If you’re looking for a refreshing and satisfying dish that perfectly balances delicate seafood and crisp vegetables with a luscious, tangy dressing, this Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s the kind of salad that feels light yet indulgent, where the sweetness of tender shrimp meets the cool crunch of cucumber, all enveloped in a dreamy creamy sauce that sings with hints of lemon and dill. Whether you’re after a quick lunch, a picnic delight, or an elegant appetizer, this salad never fails to impress and refresh your palate with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this salad is wonderfully straightforward thanks to a handful of simple, fresh ingredients — each one playing a crucial role in building the perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
- Large shrimp, 1 lb (450 g): The star protein, peeled and deveined for easy eating and succulent bites.
- Cucumber, 1 large: Thinly sliced for a crisp, hydrating crunch that cools the palate.
- Red onion, 1/2: Adds a subtle sharpness and beautiful color contrast.
- Fresh dill, 1/4 cup: Brings a fragrant herbal brightness that lifts the whole salad.
- Greek yogurt, 1/2 cup: Provides creaminess with a tangy kick and a healthier twist than heavy mayo.
- Mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons: Richness that adds smooth texture to the dressing.
- Lemon juice, 1 tablespoon: A zesty burst that brightens every component.
- Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon: Offers just a touch of piquancy to balance creaminess.
- Garlic, 1 clove minced: Infuses a gentle warmth and depth of flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
- Olive oil, 1 tablespoon: For cooking shrimp and adding a silky mouthfeel.
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook them for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn a lovely shade of pink and become opaque. This quick sear locks in their natural juiciness and flavor. Remove the shrimp from heat and set them aside to cool, so they meld perfectly with the other fresh salad ingredients later on.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This dressing is the magic behind the Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe, delivering creaminess with a bright, tangy zip that will coat every component with deliciousness. Taste and adjust the seasoning to make it just right for your palate.
Step 3: Combine the Fresh Vegetables and Herbs
In a large bowl, toss together the thinly sliced cucumber, red onion, and freshly chopped dill. These crunchy, fresh ingredients form the base layer that adds texture, color, and herbal freshness critical to this dish’s signature appeal.
Step 4: Add the Cooled Shrimp
Once the shrimp have cooled to room temperature, add them on top of the cucumber and onion mixture. Ensuring the shrimp are not hot keeps the crisp veggies nice and fresh without wilting.
Step 5: Toss with the Dressing
Pour the creamy dressing generously over the shrimp and vegetable mixture. Gently toss everything together until every bite is coated in that irresistible creamy blend, marrying the flavors wonderfully.
Step 6: Let the Flavors Meld
Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This chill time allows the ingredients to mingle and develop deeper flavor complexity, making each forkful absolutely delightful.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the salad chilled either as a light meal on its own or a fresh side dish that complements your favorite main course.
How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Add an extra touch of brightness by sprinkling freshly chopped dill or a few lemon zest strips on top just before serving. A few cracked black pepper flakes also elevate the aroma and taste.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with crusty artisan bread, garlic pita chips, or even a bed of leafy greens to turn it into a fuller meal. It’s also an excellent companion to grilled fish or roasted chicken, offering a refreshing contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties or elegant gatherings, spoon the salad into hollowed-out cucumbers, serve it in individual lettuce cups, or present it atop crackers as a delightful canapé. The light creamy texture makes it perfect for creative plating.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 days, making it a great option for quick lunches or snacks.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and is not recommended for freezing. The cucumbers tend to lose their crunch and the creamy dressing may separate upon thawing, impacting texture and flavor.
Reheating
Since this dish is designed to be served cold, reheating isn’t necessary — in fact, warming it will diminish its refreshing nature. Simply give it a gentle stir after taking it out of the fridge and enjoy it chilled.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to get the best texture and prevent extra water from diluting the salad.
Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, sour cream or a full-fat plain yogurt can work, though Greek yogurt provides a thicker texture and tang that perfectly balances the dressing.
How long can I prepare this salad in advance?
Preparing it a few hours ahead works great for flavor melding, but try to serve it within 24 hours to maintain the cucumber’s crispy freshness.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Yes! Diced tomatoes, bell peppers, or even some avocado cubes can add exciting flavors and textures, enhancing the salad’s versatility.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Definitely, especially if you store components separately—keep the dressing and shrimp chilled and toss just before eating for the best freshness.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe enough if you’re craving something that’s both refreshing and satisfying with minimal fuss. It’s an absolute joy to make and brings so much fresh, bright energy to your table, whether it’s a casual lunch or a special occasion. Give it a try—you’ll soon see it becoming one of your go-to recipes for that perfect balance of creamy and crisp!
Print
Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 6m
- Total Time: 0h 51m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A refreshing and creamy cucumber shrimp salad featuring tender pan-cooked shrimp, crisp cucumber, and red onion, tossed in a tangy Greek yogurt and mayonnaise dressing, enhanced with fresh dill and lemon juice. Perfect as a light meal or side dish, this salad combines healthy ingredients with a creamy texture and bright flavors.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Vegetables
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
Dressing
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Cook Shrimp: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat and allow the shrimp to cool.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the thinly sliced cucumber, red onion, and chopped fresh dill.
- Add Shrimp: Add the cooled shrimp to the cucumber and onion mixture.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the creamy dressing over the shrimp and vegetables. Gently toss all ingredients until evenly coated with the dressing.
- Chill Salad: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve chilled as a refreshing light meal or a flavorful side dish.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp are fully cooled before mixing with dressing to prevent yogurt from curdling.
- For extra crunch, you may add chopped celery or radishes.
- This salad can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Adjust lemon juice and dill quantities to taste for preferred tartness and herbaceousness.
- For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt.
