This vibrant shrimp salad brings together juicy, tender shrimp with the bright zing of lemon and the fragrant freshness of dill. It’s creamy yet light, making it an ideal dish for warmer weather or when you’re craving something refreshing and wholesome. The crunch of celery and red onion adds texture, while the smooth mayo-mustard base delivers just the right amount of richness.
Perfect as a light lunch, a quick dinner, or even a party appetizer, this salad is both satisfying and elegant. It’s delicious served on butter lettuce leaves or spooned into lettuce cups for a low-carb option. Customize with sliced avocado or cherry tomatoes to elevate the visual appeal and nutrition. One bite and it might just become a regular in your recipe rotation.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
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1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tsp lemon zest
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1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Butter lettuce leaves, for serving
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Optional: sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes for garnish
Directions:
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In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
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Add the chopped celery and red onion into the dressing and mix.
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Gently fold in the cooked shrimp, ensuring all pieces are coated evenly.
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Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
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Serve chilled on a bed of butter lettuce or spooned into lettuce cups. Optionally, garnish with sliced avocado or cherry tomatoes.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes (includes chilling)
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Origin and Evolution of Shrimp Salad
The concept of seafood salad dates back centuries, with roots in both European and American culinary traditions. Classic versions often appeared in upscale hotel buffets or luncheon menus throughout the early 20th century. As seafood became more accessible and refrigeration methods improved, shrimp salad gained popularity in home kitchens across the globe.
Today’s shrimp salad is a flexible fusion of these traditional roots with modern culinary influences. The creamy base, often built from mayonnaise and mustard, is balanced with citrus (like lemon juice or zest) and fresh herbs. It’s no longer just a “ladies’ luncheon” menu item—it’s been reimagined as a go-to dish for meal preppers, fitness foodies, and flavor-focused cooks alike.
Nutritional Benefits of Shrimp Salad
One of the standout qualities of shrimp salad is how nutrient-dense it is without being overly heavy or calorie-laden. Shrimp is a fantastic source of lean protein, offering all nine essential amino acids. It’s also rich in selenium, vitamin B12, iodine, and omega-3 fatty acids, which support thyroid health, brain function, and cardiovascular wellness.
In this particular salad, the inclusion of lemon juice adds a boost of vitamin C, while dill offers anti-inflammatory compounds and antioxidants. Celery and red onion, both known for their crunch and fresh bite, contribute fiber, vitamin K, and flavonoids.
And let’s not forget—shrimp is naturally low in fat and carbohydrates. This makes shrimp salad a wonderful option for low-carb, keto, and gluten-free diets. Paired with butter lettuce or eaten on its own, it’s both light and filling.
The Perfect Dish for Meal Prep and Entertaining
Shrimp salad is one of the easiest meals to prepare ahead of time, making it a go-to option for busy households and weekly meal prep. It stores beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days, allowing the flavors to meld together and deepen. In fact, many say shrimp salad tastes even better the next day.
Planning a party, brunch, or potluck? Serve shrimp salad in small lettuce cups, cucumber boats, or mini croissants for an elevated and mess-free appetizer. Hosting a dinner party? Offer it as a refreshing starter course. With the right presentation, this simple dish becomes something stunning and sophisticated.
Ways to Customize Your Shrimp Salad
One of the best aspects of shrimp salad is how easy it is to adapt to personal tastes or dietary needs. Here are some simple ideas to switch things up:
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Add avocado: For extra creaminess and healthy fats, fold in diced ripe avocado.
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Spice it up: Mix in a dash of hot sauce, cayenne, or diced jalapeño for a spicy kick.
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Change the herbs: While dill is traditional, parsley, chives, or tarragon can offer a new twist.
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Use Greek yogurt: Substitute part or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier profile.
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Go global: Add curry powder for an Indian-inspired version, or lime juice and cilantro for a zesty Mexican take.
You can also adjust the textures by tossing in chopped nuts for crunch or mixing in diced apples or grapes for a sweet contrast. The only limit is your creativity.
Serving Suggestions That Make It Shine
There are so many ways to serve shrimp salad beyond the traditional lettuce base:
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Lettuce cups: Use butter, romaine, or iceberg leaves for a crisp, carb-free wrap.
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Croissants or sliders: For a heartier option, stuff into flaky croissants or mini brioche buns.
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Avocado halves: Hollow out a ripe avocado and spoon the salad into the center.
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On crackers or toast: Perfect as finger food for parties or elegant canapés.
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As a bowl topper: Add it over quinoa, couscous, or greens for a more filling salad bowl.
This versatility is what makes it such a beloved recipe—it can easily go from casual meal to elegant fare with just a few presentation tweaks.
The Secret to a Flavorful Shrimp Salad
The key to making shrimp salad irresistible lies in two things: balance and chill time. The combination of acid (lemon), fat (mayo), aromatics (onion and dill), and seasoning must be well-balanced for every bite to hit all the right notes.
Secondly, giving the salad enough time to rest in the fridge allows the flavors to meld. The lemon juice softens the onion’s bite while the dill infuses its fragrance throughout the mix. So don’t skip the refrigeration step—it transforms the dish from “pretty good” to “absolutely amazing.”
Choosing quality shrimp is another secret. Opt for wild-caught, deveined shrimp when possible. Boiled, grilled, or sautéed shrimp all work here—as long as they’re not overcooked. The goal is tender, juicy bites that soak up the creamy dressing like a sponge.
A Low-Effort, High-Reward Recipe for Any Skill Level
This is the kind of recipe that doesn’t require a culinary degree to master. In fact, even beginner cooks can whip it up in minutes without breaking a sweat. There’s no oven to preheat, no complex techniques to master. Just a few quick chops, a mix of ingredients, and time to chill—and that’s it.
Because of its simplicity, shrimp salad also offers a great foundation for teaching kids or novice cooks the basics of balancing flavor and texture. It’s also a great reminder that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Dish
Shrimp salad isn’t just a quick-fix meal—it’s a recipe that offers long-term value. It fits easily into busy lifestyles, health-conscious diets, and casual or upscale menus. With its creamy texture, bright citrus notes, and tender bites of shrimp, it delivers everything you want in a meal: nourishment, satisfaction, and flavor.
More importantly, it’s a dish that adapts. Whether you’re on a fitness journey, feeding a family, or planning your next gathering, shrimp salad works. It can be personalized in countless ways and is practically foolproof to make.
So, the next time you’re looking for a fast, nutritious, and crowd-pleasing dish, remember this one. Once you try it, shrimp salad won’t just be a recipe—it’ll be a regular on your table.