Cucumber Shrimp Salad

This Cucumber Shrimp Salad is the perfect dish for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, serving a light lunch, or looking for a refreshing dinner option, this salad delivers. With its combination of succulent shrimp, crunchy cucumbers, and zesty lime dressing, it offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will impress your guests. Enjoying this vibrant salad makes every meal feel special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fresh Ingredients: The combination of fresh cucumber and shrimp creates a crisp and refreshing dish.
• Quick to Prepare: With just 30 minutes total time, you can whip up this salad in no time.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a main dish, side salad, or appetizer at parties.
• Health-Conscious Choice: Packed with protein and low in carbs, this salad fits perfectly into healthy eating plans.
• Customizable Flavor: Feel free to adjust the dressing ingredients to suit your taste!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Cucumber Shrimp Salad, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Colander
• Mixing bowl
• Skimmer
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for boiling the shrimp quickly and efficiently.
• Colander: Perfect for draining excess water from the shrimp after cooking.
• Mixing bowl: A must-have for combining all your fresh ingredients and dressing.
• Skimmer: Helps easily transfer cooked shrimp to the ice water bath without making a mess.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 2 pounds shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 English cucumber (small diced)
• 3 green onions (thinly sliced)

For the Dressing

• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• ⅓ cup sour cream
• 1 large lime (zested and juiced (about 2 teaspoons zest and 2 tablespoons juice))
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Cucumber Shrimp Salad

Step 1: Make the Dressing

To make the dressing:
1. In a mixing bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime zest and juice, dill, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper.
2. Set aside or place in the fridge to chill.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

To cook the shrimp:
1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
2. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn pink and are cooked through.

Step 3: Make an Ice Water Bath

While the shrimp are cooking:
1. Prepare an ice water bath by filling a large bowl with ice and cold water.
2. Once cooked, use a skimmer to remove the shrimp from boiling water and place them directly into the ice water bath.
3. Allow them to cool for about 3 minutes before draining in a colander.
4. Chop the cooled shrimp into bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Stir it All Together

To combine everything:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped shrimp, green onion, diced cucumber, and prepared dressing.
2. Stir gently until all ingredients are well coated in dressing.

Now your delicious Cucumber Shrimp Salad is ready to serve! Enjoy!

How to Serve Cucumber Shrimp Salad

Cucumber shrimp salad is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a casual lunch, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

On a Bed of Greens

• Serve the salad on a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing crunch. This adds texture and enhances the visual appeal.

In Cucumber Boats

• Hollow out cucumbers and fill them with the shrimp salad for a fun, bite-sized treat. This presentation is perfect for parties or light appetizers.

With Crackers

• Pair the salad with your favorite crackers for a delightful snack. The crispy texture complements the creamy shrimp salad perfectly.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Use large lettuce leaves to wrap the cucumber shrimp salad. This low-carb option is both healthy and satisfying.

As a Sandwich Filling

• Spread the salad between slices of bread for a quick and tasty sandwich. It makes for an easy lunch option that’s full of flavor.

With Avocado Slices

• Serve alongside sliced avocado for added creaminess and healthy fats. This combination not only tastes great but also looks beautiful on the plate.

How to Perfect Cucumber Shrimp Salad

Making your cucumber shrimp salad as delicious as possible is simple with a few helpful tips. Here are some suggestions to ensure perfection every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh shrimp and crisp cucumbers to enhance flavor and texture.
• Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This helps meld the flavors together.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, or lime juice according to your preference for the best flavor balance.
• Add Crunch: Consider adding diced bell peppers or celery for extra crunch and color in your salad.
• Experiment with Herbs: Try different herbs like cilantro or parsley if you’re looking to switch up flavors while keeping it fresh.
• Store Properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, but consume within 1-2 days for optimal freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Cucumber Shrimp Salad

Cucumber shrimp salad pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider when planning your meal.

1. Garlic Bread: A crispy, buttery garlic bread adds richness that balances well with the lightness of the salad.
2. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled vegetables provide smoky flavors that enhance the freshness of your main dish.
3. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad is nutritious and adds extra protein while keeping the meal balanced.
4. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings crunch and zest, making it an ideal companion to creamy dishes like this shrimp salad.
5. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad offers sweetness that contrasts nicely with savory shrimp flavors.
6. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges are always a crowd-pleaser, providing heartiness alongside your refreshing shrimp dish.
7. Rice Pilaf: Flavored rice pilaf can soak up any extra dressing from the shrimp salad, making it a satisfying addition.
8. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob adds summer vibes and pairs beautifully with seafood dishes like cucumber shrimp salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a Cucumber Shrimp Salad can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Overcooking the shrimp: Cooking shrimp for too long can make them tough. Keep an eye on them and cook just until they turn pink.
• Not chilling the shrimp: Skipping the ice water bath leads to warm salad. Always cool shrimp quickly to keep your salad refreshing.
• Ignoring seasoning: Forgetting to season your dressing can result in bland flavors. Taste as you go and adjust with salt and pepper.
• Using old ingredients: Freshness matters! Ensure your cucumbers and herbs are fresh for the best taste.
• Skipping the dressing prep: Mixing all dressing ingredients together before adding shrimp and cucumbers enhances flavor. Don’t skip this step!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Cucumber Shrimp Salad will last for up to 2 days in the fridge.

Freezing Cucumber Shrimp Salad

• It is not recommended to freeze this salad because the texture of cucumbers and shrimp may change upon thawing.
• If necessary, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month, understanding it may lose quality.

Reheating Cucumber Shrimp Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm covered for about 10 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short bursts (30 seconds) on low power, stirring between intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: In a pan over low heat, gently warm while stirring. Be careful not to overheat.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cucumber Shrimp Salad?

Cucumber Shrimp Salad is a light dish that combines cooked shrimp with fresh cucumbers and a tangy creamy dressing. It’s perfect for a quick meal or appetizer.

Can I customize my Cucumber Shrimp Salad?

Yes! You can add various ingredients such as diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, or even different herbs like cilantro for added flavor.

How do I make my Cucumber Shrimp Salad more filling?

Consider adding grains such as quinoa or couscous. This will turn your salad into a more substantial meal while still being refreshing.

What should I serve with Cucumber Shrimp Salad?

This salad pairs nicely with crusty bread or on top of greens like spinach or mixed lettuce for extra nutrition.

Final Thoughts

This Cucumber Shrimp Salad is not only delicious but also versatile, making it perfect for any occasion. You can easily customize the recipe with your favorite ingredients. Try it out today and enjoy a refreshing dish that everyone will love!

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Cucumber Shrimp Salad

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Cucumber Shrimp Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that perfectly blends succulent shrimp with crisp cucumbers and a zesty lime dressing. Ideal for summer gatherings, light lunches, or as an elegant appetizer, this salad offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will impress your guests. With its quick preparation time and versatility, you can easily customize the salad to suit your taste. Enjoy it on a bed of greens, in cucumber boats, or even as a sandwich filling for a satisfying meal any time of day.

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

Ingredients

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• 2 pounds shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 English cucumber (small diced)
• 3 green onions (thinly sliced)
• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• ⅓ cup sour cream
• Juice and zest of 1 large lime
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice and zest, dill, mustard, garlic, and salt. Chill the dressing in the refrigerator.
2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until pink; then transfer to an ice water bath to cool.
3. Once cooled, chop shrimp into bite-sized pieces.
4. In a large bowl, combine chopped shrimp, diced cucumber, green onions, and chilled dressing. Mix gently until all ingredients are well coated.

• Author: Diary
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 440mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 220mg