Creamy Shrimp Salad
A creamy shrimp salad is a light, refreshing, and protein-rich dish made with tender cooked shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing. It’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, lettuce cups, crackers, or served over fresh greens.
⏱️ Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3–5 minutes (if cooking raw shrimp)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1 lb (450 g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh chives (optional)
- ½ cup diced cucumber (optional)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Creamy Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
- Diced avocado
- Chopped hard-boiled eggs
- Sweet relish
- Diced red onion
- Fresh tarragon
- Crumbled bacon
- Capers
- Cherry tomatoes
Optional Crunchy Toppings
- Crushed buttery crackers
- Crispy fried onions
- Sunflower seeds
- Pumpkin seeds
Nut Information
This recipe contains NO nuts by default.
Nut-Free Ingredients
- Shrimp
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Greek yogurt
- Celery
- Herbs
- Lemon
- Mustard
- Seasonings
Always Check Labels On
- Mayonnaise
- Worcestershire sauce
- Mustard
- Spice blends
Some brands may be produced in facilities that also process tree nuts or peanuts.
Instructions
Step 1
If using raw shrimp, bring salted water to a gentle boil.
Step 2
Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes until pink and opaque.
Step 3
Transfer immediately to ice water to stop cooking.
Step 4
Drain well and pat completely dry.
Step 5
Cut large shrimp into bite-sized pieces.
Step 6
In a large bowl combine:
- Shrimp
- Celery
- Green onions
- Dill
- Parsley
- Cucumber (if using)
Step 7
In another bowl whisk together:
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Dijon mustard
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Worcestershire sauce
- Salt
- Pepper
Step 8
Pour dressing over shrimp mixture.
Step 9
Fold gently until evenly coated.
Step 10
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Step 11
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Serving Ideas
- Croissants
- Sandwich bread
- Lettuce wraps
- Tortilla wraps
- Crackers
- Toasted bagels
- Over mixed greens
- Stuffed avocados
- Cucumber boats
Storage
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Do not freeze, as the creamy dressing may separate and the shrimp texture can become rubbery.
Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 290
- Protein: 26 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
Values are approximate.
Tips for Success
- Use well-drained, dry shrimp to prevent a watery salad.
- Chill the salad before serving for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp—they should be just opaque.
- Fresh herbs provide the brightest taste.
- Lemon zest adds extra freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&S)
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw completely, pat dry, and use as directed.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Absolutely. Simply chop and mix into the salad.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if all packaged ingredients (such as Worcestershire sauce and mayonnaise) are certified gluten-free.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Prepare it up to one day in advance and keep refrigerated.
Q: Can I replace mayonnaise?
Yes. Use all Greek yogurt, all sour cream, or your preferred mayo substitute.
Q: How do I make it healthier?
Replace some or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
Q: Can I add fruit?
Yes. Diced grapes, apples, or mango add a sweet contrast.
Q: Is it keto-friendly?
Yes. It is naturally low in carbohydrates.
Q: What goes well with shrimp salad?
Fresh fruit, pasta salad, potato salad, soup, chips, or a green salad pair well.
Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Omit the sour cream or Greek yogurt and use dairy-free mayonnaise.
Q: How do I know when shrimp are cooked?
They turn pink, opaque, and curl into a loose “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp curl tightly into an “O” shape and become chewy.
Enjoy this creamy, refreshing shrimp salad as a quick lunch, light dinner, or make-ahead meal that’s perfect for warm-weather gatherings.
