) or even a little bit of cucumber. A pinch of Old Bay seasoning can give it a fun, regional twist. You could swap the dill for chives or even a tiny bit of tarragon for a different flavor profile.
Now, how to serve this glorious stuff? The possibilities are endless! My absolute favorite is piled high on a buttered, toasted croissant. It’s also fantastic tucked into crispy lettuce cups (like butter or romaine) for a lighter option. Grab some sturdy crackers or toasted baguette slices and serve it as an appetizer dip. Or honestly, just scoop it onto a bed of mixed greens for a delicious and easy salad. It’s good any way you slice it (or scoop it!).
Storing The absolute BEST SHRIMP SALAD!
Okay, so if you actually have any leftovers (which is a big “if” in my house!), storing this shrimp salad is a breeze. Just pop it into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge. It’ll stay fantastic for about 3-4 days. Honestly, sometimes I think it tastes even better on day two once the flavors have really melded!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just a quick note about the nutritional info for this shrimp salad! The numbers you see are just estimates. Things like the specific brand of mayonnaise you use, the size of your shrimp, and even exactly how much salt and pepper you add can change things up a bit. So, think of it as a helpful guide, but not a precise measurement down to the last calorie!
Frequently Asked Questions About Shrimp Salad
Okay, so you might have a few questions buzzing around in your head about making this shrimp salad, and that’s totally fine! Here are some common ones I get asked:
Can I use frozen shrimp? Absolutely! Just make sure they are fully thawed and drained really well before you cook or chop them. Excess water will make your salad watery, and nobody wants that!
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, and I actually recommend it! Making it a few hours or even a day ahead gives those flavors extra time to hang out and get happy together. Just give it a gentle stir before serving.
How can I make this lighter? You could try using a light mayonnaise or even a mix of mayo and plain Greek yogurt. Just know that the texture and richness will be a little different, but it’s still tasty!
What if I don’t like dill? No problem! You can swap the dill for other fresh herbs like chives or even a little bit of parsley. Or just leave the herbs out entirely if that’s your jam.
Print
The absolute BEST SHRIMP SALAD in 15 min!
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A refreshing and flavorful shrimp salad perfect for sandwiches or lettuce wraps.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Chop the cooked shrimp into bite-sized pieces.
- In a medium bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, dill, and lemon juice.
- Gently mix until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can use pre-cooked shrimp for convenience.
- Adjust the amount of mayonnaise to your preference.
- Add other ingredients like bell pepper or cucumber for extra crunch.
- Serve on lettuce wraps, sandwiches, or with crackers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: shrimp salad, seafood salad, easy salad, picnic food