If you’ve been searching for a fresh, flavorful, and delightfully satisfying seafood dish, look no further than The Best Shrimp Salad Recipe. This dish is a vibrant celebration of perfectly poached shrimp combined with crisp vegetables, creamy mayonnaise, and zesty lemon juice, all rounded out by fragrant dill. Whether you’re packing a lunch, serving up a light dinner, or impressing guests at a summer gathering, this shrimp salad is sure to become your go-to, bringing bright taste and satisfying texture to every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two main parts placed on a white marbled surface. On the left, there is a clear glass bowl filled with cooked shrimp that are pink and white in color, piled loosely inside. On the right, there is a white pot filled with clear liquid broth that has three lemon slices floating on top, bright yellow in color, along with a few green bay leaves resting on the surface. The broth has some small dark spices scattered inside, giving it texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of The Best Shrimp Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role—some add crunch, others add creaminess or a burst of freshness, and together they create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

1 pound poached shrimp: Tender, juicy shrimp form the star of the dish and provide all the delicious seafood flavor.
1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper: Adds a sweet crunch and a pop of vibrant red color for visual appeal.
1/2 cup finely diced celery: Brings a refreshing, crisp texture that complements the shrimp perfectly.
1/2 cup thinly sliced green onion: Offers a mild oniony bite and a lovely green hue to brighten the salad.
1/2 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base that binds everything together; homemade mayo takes it to the next level.
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Adds brightness and a subtle tang that lightens the salad beautifully.
1/4 cup roughly chopped fresh dill: Infuses the salad with herbal freshness and a hint of anise-like flavor.
1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
4 twists of pepper grinder: Adds a subtle kick and rounded warmth.

How to Make The Best Shrimp Salad Recipe

Step 1: Poach the Shrimp

Start by preparing the shrimp—poaching is key to keeping them tender, juicy, and flavorful. In a large pot, bring 2 quarts of water to a gentle boil and add half a lemon, garlic cloves, a bay leaf, peppercorns, salt, and if you like a little spice, some Cajun seasoning. Add peeled and deveined shrimp, and cook just until pink and opaque—about 2-3 minutes. Drain them and immediately transfer to an ice bath to halt cooking and keep that perfect texture.

Step 2: Prep the Veggies

While your shrimp cool, finely dice the red bell pepper and celery, and thinly slice the green onions. Having these cut evenly ensures every bite gets a balanced crunch and color variety, making the salad as luscious visually as it is in flavor.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise with fresh lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and freshly ground pepper. This simple dressing is bursting with fresh citrus and herbal notes that truly elevate the shrimp and veggies without weighing them down.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Add the chilled shrimp and chopped vegetables to the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything until the ingredients are evenly coated, taking care not to break up the shrimp. The result is a creamy, vibrant shrimp salad with just the right balance of flavors and textures.

How to Serve The Best Shrimp Salad Recipe

A white bowl on the left side holds many small, pink and white shrimp pieces. To the right, a clear glass bowl shows four groups of ingredients placed separately: bright green chopped celery on the top left, pale green diced cucumber below it, red finely chopped bell pepper on the bottom right, and fresh green dill on the top right. Some creamy white dressing with specks of black pepper is in the center of the glass bowl under the dill. Above the bowls, there are two lemon halves with a bright yellow color sitting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding garnishes not only makes your shrimp salad look extra inviting but also adds subtle bursts of flavor and texture. Try topping with a sprinkle of fresh dill sprigs or a few thin lemon slices for freshness and visual flair. A dash of smoked paprika can add a gentle smoky contrast that elevates each bite.

Side Dishes

This salad shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with light, summery sides like toasted baguette slices, crisp green salads, or even a chilled glass of white wine. If you’re serving a heartier meal, complement it with roasted potatoes or grilled asparagus for a well-rounded plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a twist on serving, try spooning the shrimp salad into halved avocado shells or crisp lettuce cups for a fresh handheld treat. You could also transform it into a delicious shrimp salad sandwich with your favorite artisan bread or stuff it into pita pockets with crunchy cucumber.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Best Shrimp Salad Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness, but keep in mind the texture is best when enjoyed as fresh as possible, especially because the vegetables can soften over time.

Freezing

While you can freeze cooked shrimp, freezing the salad itself is not recommended due to the mayonnaise and fresh vegetables, which do not freeze well and tend to separate or become watery upon thawing. For best results, freeze shrimp separately if needed and prepare the salad fresh.

Reheating

This shrimp salad is meant to be served cold. If you have leftover shrimp that was frozen separately, thaw it gently in the refrigerator and use it directly in the salad without reheating to preserve the delicate texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! While freshly poached shrimp offer the best flavor and texture, pre-cooked shrimp can be used in a pinch. Just be sure they are properly thawed and drained before mixing into the salad.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, simply swap the mayonnaise for a dairy-free or vegan mayo alternative. This keeps the creamy texture intact while making the salad suitable for those avoiding dairy.

Can I add other vegetables to the shrimp salad?

Definitely! Cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, or even corn kernels make wonderful additions. Just remember to keep the dice small and consistent for the best presentation and bite.

What’s the best way to serve this shrimp salad at a party?

Serve it chilled in small decorative bowls or stuff it into mini endive leaves for elegant and easy-to-eat appetizers that your guests will love.

How do I make homemade mayonnaise for this recipe?

Making homemade mayo is simpler than you’d think. Whisk together egg yolk, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and slowly drizzle in neutral oil while whisking vigorously until thickened. It adds a fresh, clean flavor that lifts this shrimp salad to new heights.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about The Best Shrimp Salad Recipe that keeps me coming back to it time and time again. Its beautiful balance of creamy, crisp, tangy, and herbal notes makes it a versatile dish that can easily brighten any meal. I’m so excited for you to try it and share it with friends and family because once you do, I’m sure it will become a cherished favorite on your table too!

The Best Shrimp Salad Recipe