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!
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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!
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!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dried dill weed instead of fresh dill?
Absolutely! Just cut back the amount as dried herbs can be stronger than their fresh counterparts. I would start at 1 tablespoon of dried dill weed and go from there.
How do you serve with shrimp salad?
Let me count they ways.
I like it:
-Dolloped on saltine crackers and crunchy crostini.
-Loaded onto halved croissants.
-Scooped into lettuce leaves or on top of a big salad.
-Spooned into tomato halves.
-Loaded onto a spoon straight from the bowl into your mouth. I love this one. It's a crowd favorite
Is this shrimp salad recipe gluten and/or dairy free?
Both! Absolutely no issue with either dietary need here!
Shrimp Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs raw shrimp thawed
- 2-3 tablespoon red onion finely diced
- 1 rib celery finely diced
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon fresh dill minced
- 2 tablespoon dill relish
- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
- 2 teaspoon Old Bay
- juice and zest of 1 lemon
- fresh ground pepper to taste
Instructions
Prep The Shrimp
- Add thawed shrimp to a large pot of salted boiling water, cooking until just done.
- Add cooked shrimp to an ice bath. When chilled, remove any shells and cut into bite-size pieces.
Make The Sauce and Finish
- Combine the remaining ingredients together in mixing bowl.
- Add the shrimp pieces to the sauce and gently combine. Taste for salt and pepper. Add any if you like.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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.
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 TikTok! I love seeing all of your masterpieces!
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.
Happy Cooking!
-Rufus
Other Delicious Salad Recipes
Dill Pickle Pasta Salad - My favorite pasta salad. Ever. It's such a fun spin on a classic pasta salad. It's light and a little creamy. Perfectly crunchy and there's bacon.
Tuna Salad - My take on a classic tuna salad! It's so good! Put it on a cracker or in between two slices of bread, it's just fantastic!
Terri M says
This was so good! I’ve never made shrimp salad before but we will be doing it again very soon. Love the old bay and that flavor! Thank you!
Ashley B says
Excellent shrimp salad! Sooo good!
Rufus says
Thank you so much!