Creamy Shrimp Salad with Dill and Lemon Recipe
A quick and refreshing shrimp salad perfect for a light lunch or appetizer, combining tender poached shrimp with a creamy mayonnaise dressing enhanced with fresh dill and lemon juice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Shrimp Salad
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 ribs celery, finely diced
- 2 tablespoons red onion, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1½ tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon parsley or capers (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare poaching liquid: Fill a medium saucepan with water, add a pinch of salt and optional aromatics such as lemon slices or bay leaf, then bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Poach shrimp: Add the raw shrimp to the simmering water and poach for 2–3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque, indicating they are cooked through.
- Chill shrimp: Immediately transfer the cooked shrimp to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process and chill for 5–7 minutes. Drain and pat dry. Chop into bite-sized pieces if necessary.
- Make dressing: In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard (if using), chopped dill, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired for balance.
- Combine ingredients: Add the chilled shrimp, diced celery, and minced red onion to the dressing. Gently stir to combine all ingredients evenly without breaking up the shrimp.
- Chill before serving: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and serve chilled.
Notes
- Poaching the shrimp gently prevents them from becoming tough and preserves their delicate flavor.
- For added zest and texture, include optional parsley or capers.
- The salad can be served on its own, on a bed of greens, or in a sandwich.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice or mustard to suit your taste preferences.
- Make sure to chill the salad adequately to enhance flavor melding.
