Shrimp Salad – Dive into the refreshing world of seafood. With this simple. Yet delectable Shrimp Salad. Packed with the succulence of freshly boiled shrimp. And the crispiness of celery. This salad is a dance of flavors. And textures. Dressed in a creamy blend of mayonnaise. Lemon juice, and dill. It’s a testament to the keyword, “Shrimp Salad”.
I still vividly remember the first time. I made this Shrimp Salad. It was a sunny afternoon. And I was looking to surprise my family. With something light. Yet fulfilling. My husband. Always a fan of seafood. And my child. Who’s peculiarly picky. Were my toughest critics. To my delight. They both loved it! It became our go-to recipe for picnics. Quick lunches. Or as a side during dinner parties. The blend of flavors. And the simplicity of making it. Were just perfect for our busy lives.
What makes this Shrimp Salad truly special?
What sets this Shrimp Salad apart? Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. With a total time of just 40 minutes from start to finish. Secondly, it’s versatile. Perfect as a light main course. Or a side dish for gatherings. Lastly, the freshness of the ingredients. Combined with the homemade dressing. Makes it a healthier alternative to store-bought salads.
What You Need To Make This Shrimp Salad Recipe?
Shrimp: The main attraction of our salad. Choosing plump, fresh shrimp. Is like picking the perfect bouquet of flowers. It’s all about bringing joy. And flavor to the table.
Lemon: This little citrus wonder works behind the scenes. Adding a splash of sunshine. To both the boiling water. For the shrimp. And the dressing. Giving our salad a bright, fresh taste.
Celery: The crunch factor. Celery adds a refreshing bite. That contrasts beautifully with the soft shrimp. Making each mouthful exciting.
Red Onion: Adds a pop of color. And a subtle sharpness. Enhancing the overall flavors of the salad. Without overpowering them.
Dressing: Our salad dressing is a blend of creamy. Tangy, and herbaceous notes. Mayonnaise for smoothness. Lemon juice for zest. Garlic for a punch. Dijon mustard for depth. And fresh dill for a burst of freshness. Together, they create a dressing. That’s like a warm hug. Enveloping the ingredients in comfort and taste.
Steps To Make Shrimp Salad:
Step 1: Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a nice boil. Then cheerfully toss in the lemon quarters. Meanwhile, get an ice bath ready. For the shrimp to plunge into after their quick boil.
Step 2: Gently drop your shrimp into the boiling water. Let them swim around for 2-3 minutes. Just until they turn pink and firm. Telling you they’re perfectly cooked.
Step 3: Rescue the shrimp with a slotted spoon. And introduce them to the ice bath. This quick change of temperature. Stops the cooking process. Ensuring they stay succulent.
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Step 4: Once they’re cool. Drain and pat them dry. With the tenderness they deserve.
Step 5: Whisk together the dressing ingredients in a bowl with love and care. This is where the magic happens.
Step 6: In a salad bowl. Lovingly toss the shrimp, celery, and red onion together. Drizzle the dressing over. And gently mix. Coating every piece with flavor.
Step 7: Garnish with a sprinkle of dill. Like a final touch of green confetti. And serve with pride.
Tip:
For an extra flavor boost. Briefly marinate your cooked, cooled shrimp. In a little of the dressing. Before adding them to the salad. Let them sit in about a quarter of the dressing. For 10-15 minutes in the fridge. This step allows the shrimp to absorb the tangy. Herby flavors. Making each bite even more flavorful. When you’re ready to assemble the salad. Add the marinated shrimp. Along with any remaining dressing. This small step. Elevates the shrimp. From simply being an ingredient. To being a standout feature of your salad. Infused with the delicious dressing flavors. For a deeper, more cohesive taste experience.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use frozen shrimp?
You can use frozen shrimp. Just ensure. They’re thoroughly thawed before cooking. To maintain the texture and flavor.
How long can I store this salad?
This Shrimp Salad is best enjoyed fresh. But can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. Remember, the fresher. The better!
Can I add other ingredients to the salad?
Feel free to add avocado. Cucumber, or even chopped hard-boiled eggs. To customize the salad to your liking.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Shrimp Salad
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 lemon quartered
- 1 c celery finely diced
- 1/2 red onion finely minced
Dressing:
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 c mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 1/2 tbsp fresh dill chopped - plus more for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil Water: Heat a pot of salted water. And add the lemon quarters once it's boiling.
- Prepare Ice Bath: Fill a large bowl with ice water. And set it aside.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the shrimp. To the boiling water. Let them cook for 2-3 minutes. Until they turn pink and opaque.
- Cool Shrimp: Once cooked. Transfer the shrimp to the ice water. To cool them quickly. And stop the cooking process.
- Dry Shrimp: After they're cooled. Drain the shrimp. And pat them dry with a towel.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl. Mix together the lemon juice, minced garlic, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped dill, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Salad: In a medium salad bowl. Add the cooked shrimp. Diced celery, and minced red onion. Pour the dressing over the salad. And gently toss. To coat everything evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle extra dill on top for garnish. Serve the salad immediately. Or keep it chilled in the fridge. Until ready to serve.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
