Why You’ll Love This Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe
This Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad isn’t just another salad; it’s a culinary hug that comes together in minutes. You will adore this recipe for so many reasons, making it an instant favorite for your weekly meal rotation. First, it’s incredibly quick to prepare.
If you use pre-cooked shrimp, you can have this delightful cucumber shrimp salad on the table in under 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or a last-minute lunch. Moreover, it offers a fantastic balance of flavors and textures. The crisp, cool cucumber provides a wonderful counterpoint to the tender, savory shrimp. A creamy, tangy dressing binds it all together, making every bite a delight.
This light shrimp salad is also remarkably healthy. It’s packed with lean protein from the shrimp and hydrating, nutrient-rich cucumber. You can easily adjust the dressing to fit your dietary preferences, making it a versatile choice for anyone seeking a wholesome meal.
For those hot summer days, this refreshing shrimp salad is an absolute lifesaver. It cools you down and satisfies your hunger without weighing you down. The bright, zesty notes of lemon and fresh dill elevate the entire dish, transforming simple ingredients into something truly special.
Whether you are looking for an easy lunch, a light dinner, or a sophisticated appetizer, this Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad always delivers a delicious experience. It truly embodies approachable cooking with impressive results.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this delightful Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad requires a selection of vibrant, fresh ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the incredible flavors and textures of this dish. Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
* 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed
* 2 large English cucumbers, about 1.5 pounds total
* 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
* 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
* 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from 1-2 lemons)
* 1/2 cup good quality mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
* 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing this Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad is wonderfully straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect, flavorful dish every time.
1. Prepare the Shrimp: If your shrimp are not already cooked, boil or steam them until pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Drain immediately and plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking process and maintain tenderness.
Once cooled, pat them dry and chop them into bite-sized pieces, roughly 1/2 to 3/4 inch chunks. Place the chopped shrimp in a large mixing bowl.
2. Prepare the Cucumbers: Wash your English cucumbers thoroughly. You do not need to peel them.
Slice the cucumbers in half lengthwise, then use a spoon to gently scoop out the watery seeds if they seem excessive. This step helps prevent the salad from becoming too watery. Dice the cucumbers into similar bite-sized pieces as your shrimp and add them to the bowl with the shrimp.
3. Dice the Red Onion and Chop Dill: Finely dice the red onion. You want small pieces that distribute flavor without overpowering the dish.
Add the diced red onion to the bowl. Chop the fresh dill, making sure it’s finely minced to release its aromatic oils. Add the dill to the bowl.
4. Whisk the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, and olive oil. Whisk these ingredients together until thoroughly combined and smooth.
Season the dressing with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed; you want a bright, tangy, and well-balanced flavor that complements the cucumber shrimp salad.
5. Combine and Mix: Pour the prepared dressing over the shrimp, cucumber, red onion, and dill mixture in the large bowl. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently fold all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the shrimp or cucumbers.
6. Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and ensures the salad is delightfully cool and refreshing.
Before serving, give it a quick stir and taste again, adjusting salt and pepper if necessary. Serve your irresistible Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad as desired!
Pro Tips for Success
To truly elevate your Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad from good to absolutely outstanding, keep these professional tips in mind. They make a real difference in the final taste and texture.
* Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for any shrimp recipe. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery and tough. If starting with raw shrimp, cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
As mentioned, an ice bath immediately after cooking stops the process and ensures tender, succulent shrimp for your Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad.
* Pat the Shrimp Dry: After cooking and chilling, ensure your shrimp are thoroughly patted dry before adding them to the salad. Excess moisture can dilute the dressing and make your shrimp salad watery.
* Seed the Cucumbers: English cucumbers generally have fewer seeds, but for the crispiest, least watery cucumber shrimp salad, take the extra minute to scoop out the seedy core. This simple step prevents your salad from becoming soggy later on.
* Finely Dice the Red Onion: Red onion adds a fantastic bite and flavor, but you don’t want large chunks overwhelming the delicate taste of the shrimp and cucumber.
Finely dicing ensures even distribution of flavor without any harshness. If you find raw red onion too strong, you can soak the diced onion in cold water for 10-15 minutes, then drain and pat dry, before adding it to the Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad.
* Fresh Ingredients Matter: This Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad shines brightest when using the freshest ingredients.
Fresh dill is irreplaceable for its vibrant flavor. Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the entire dish in a way bottled juice cannot.
* Chill Time is Key: While you can eat this salad immediately, allowing it to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or even an hour, lets the flavors meld beautifully.
The dressing has time to infuse into the shrimp and cucumber, creating a more harmonious and delicious Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad.
* Taste and Adjust: Always taste your salad before serving. Adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Sometimes a little extra zest or seasoning is all it takes to make the flavors truly pop.
To truly elevate your Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad from good to absolutely outstanding, keep these professional tips in mind. For more delicious salad inspiration, consider trying our Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Proper storage ensures your Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad remains delicious and safe to eat. Since this is a cold salad, reheating isn’t typically necessary or recommended.
Storage:
* Refrigeration: Store any leftover Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This is crucial for maintaining freshness and preventing spoilage.
* Duration: When stored properly, this cucumber shrimp salad will remain fresh and enjoyable for up to 2-3 days.
After this period, the cucumber may start to release more water, and the texture will begin to decline. The flavors might also dull.
* Best Eaten Fresh: While it keeps for a few days, the Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad is definitely at its peak flavor and texture on the day it’s made or the day after. The cucumbers are crispest, and the dressing is perfectly vibrant.
Reheating:
* Not Recommended: This Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad is designed to be served chilled. Reheating it would compromise the texture of both the shrimp and the cucumber, making the shrimp rubbery and the cucumber mushy.
* Serving Temperature: Always serve this shrimp salad straight from the refrigerator, ensuring it is delightfully cool and refreshing.
Tips for Meal Prep:
If you plan to meal prep this Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad, consider keeping the dressing separate until just before serving if you’re making a batch for multiple days. You can chop all the components (shrimp, cucumber, onion, dill) and store them in one container, and keep the dressing in a separate small container. Mix them together for each individual serving to ensure maximum freshness and crunch.
What to Serve With This Recipe
The versatile nature of this Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad makes it an excellent centerpiece or a fantastic accompaniment to a wide variety of dishes. Its light and refreshing profile means it pairs beautifully with many sides without overwhelming the palate.
* Toasted Bread or Crackers: A classic pairing! Serve your Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad with crusty toasted baguette slices, light and airy pita bread, or a selection of your favorite crackers for scooping.
* Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, serve the cucumber shrimp salad in crisp lettuce cups, such as butter lettuce, romaine, or endive.
This creates a refreshing and healthy meal.
* As a Sandwich or Wrap: Spoon the shrimp salad into soft brioche buns, between two slices of whole-grain bread, or wrap it up in a flour tortilla or lavash bread for a satisfying lunch.
* Alongside Grilled Delights: This light shrimp salad makes an exceptional side dish to grilled chicken, fish, or even a simple grilled vegetable skewer.
Its cool tang complements the smokiness of grilled foods beautifully.
* With Other Salads: Create a beautiful spread by serving this Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad alongside a simple green salad with a vinaigrette, or a quinoa salad for added texture and nutrients.
* Baked Potatoes or Sweet Potatoes: A generous scoop of this Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad turns a simple baked potato or sweet potato into a hearty, balanced meal.
* Avocado Halves: For an extra creamy and healthy presentation, serve the cucumber shrimp salad mounded inside avocado halves. This looks elegant and adds wonderful flavor.
* Simple Rice or Couscous: A small serving of plain white rice or fluffy couscous can provide a nice base for the shrimp salad, absorbing the delicious dressing.
The versatile nature of this Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad makes it an excellent centerpiece or a fantastic accompaniment to a wide variety of dishes. For a richer dish to complement your meal, try the Lobster Crab Shrimp Mac And Cheese.
FAQs
Can I make the Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making this Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad about 30 minutes to an hour ahead and letting it chill in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld beautifully. You can prepare it up to a day in advance for best results, though beyond that, the cucumber might start to release more water and lose some of its crispness. If making it further in advance, consider keeping the dressing separate and mixing it in just before serving.
What type of shrimp works best for this Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad?
Medium to large shrimp (31/40 count or 26/30 count) work wonderfully for this Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad. You can use fresh or frozen, cooked or raw. If using raw shrimp, simply cook them according to package instructions or by boiling/steaming until pink and opaque.
Ensure they are peeled, deveined, and tails removed. For convenience, pre-cooked shrimp are a fantastic time-saver for this shrimp salad.
How can I make this Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad spicier?
Adding a kick to your Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad is easy! You can stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of your favorite hot sauce, or even a finely minced jalapeño (remove seeds for less heat) to the dressing. A small amount of cayenne pepper also works well to introduce a subtle warmth without altering the flavor profile too much.
Is this Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad is an excellent choice for meal prep! As mentioned, it holds well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. For optimal freshness, especially if prepping for longer, you can chop all the ingredients and store them separately from the dressing. Then, combine them just before you are ready to eat, ensuring the cucumber stays crisp and the flavors remain vibrant in your cucumber shrimp salad.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh in this Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad?
While fresh dill provides the most vibrant and aromatic flavor for this Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad, you can use dried dill as a substitute in a pinch. Remember that dried herbs are more concentrated than fresh ones. Use about one-third of the amount of fresh dill called for (so about 1.5 teaspoons of dried dill instead of 1/4 cup fresh). However, for the best possible flavor in your shrimp salad, I strongly recommend opting for fresh dill.
Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad combines the crispness of cucumbers with the savory flavor of shrimp, creating a dish that’s both refreshing and satisfying. It highlights the beauty of using fresh, seasonal ingredients in culinary creations, making it a perfect choice for summer meals. Learn more about this delightful dish in this salad overview.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
This Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad offers a fantastic balance of protein, healthy fats, and refreshing vegetables. Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Fat | 25 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3.5 g |
| Cholesterol | 190 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 7 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugars | 3 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
*Please note: These are approximate values and can vary based on specific ingredient brands, exact measurements, and preparation methods. This information is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical or nutritional advice.*
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Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad is a delightful combination of plump shrimp, crisp English cucumbers, and fresh dill, all brought together with a creamy lemon-dill dressing. It’s quick to prepare, light yet satisfying, and bursting with vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
1 pound Cooked Shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed
2 large English Cucumbers, about 1.5 pounds total
1/4 cup Finely Diced Red Onio
1/4 cup Fresh Dill, chopped
1/4 cup Fresh Lemon Juice (from 1–2 lemons)
1/2 cup Good Quality Mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Olive Oil
1/2 teaspoon Sea Salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper, or to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp by boiling or steaming until pink and opaque, then cool in an ice bath and chop into bite-sized pieces
- Wash and slice the cucumbers, scoop out excessive seeds, then dice into bite-sized pieces
- Finely dice the red onion and chop the fresh dill, adding both to a large mixing bowl
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper to create the dressing
- Pour the dressing over the shrimp, cucumber, onion, and dill mixture, gently folding everything together until coated
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving
Notes
Using pre-cooked shrimp can save time in preparing this dish.
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving for optimal flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 190 mg