If you are looking for a fresh, light, and vibrant dish that perfectly blends cool crunch with tender seafood, this Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful combination of crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, and succulent shrimp, all brought together with a zesty, garlicky dressing that’s easy to whip up. Whether you want a quick lunch, a refreshing dinner, or a show-stopping side, this salad delivers on flavor, texture, and color with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a balance of fresh, creamy, and savory flavors along with inviting textures and a splash of color that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.
- Cooked shrimp: Use chilled, peeled shrimp for a sweet, juicy base that’s full of protein.
- English cucumber: Adds a clean crunch and refreshing coolness to the salad.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved for bursts of juiciness and vibrant red color.
- Diced red onion: Offers a subtle pungency and crunch that elevates the flavor.
- Diced avocado: Brings creaminess and richness, balancing the acidity in the dressing.
- Fresh dill: Provides a herbaceous, slightly citrusy note that brightens the dish.
- Fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, peppery herbal flavor and lovely green flecks.
- Olive oil: The foundation for the dressing, adding smoothness and a fruity depth.
- Fresh lemon juice: Injects zesty brightness and lifts every ingredient.
- Garlic powder: Delivers a mild but essential garlicky warmth without overpowering.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor and balances the acidity.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle spiciness for complexity.
- Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt: For creamy richness and a silky texture in the dressing; Greek yogurt works great for a lighter option.
How to Make Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by chopping or leaving the cooked shrimp whole, depending on your preference. Dice the English cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely dice the red onion, and cube the avocado. Chop the fresh dill and parsley so they’re ready to mix in. Having everything prepped before you assemble will make the process seamless.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Components
In a large bowl, toss together the shrimp, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado, dill, and parsley. The mix of colors and textures at this stage already looks inviting, but the real magic happens once you add the dressing.
Step 3: Whisk the Dressing
In a smaller bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and your choice of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well combined. This creamy, tangy dressing is the heart of the Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe and brings all the fresh ingredients together perfectly.
Step 4: Toss and Adjust
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasonings by adding more lemon juice, salt, or pepper as needed. The salad should feel balanced with bright, fresh, and savory notes.
How to Serve Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra fresh dill or parsley on top makes the salad look restaurant-worthy. You can also add a wedge of lemon on the side for an extra citrus boost. For a bit of crunch, some toasted pine nuts or crumbled feta cheese can be fantastic.
Side Dishes
This salad is wonderfully versatile and goes well alongside grilled bread, steamed rice, or even light pasta. It’s a perfect partner for any summer BBQ or picnic and makes a refreshing contrast to richer mains like grilled chicken or steak.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salad in hollowed cucumber boats or over a bed of mixed greens for a pretty presentation. You can also make scallop-sized portions using lettuce leaves as wraps, turning this salad into an elegant appetizer or finger food for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 1-2 days for the best freshness. The avocado may brown slightly over time, so it’s best to eat it quickly or add the avocado just before serving if you plan to store the salad for later.
Freezing
Since this salad contains fresh vegetables and avocado, freezing is not recommended as it would alter the texture and flavor drastically. Stick to fresh servings for the tastiest experience.
Reheating
This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature. Shrimp can be enjoyed cold, so no reheating is necessary. If you prefer a warmer version, simply let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use raw shrimp in this Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe?
It’s best to use pre-cooked shrimp for convenience and texture. If you have raw shrimp, cook and chill it before adding it to the salad to maintain that perfect bite and freshness.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the dressing?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a fantastic, lighter alternative that adds creaminess without overpowering the flavors. You can also omit both and make a simple vinaigrette with just olive oil and lemon juice if you prefer.
How do I keep the avocado from browning?
Adding avocado just before serving helps reduce browning. You can also toss the avocado gently in a little lemon juice to slow down oxidation and keep it looking fresh longer.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Definitely! Diced celery adds a nice crunch, and crumbled feta provides extra flavor and texture. Feel free to customize the salad to your liking with your favorite fresh vegetables and herbs.
Is this Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe suitable for special diets?
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free and pescatarian-friendly. Using Greek yogurt keeps it lighter while maintaining creaminess, making it suitable for many dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe inspires you to bring a little fresh, joyous flavor to your table. It’s a dish that feels effortlessly elegant but is so easy to make, ready to brighten your meals on sunny days or whenever you crave something light and satisfying. Give it a try—you just might find your new favorite salad!
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Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A refreshing and light Cucumber Shrimp Salad featuring tender cooked shrimp, crisp English cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, and fresh herbs all tossed in a lemony olive oil dressing with a hint of garlic and creaminess from mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. Perfect as a quick, no-cook summer salad packed with flavor and healthy ingredients.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- Cooked shrimp, chopped or left whole – 12 oz
- English cucumber, diced – 1 medium
- Cherry tomatoes, halved – 1 cup
- Red onion, diced – 1/4 cup
- Avocado, diced – 1 medium
- Fresh dill, chopped – 2 tbsp
- Fresh parsley, chopped – 2 tbsp
Dressing Ingredients
- Olive oil – 3 tbsp
- Fresh lemon juice – 2 tbsp
- Garlic powder – 1/2 tsp
- Salt – 1/2 tsp (adjust to taste)
- Black pepper – 1/4 tsp (freshly ground)
- Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt – 2 tbsp
Instructions
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cooked shrimp, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, diced avocado, chopped dill, and parsley. Gently toss to mix the ingredients evenly without mashing the avocado.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and mayonnaise or Greek yogurt until smooth and emulsified.
- Toss the salad: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Gently toss everything together to coat all the ingredients with the dressing, taking care not to break up the avocado too much.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed by adding more lemon juice, salt, or pepper. Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use chilled cooked shrimp for the best texture and flavor contrast.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing option.
- For extra crunch and flavor, add crumbled feta cheese or diced celery.
