Crispy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe: Fresh & Fabulous

Cool summer breezes call for a delightful cucumber shrimp salad recipe that dances with fresh flavors and crisp textures.

Succulent shrimp mingle gracefully with crisp cucumber slices, creating a light and refreshing dish.

Zesty herbs and a tangy dressing bring this salad to life with vibrant Mediterranean-inspired notes.

Each bite offers a perfect balance of protein and garden-fresh ingredients.

The combination of tender shrimp and cool cucumber provides a delectable contrast that satisfies summer hunger.

Simple to assemble and quick to prepare, this salad promises a delicious meal that feels both elegant and effortless.

Dive into this culinary adventure and let your taste buds celebrate the season’s bounty.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes into Cucumber Shrimp Salad

• Shrimp: Sweet ocean gems that add delightful protein punch, look for firm, vibrant pink shellfish without strong fishy odor.

• Cucumber, Green Onions: Crisp vegetables delivering refreshing texture and light herbal notes, choose firm cucumbers with bright green skin and perky green onions with white bases.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy base creating silky smooth texture, select high-quality brands for richer flavor profile.
• Lime: Bright citrus element bringing zesty tang and aromatic lift, pick heavy fruits with smooth, glossy skin indicating juiciness.
• Fresh Dill: Delicate herb offering subtle anise-like whisper, select bright green fronds without wilting.
• Dijon Mustard: Sharp condiment adding tangy depth and subtle heat, choose smooth, authentic French-style mustard.
• Garlic: Pungent aromatics boosting overall flavor complexity, select firm bulbs with tight, unblemished skin.
• Kosher Salt: Essential seasoning enhancing every ingredient's natural taste, prefer coarse crystals for better control.

Tools to Build a Great Cucumber Shrimp Salad

• Medium Pot: Essential for boiling water and cooking shrimp perfectly.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining salad ingredients and mixing dressing.
• Small Bowl: Ideal for preparing the creamy lime dressing.
• Skimmer or Slotted Spoon: Great for transferring shrimp from boiling water to ice bath.
• Large Bowl with Ice Water: Helps quickly cool down cooked shrimp.
• Colander: Useful for draining shrimp after cooling.
• Cutting Board: Needed for chopping cucumber, green onions, and shrimp.
• Sharp Knife: Required for precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring Spoons: Helpful for accurate dressing ingredient measurements.
• Zester or Grater: Perfect for obtaining lime zest.

Instructions for Cucumber Shrimp Salad

• Zesty Lime Fusion

Create a creamy sauce by blending tangy mayonnaise with zesty lime juice, fragrant dill, and subtle garlic for a vibrant flavor profile.

• Seafood Preparation

Quickly blanch fresh shrimp in boiling water until they transform into a beautiful pink color, then shock them in an icy bath to halt the cooking process and preserve their tender texture.

• Crisp Vegetable Mix

Chop crisp cucumbers and delicate green onions into elegant bite-sized pieces, creating a refreshing base for the salad.

• Flavor Harmony

Gently fold the chilled shrimp into the vegetable mixture, generously coating everything with the tangy lime dressing. Let the ingredients mingle and chill before serving for maximum taste explosion.

Tips for Refreshing Cucumber Shrimp Salad

• Swap boiled shrimp with grilled shrimp for a smoky, charred taste that adds depth to the salad's profile.
• Replace shrimp with crab meat, imitation crab, or cooked chicken for a different protein-packed experience.
• Toss in sliced radishes, chopped bell peppers, or toasted almonds to increase the salad's texture and nutritional value.
• Add a dash of sriracha, red pepper flakes, or jalapeños to bring a zesty kick that elevates the entire dish's flavor complexity.

How to Serve Cucumber Shrimp Salad

• Summer Picnic Plate: Transform this refreshing salad into a stunning picnic centerpiece by serving it on a crisp white platter with fresh herbs sprinkled on top.
• Mediterranean Wrap Companion: Tuck the cucumber shrimp salad into soft tortillas or lettuce wraps for a light lunch option that's perfect for warm days.
• Elegant Appetizer Presentation: Serve small portions in cocktail glasses or mini mason jars for an impressive party starter that looks as delightful as it tastes.
• Protein-Packed Bed of Greens: Create a nutrient-dense meal by placing the salad over mixed greens or baby spinach, adding extra crunch and nutrition to your plate.

Storing Cucumber Shrimp Salad Properly

• Fridge-Fresh Strategy: Store this cucumber shrimp salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to maintain crisp cucumber texture.
• Advance Prep Magic: Chop cucumbers and cook shrimp one day ahead. Store components separately in sealed containers to keep ingredients fresh and prevent soggy textures.
• Quick Lunch Solution: Pack this salad in individual containers for grab-and-go work or picnic meals. The protein-packed dish provides a refreshing midday energy boost.
• Flavor Enhancement Trick: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to allow ingredients to meld and develop deeper, more complex taste profiles.

Cool Cucumber Shrimp Salad

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Cool cucumber shrimp salad brings Mediterranean coastal flavors to dinner tables worldwide. Crisp ingredients blend seamlessly, offering you a refreshing and light summer meal with zesty undertones.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 English cucumber, small diced
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• ⅓ cup (79 ml) mayonnaise
• ⅓ cup (79 ml) sour cream
• 1 large lime, zested and juiced
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ¼ tsp (1.25 ml) kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Dressing Preparation: Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice, dill, Dijon mustard, garlic, and kosher salt in a small container until smooth and fully blended.
2. Shrimp Cooking: Boil water and cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes until turning bright pink, then immediately transfer to an ice water bath using a slotted spoon to stop cooking and cool rapidly.
3. Salad Assembly: Drain shrimp completely, chop into bite-sized pieces, and combine with cucumber chunks and green onion slices in a large mixing bowl.
4. Dressing Integration: Pour prepared lime-infused dressing over the salad ingredients, gently tossing to ensure even coating and thorough flavor distribution.
5. Chilling and Serving: Refrigerate the salad for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then serve cold as a refreshing and light seafood appetizer or side dish.

Notes

• Chill Shrimp Quickly: Immediately transfer cooked shrimp to ice water bath to prevent overcooking and maintain tender, succulent texture.
• Customize Dressing Consistency: Adjust mayonnaise and sour cream ratio for lighter or richer dressing based on personal preference.
• Prep Ahead Smartly: Can prepare dressing and cook shrimp up to one day in advance, storing separately in refrigerator for convenient assembly.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Allow salad to rest in refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving to let ingredients marinate and develop more robust taste profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg