Shrimp Salad Recipe
Introduction
This shrimp salad is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for light lunches or easy gatherings. Combining tender shrimp with a creamy, zesty dressing, it’s both refreshing and satisfying. Whether served on bread, lettuce, or crackers, it’s sure to please any seafood lover.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled, de-veined, and cooked)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup celery (chopped, optional)
- 1 small bunch green onions (thinly sliced)
- 2 tsp Old Bay Seasoning
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Cut the shrimp in half or break them up slightly, then transfer them to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- Step 2: Add the chopped celery (if using) and sliced green onions to the shrimp, tossing to combine evenly.
- Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth.
- Step 4: Pour the dressing over the shrimp mixture and toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly.
- Step 5: Cover the bowl tightly with cling wrap and refrigerate the shrimp salad for at least one hour, up to five hours, to allow flavors to meld.
- Step 6: Serve chilled on a bed of lettuce, as a wrap, sandwich, or chopped as a dip with buttery crackers.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, add finely chopped red bell pepper or cucumber.
- Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter version with added tang.
- Adjust Old Bay seasoning to taste or substitute with Cajun seasoning for a different spice profile.
- For a fresher note, add chopped fresh dill or parsley before serving.
Storage
Store the shrimp salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir gently before serving. Since it contains mayonnaise and cooked seafood, avoid keeping it longer to ensure freshness and safety. Serve chilled for best flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Just thaw them completely, peel, de-vein, and cook before preparing the salad.
Is it possible to make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely. Preparing the salad a few hours ahead and chilling it allows the flavors to blend beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated and covered until serving.
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Shrimp Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This classic Shrimp Salad recipe features tender, cooked shrimp tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing with a hint of Old Bay seasoning, fresh celery, and green onions. Perfectly chilled and versatile, it can be enjoyed as a sandwich, wrap, salad, or cold dip, making it a refreshing and satisfying meal or appetizer.
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1 lb large shrimp (peeled, de-veined, and cooked)
Vegetables
- 1/3 cup celery, chopped (optional)
- 1 small bunch green onions, thinly sliced
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tsp Old Bay Seasoning
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Cut the cooked shrimp in half or gently break them up a bit to create bite-sized pieces. Transfer the shrimp to a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- Add the vegetables: Add the chopped celery (if using) and thinly sliced green onions to the shrimp. Toss everything together to distribute the vegetables evenly among the shrimp.
- Make the dressing: In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and well combined.
- Combine salad and dressing: Pour the dressing over the shrimp mixture. Toss thoroughly to ensure every piece of shrimp and vegetable is coated evenly.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl tightly with cling wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 5 hours to let the flavors meld and the salad chill.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp salad cold on a bed of lettuce, as a wrap filling, on toasted bread for sandwiches, or chopped further and enjoyed as a creamy dip paired with buttery crackers.
Notes
- Use cooked shrimp for convenience, either freshly cooked or pre-cooked frozen shrimp thawed.
- Adjust the amount of Old Bay seasoning based on your taste preference.
- Celery adds crunch but is optional if you prefer a smoother texture.
- For a lighter option, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a low-fat dressing.
- Chilling the salad enhances the flavor and helps it set.
- Best consumed within 24 hours for freshness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: shrimp salad, seafood salad, Old Bay shrimp, creamy shrimp, chilled shrimp salad, easy shrimp recipe, summer salad
