This refreshing cucumber shrimp salad is perfect for a light meal! With juicy shrimp, crunchy cucumbers, and a zesty dressing, it’s both tasty and easy to whip up.
It’s great for hot days when you want something cool, and the best part? It’s ready in minutes! I love enjoying it with some crusty bread on the side—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Cooked shrimp is the star of this salad. If you can’t find cooked shrimp, you can buy raw shrimp and boil them for 3-5 minutes until pink. I often use shrimp that’s already peeled for convenience!
Cucumber: A large cucumber adds crunch. If you prefer, you can use English cucumbers, which are less watery. You can also substitute with zucchini for a twist or for those who want fewer calories.
Green Onions: These add a mild onion flavor. If you don’t have green onions, regular onion works too but use less as it’s stronger. Chives can also be a fun substitute for a delicate flavor.
Dill: Fresh dill is perfect in this salad, but if you can’t find it, dried dill can be used—just cut the amount in half since dried herbs are more concentrated. You could also use parsley for a different flavor.
Mayonnaise: Though mayo is traditional, you can swap it for Greek yogurt for a healthier twist. I like to do this sometimes for an extra protein boost!
How Do You Make the Salad Flavorful?
Emphasizing flavor in your shrimp salad is all about balancing the ingredients. When preparing the salad, remember to taste and adjust seasonings as you go. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Use fresh ingredients. Fresh herbs and veggies elevate the flavor immensely.
- Let it chill! Allowing the salad to rest in the fridge for 20 minutes lets the flavors blend beautifully.
- Taste as you mix! Adjust the salt, pepper, or lime juice according to your preference.
Easy Cucumber Shrimp Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and chopped
- 1 large cucumber, peeled and diced
- 3 green onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lime wedges, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and you’ll want to chill it in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes before serving. So, in total, you can have this delicious shrimp salad ready to enjoy in just 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Peel and dice the cucumber, chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces if they aren’t already, slice the green onions, and chop the fresh dill. Having everything prepped makes the next steps easy and quick!
2. Mix the Shrimp and Veggies:
In a large bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, diced cucumber, sliced green onions, and chopped dill. Give it a good mix so all the ingredients are evenly distributed. It’s starting to look great already!
3. Make the Creamy Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and fresh lime juice until smooth. This zesty dressing will bring everything together beautifully!
4. Combine and Season:
Pour the creamy dressing over the shrimp and veggie mixture. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, you can always add more but can’t take it away, so taste as you go!
5. Chill and Serve:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. This lets all those delicious flavors meld together. When ready to serve, spoon the salad into bowls and garnish with lime wedges if you’d like!
Enjoy this delightful cucumber shrimp salad as a light meal or a side dish to elevate any meal! It’s fresh, flavorful, and oh-so-easy to make!
FAQ for Easy Cucumber Shrimp Salad
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen shrimp, be sure to thoroughly thaw and drain them before chopping. You can thaw shrimp quickly by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging in cold water for about 15-20 minutes.
What If I Don’t Like Mayonnaise?
No problem at all! You can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option, or try sour cream for creaminess. Both alternatives will keep the salad creamy without the mayo flavor.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover shrimp salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just give it a good stir before serving again as the ingredients may settle. Enjoy chilled!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative by adding diced bell peppers, avocado, or even corn. Just keep in mind that you might need to adjust the dressing to balance out the flavors.
