Shrimp Salad

This shrimp salad is one you're gonna want to enjoy when the weather is warm, the sun is shining, and all you have to do is kick your feet up. Chilled, perfectly-cooked shrimp are tossed with crunchy celery and savory red onion, then coated in a creamy, bright dressing with a surprise zing from a much beloved seasoning blend.

Let's get started!

Jump to:

• Pull Up A Chair And Let's Chat!
• What You'll Need
• An Homage to Old Bay
• How To Cook The Perfect Shrimp
• Storage Instructions
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Recipe
• Other Delicious Shrimp Recipes

And, if you're here looking for other quick and easy salad recipes, you've come to the right place!

Try my Grilled Shrimp Salad, Greek Salmon Salad, or my Thai Beef Salad! They're all simple and oh-so-good!

Pull Up A Chair And Let's Chat!

Summer is upon us and I am fired up! The weather is improving, the sun is shining, and we need salads just like this shrimp salad. It comes together quickly, is light and full of flavor, and everyone will love it.

I serve this for an easy lunch, a perfect snack by the pool, and even as an appetizer when we have friends over. It's extremely versatile and so easy to enjoy.

Shrimp salad will be your new fave when you need a big ole bowl of deliciousness in no time!

What You'll Need

The ingredient list is short and sweet. Just some shrimp and a few basics that I'm sure you have in the kitchen right now.

Shrimp - For ya know, the shrimp salad. Scroll down and I'll tell you exactly how to make them perfect.

Red Onion and Celery - For flavor and for wonderful crunch. You can't make a salad like this without crunch. I won't allow it.

Mayonnaise, Lemon, Whole Grain Mustard, Dill Relish - The main base for the incredible sauce. I could mix this stuff together and eat it on a saltine cracker and be in heaven.

Old Bay - If you don't own any, you must buy some. It's an incredible flavor enhancing seasoning blend. Keep reading and I'll tell you just why I love it so much.

An Homage to Old Bay

Old Bay is arguably one of my top two favorite seasoning blends. Ever. It's super savory and slightly spicy. It's got some paprika, celery seed, black pepper, and bay and I just think it's the bee's knees.

Most people think of shrimp or crab boils and use it there. And, don't get me wrong, those are delicious, amazing options. But, Old Bay is so much more.

You can season any seafood or chicken with it. It's great on grilled veggies, added into dips and sauces, and it's even fantastic sprinkled over simple buttered popcorn. You read that right. You've gotta try it. I also love it on burgers and even grilled steak.

I use it in my Southern Chicken Salad recipe and my Sheet Pan Shrimp Boil, but keep it handy to sprinkle on my scrambled eggs in the morning.

I just really love it and I hope you will, too!

How To Cook The Perfect Shrimp

We need some good shrimp for our salad so, let's talk about what kind of shrimp you should buy. I have opinions. Of course, I do.

Frozen Shrimp Vs. Fresh Shrimp

In most instances, you are better off buying frozen shrimp. Unless you live close to the coast, the shrimp you are buying will be already flash frozen on the boat. Even the stuff at the seafood counter that's not currently frozen, probably was previously.

I suggest buying frozen because it's not been thawed out for an undetermined amount of time. It also gives more flexibility of when you can use it. And, because it's so easy to thaw, just buy them frozen. It's just a better option.

Peeled Vs. Shell-On

I prefer buying an EZ peel, tail-on shrimp. The shell protects the shrimp from freezer burn and by cooking the shrimp with the shell on, it helps add flavor to the cooking water.

Onto The Cooking: Double, Double Toil and Trouble

Now that we've got that out of the way, onto the cooking of the shrimps for our shrimp salad! And, they're so easy, too!

All you need to do is bring a large pot of water to a boil. Salt that water like the ocean, honey. Make sure you use plenty. This will make the difference between a meh shrimp and a perfectly seasoned one.

Carefully add the thawed shrimp to the boiling water. The part is key. Do not overcook them. Shrimp only take a few minutes, depending on their size.

In general:

• Small shrimp: Cook for 2 minutes. 
• Medium shrimp: Cook for 3 minutes. 
• Large shrimp: Cook for 4-5 minutes. 

Once they turn pink and curl, they are done. They need to be opaque and firm.

After the shrimp are done, immediately place them in an ice bath to halt any further cooking. Now, you have perfectly cooked shrimp ready for this amazing shrimp salad!

Storage Instructions

Shrimp salad will stay good in the fridge 1-2 days max. This recipe is definitely one I think does better pretty quick after it's made. It's so good, though, it never lasts long at all!

Don't freeze it. I beg you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recipe

If you guys make this Shrimp Salad, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a star rating in the recipe card! I absolutely love to hear from you all and always do my best to respond to each and every one of your comments! And, as always, be kind. I’m only human.

Thank you!

I am so incredibly happy that you are here! I hope you try my Shrimp Salad recipe and fall in love with it. If you make this recipe, please share and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, or YouTube! And, please leave a comment or star rating in the recipe card above. I absolutely love seeing each and every one of your kitchen masterpieces. It makes my heart so happy! And, as always, if you ever have any questions about any of my recipes, please don't hesitate to contact me!

Rufus for Real is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. I may earn a commission, with no additional cost to you, if you purchase through those links. 

Other Delicious Shrimp Recipes