This refreshing Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe combines succulent shrimp with crisp cucumbers and a luscious homemade dressing that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or looking for a light, protein-packed meal, this salad delivers fresh flavors and satisfying textures in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe is a game-changer for anyone seeking a healthy, delicious meal that comes together in minutes. The combination of tender shrimp and crunchy vegetables creates a perfect balance of textures, while the creamy dressing ties everything together with bright, zesty flavors. It’s naturally low in carbs, high in protein, and packed with fresh ingredients that make it both nutritious and satisfying. The best part? This recipe requires no cooking if you use pre-cooked shrimp, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when you want to keep your kitchen cool during hot summer days.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Salad:
- 1 lb (450g) cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables Start by washing and drying all your fresh ingredients. Using a sharp knife or mandoline slicer, cut the cucumbers into thin, even slices. Halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion. Dice the avocado just before serving to prevent browning. Chop the fresh dill and parsley, setting them aside for later use.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp If using frozen cooked shrimp, thaw them completely and pat dry with paper towels. If your shrimp are large, you may want to cut them into bite-sized pieces for easier eating. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Dressing In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and honey until smooth and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. The dressing should be creamy but pourable – if it’s too thick, add a little more lemon juice or a tablespoon of water.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad In a large serving bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion. Add the prepared shrimp and gently fold in the diced avocado. Sprinkle the chopped dill and parsley over the top.
Step 5: Dress and Serve Pour the creamy dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together until well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Helpful Tips
Choose Quality Shrimp: Look for shrimp that smell fresh and ocean-like, not fishy. Pre-cooked shrimp from the seafood counter often have better texture than frozen varieties, but both work well for this recipe.
Cucumber Preparation: For the best texture, use a mandoline slicer or sharp knife to create uniform, thin slices. If your cucumbers have large seeds, you can remove them with a small spoon before slicing.
Prevent Watery Salad: Lightly salt the sliced cucumbers and let them sit in a colander for 15 minutes before using. This draws out excess moisture and concentrates the flavor. Pat them dry before adding to the salad.
Fresh Herb Substitutions: If you don’t have fresh dill or parsley, you can substitute with other fresh herbs like chives, basil, or cilantro. Use about half the amount if using dried herbs.
Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare all components separately and store in the refrigerator. Assemble the salad just before serving to maintain the best texture and prevent the vegetables from becoming soggy.
Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4-6 people
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten-free, Low-carb, Keto-friendly
Notes
This Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe is incredibly versatile and can be customized to your preferences. For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise in the dressing. The salad is naturally gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free by using vegan mayonnaise and omitting the sour cream. For extra crunch, consider adding diced celery or bell peppers. The recipe scales beautifully for larger gatherings – simply multiply the ingredients proportionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe? A: Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before using. Frozen cooked shrimp work perfectly for this no-cook salad.
Q: How long does this salad stay fresh? A: The salad is best enjoyed within 24 hours of preparation. The vegetables may release moisture over time, so it’s ideal to eat it the same day you make it.
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time? A: You can prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables up to a day ahead, but wait to add the avocado and assemble the salad until just before serving for the best texture.
Q: What can I substitute for the mayonnaise? A: Greek yogurt, avocado-based mayo, or a combination of both work well. You can also use all sour cream for a tangier flavor profile.
Q: Is this salad keto-friendly? A: Yes! This Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe is naturally low in carbs and high in healthy fats, making it perfect for keto and low-carb diets.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftover Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the vegetables will release moisture over time, so the salad may become slightly watery. Before serving leftovers, drain any excess liquid and give the salad a gentle stir. For best results, store the dressing separately and combine just before eating. The salad is not suitable for freezing due to the high water content in the vegetables.
Conclusion
This Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With its perfect balance of protein, fresh vegetables, and creamy dressing, it’s a complete meal that satisfies both your taste buds and nutritional needs. The combination of textures and flavors makes every bite interesting, while the simple preparation means you can have a restaurant-quality dish ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, elegant appetizer, or refreshing dinner on a warm evening, this salad is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation. The versatility of the recipe allows for endless customization, making it a perfect foundation for using seasonal vegetables and accommodating different dietary preferences.
