Shrimp Salad
Why Make This Recipe
Shrimp salad is a light and refreshing dish perfect for warm weather or any time you want something delicious yet easy to prepare. It’s packed with protein, has a nice balance of flavors, and is versatile enough to serve as a main dish or a side. Plus, making your own shrimp salad allows you to tailor the ingredients to your taste.
How to Make Shrimp Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 pound medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 lemon (quartered)
- 1/2 cup celery (finely diced)
- 3 tablespoons red onion (minced)
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped, plus more for garnish)
Directions:
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the quartered lemon.
- Add the shrimp to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes or until pink and opaque.
- Transfer the shrimp to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain the shrimp, then pat dry.
- Place the shrimp, celery, red onion, lemon juice, salt, pepper, mayonnaise, mustard, and dill in a bowl. Toss gently to coat.
- Garnish with additional fresh dill and serve, or cover and refrigerate for later use.
How to Serve Shrimp Salad
Shrimp salad can be served in many ways. You can enjoy it on a bed of greens for a light lunch, in a sandwich or wrap for a quick meal, or simply in a bowl on its own. It also makes a great appetizer when served with crackers.
How to Store Shrimp Salad
To store shrimp salad, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 2-3 days. If you know you won’t eat it in that time, consider freezing the shrimp before adding the other ingredients to preserve freshness.
Tips to Make Shrimp Salad
- Opt for fresh shrimp if available; they taste better than frozen.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp; they should be just firm and not rubbery.
- For added flavor, mix in some chopped avocado or a splash of hot sauce.
Variation
You can add other ingredients to the shrimp salad, such as diced bell peppers for crunch, or swap out the dill for parsley if you prefer a different herb. You could also add chopped tomatoes or cucumbers for extra freshness.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for the salad?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just make sure to properly thaw them before cooking.
2. Is shrimp salad gluten-free?
Yes, shrimp salad is gluten-free as long as the ingredients used (like mayonnaise and mustard) are gluten-free.
3. How can I make shrimp salad healthier?
You can reduce the calorie count by using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, or by adding more veggies to increase the fiber content.
Shrimp Salad
Ingredients
For the shrimp
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined Opt for fresh shrimp if available for better taste.
- 1 piece lemon, quartered Added to boiling water for flavor.
For the salad
- 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
- 3 tablespoons red onion, minced
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- to taste salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise Consider using Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped Plus more for garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the quartered lemon.
- Add the shrimp to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes or until pink and opaque.
- Transfer the shrimp to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain the shrimp, then pat dry.
- In a bowl, combine the shrimp, celery, red onion, lemon juice, salt, pepper, mayonnaise, mustard, and dill. Toss gently to coat.
Serving
- Garnish with additional fresh dill and serve, or cover and refrigerate for later use.
