If you love a dish that feels both refreshing and indulgently creamy, this Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe is going to be your new go-to favorite. It perfectly balances tender, juicy shrimp with crisp cucumber and vibrant herbs, all enveloped in a luscious, tangy dressing that sings with lemon and garlic notes. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a satisfying summer side, or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this salad delivers vibrant flavors and textures that brighten any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, fresh ingredients is key to creating a Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe that bursts with flavor and texture in every bite. Each element plays an important part, from the crunchy celery and cucumber to the perfectly seasoned seafood and creamy dressing that ties it all together.
- Cooked shrimp: Use peeled and deveined shrimp for the easiest preparation and perfect bite-sized pieces.
- English cucumber: Adds a crisp, hydrating crunch that lightens the salad beautifully.
- Red onion: Finely diced, it contributes a gentle sharpness without overpowering the dish.
- Fresh dill: Offers a fragrant herbal note that complements seafood wonderfully.
- Fresh parsley: Provides bright, slightly peppery freshness to balance the creaminess.
- Mayonnaise: Forms the rich and smooth base of the dressing that holds everything together.
- Greek yogurt: Adds tang and creaminess while keeping the dressing light and healthy.
- Lemon juice: Brings a zesty brightness that lifts the flavors.
- Garlic powder: Infuses subtle savory depth without overpowering the delicate shrimp.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors perfectly.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild kick to round out the taste.
- Celery: Diced for additional crunch and a fresh undertone.
- Paprika (optional): Sprinkled on top as a lovely visual and smoky garnish.
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep the shrimp and vegetables
Start by chopping the cooked shrimp into bite-sized pieces, making them easy to eat and distribute throughout the salad. Slice the English cucumber into thin half-moons for that crisp texture, and finely dice the red onion and celery to add layers of flavor and crunch. Combine all these in a large mixing bowl so everything is ready for the dressing.
Step 2: Whisk the creamy dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, freshly squeezed lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and chopped fresh dill and parsley. This mixture forms the golden glue of the Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe, balancing tangy, herby, and savory notes with a velvety texture that will coat every ingredient deliciously.
Step 3: Toss and chill
Pour the dressing over the shrimp and vegetable mixture, then gently fold everything together to ensure equal coating without smashing the tender shrimp or bruising the cucumber. For best flavor results, chill the salad in the fridge for at least 20 minutes — this step lets the flavors marry beautifully and the salad become refreshingly cool.
Step 4: Garnish and serve
Just before serving, sprinkle a pinch of paprika over the top if you want a splash of color and a subtle smoky hint. This final touch enhances both the visual appeal and the complexity of the Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe.
How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like dill or parsley sprigs add the perfect flourish of green, keeping the salad vibrant and inviting. A wedge of lemon on the side also encourages a burst of extra citrus if desired, bringing a fresh zing with each bite.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with toasted artisan bread, crunchy crackers, or a bed of leafy greens for a light yet satisfying meal. It also complements grilled dishes like kebabs or chicken perfectly, offering a cool contrast to smoky, hot flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe inside crisp lettuce cups for a fun handheld option, or stuff it into pita pockets for a portable lunch. Alternatively, use it as a topping for avocado halves to impress at brunch or casual gatherings with a stunning presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Keep it chilled to maintain that fresh crunch and creamy texture—just give it a gentle stir before serving again.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetables and creamy dressing, freezing this salad is not recommended as it will affect texture and flavor negatively.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary and will compromise the fresh, crisp ingredients that make this dish so special.
FAQs
Can I use raw shrimp in this Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe?
It’s best to use cooked shrimp for safety and texture. Raw shrimp requires proper cooking before adding to the salad to avoid any risk and to keep the perfect tender bite.
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?
If you prefer, sour cream makes a great substitute, delivering a similar tangy creaminess that complements the salad without overpowering it.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients in this Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it ideal for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
Can I make this salad vegan or vegetarian?
Since shrimp is the protein base, this particular recipe isn’t vegetarian or vegan, but you could substitute cooked chickpeas or tofu and keep the creamy dressing for a delicious plant-based twist.
How far in advance can I prepare this salad?
It’s best made the same day you plan to serve it, ideally chilled for 20 to 30 minutes to meld flavors. Preparing more than a day ahead may cause the cucumbers to release excess water and make the salad soggy.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe combines fresh, simple ingredients in a way that feels both indulgent and refreshing, perfect for any season. It’s quick to make yet impressive in taste, so next time you want a dish that’s bursting with brightness and creaminess all at once, give this recipe a try—you won’t regret it!
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Creamy 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 creamy cucumber shrimp salad combining tender cooked shrimp with crisp cucumber, red onion, and celery, all tossed in a tangy mayonnaise and Greek yogurt dressing infused with fresh dill, parsley, and lemon juice. Perfect for a light, satisfying meal or side dish, this no-cook recipe is quick to prepare and ideal for summer.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Vegetables
- 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined, chopped into bite-size pieces
- 1 English cucumber, sliced into thin half-moons
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup celery, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Optional Garnish
- Paprika, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Chop the cooked shrimp into bite-size pieces and place them into a large mixing bowl to serve as the base of the salad.
- Slice the Vegetables: Slice the English cucumber into thin half-moon shapes and finely dice the red onion and celery. Add these freshly chopped vegetables to the bowl with the shrimp.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and chopped dill and parsley until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the shrimp and vegetable mixture, then gently fold everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, sprinkle with paprika if desired for an added touch of color and flavor.
Notes
- Use peeled and deveined shrimp for quicker and easier preparation.
- You can substitute sour cream for Greek yogurt to adjust the creaminess and tang.
- This salad can be served on its own, over a bed of greens, or inside lettuce cups for a lighter, low-carb option.
