Cold shrimp salad is a cool, creamy mix of plump cajun shrimp, fresh veggies, and herbed cream sauce. It's a flavorful, refreshing departure from traditional salads and the perfect dish for summer picnics or a quick lunch.
For more delicious salads, try my Grinder Salad, Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad, and Tuna Pasta Salad next!
The Best Cold Shrimp Salad Recipe
When it comes to cold shrimp salad recipes, this one is the best! My grandmother and mom used to whip this up all the time. It’s one of those dishes that will have you scraping the bowl down to the last drop!
I added my own fresh twist to old fashioned shrimp salad by simmering the shrimp in Old Bay, butter, and lemon juice, adding fresh veggies, and tossing it in a herbed cream sauce.
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Why You'll Love This Cold Shrimp Salad Recipe
- Perfect Party Food. It is the perfect dish for a party, potluck, or social gathering because crowds love it and it's not too much work for the host.
- Quick & Easy Prep. Whip it up in just 15 minutes for an easy meal.
- Super Flavorful. Each bite of this salad is cool, creamy, and zesty with a hint of spice. The freshly chopped vegetables add a delightful crunch too.
Ingredients
This easy shrimp salad has three elements: cajun lemon butter shrimp, chopped veggies for added texture, and a creamy dressing to toss it in.
Cajun Better Lemon Shrimp
- Raw Shrimp. If you are using frozen shrimp, completely thaw them out before seasoning and cooking. Devein and remove the shells too.
- Butter. Shrimp and butter go hand in hand.
- Lemon. The citrus tastes pairs perfectly with seafood.
- Old Bay Seasoning. For a paprika-forward cajun flavor.
Additional Ingredients
Roughly chop the following veggies:
- Celery
- Red Onion
- Red Pepper
- Cucumber
Herb Cream Dressing for Cold Shrimp Salad
- Mayo. This is the creamy base of the dressing.
- Dill & Parsley. For fresh, herby flavor.
- Ranch Seasoning. This adds a depth of flavor.
- Old Bay Seasoning. This provides a deep spiced flavor.
- Lemon Juice. For a bright touch of acidity. This makes the flavors pop.
How to Make Cold Shrimp Salad
Prepare the shrimp and as it cooks, chop the vegetables. Once the dressing is made, toss all the ingredients together for a deliciously mouthwatering shrimp salad.
Cook Shrimp
In a large skillet on medium to high heat, add butter and allow to melt. Then add shrimp and begin to sauté.
Next, add Old Bay seasoning and lemon juice and continue to sauté until the shrimp are cooked through.
Chop Veggies
Roughly chop (small dice) celery, red onion, red pepper, cucumber and dill and set aside until assembly. Chop dill and parsley and set aside.
Prepare Herbed Cream Dressing
In a small bowl, combine mayo, dry ranch seasoning, Old Bay, lemon juice, and fresh herbs (dill and parsley). Whisk until thoroughly combined and set aside until assembly.
Assemble Cold Shrimp Salad
Then in a medium-sized bowl, combine cajun buttered shrimp, chopped veggies, and 1-2 tablespoons of salad dressing. Finally, stir and add more dressing as needed.
How to Serve Cold Shrimp Salad
As tempting as it is to devour this straight out of the bowl, there are many ways to serve this dish.
- Sandwich. Place it between two toasted slices of sourdough bread.
- Pasta. Toss this salad with your favorite pasta for a filling meal. A cold noodle shrimp salad would taste amazing. It would also be tasty as a macaroni salad.
- Cold Shrimp Salad with Lettuce. Place scoops on crispy heads of lettuce for a quick and healthy lunch.
- Dip. Scoop it up with celery sticks, carrots, crackers, flatbread, or pita chips.
Recipe Substitutions & Variations
- Spicy. Add cayenne pepper or jalapeno peppers.
- Boiled Eggs. Chop up hard-boiled eggs.
- More Seafood. Add lump crab or cooked scallops.
- Salty and Savory. Add bacon bits.
- Cold Shrimp Salad Recipes without Mayo. To make this without mayonnaise, use sour cream, plain Greek yogurt, or olive oil as an emulsifier.
Tips and Tricks
- Use medium to large-sized shrimp that are raw.
- Do not overcook shrimp. Cook for 3-5 minutes constantly flipping.
- Serve shrimp salad cold.
- Use any veggies on hand, any will work!
- Reserve extra veggies and herbs to use for garnish.
- Don't have dry ranch seasoning? Use this homemade recipe by Becky!
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
FAQ
Can I make cold shrimp salad in advance?
Absolutely! Precook the shrimp, chopped vegetables, and dressing up to 24 hours in advance and assemble just before serving. Alternatively, make it up to one day ahead and allow the flavors to meld in the fridge.
What do you serve with shrimp salad?
Let shrimp salad be the star of the show. Serve it with a neutral tasting side like lettuce, pasta, or chopped veggies.
How many days can you keep shrimp salad in the refrigerator?
Keep the salad for up to 48 hours.
I HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS COLD SHRIMP SALAD RECIPE!
If you try this recipe, I'd love to see it! Share it with me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.
Cold Shrimp Salad
Ingredients
Cajun Better Lemon Shrimp
- 1.5-2 lbs Raw Shrimp
- 2 tablespoon Butter
- ½ Lemon
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
Additional Ingredients
- 1 cup Celery roughly chopped
- ½ cup Red Onion roughly chopped
- ½ cup Red Pepper roughly chopped
- 1 cup Cucumber roughly chopped
Herb Cream Dressing
- 3 tablespoon Mayo
- 1 teaspoon Dill
- 1 teaspoon Parsley
- 1 teaspoon Ranch Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
- ½ Lemon Juice
Instructions
Cajun Butter Lemon Shrimp
- In a large skillet on medium to high heat, add butter and allow to melt.
- Add shrimp and begin to saute'.
- Add Old Bay seasoning and lemon juice and continue to saute' until shrimp are cooked through being careful not to over cook.
- After shrimp has cooled if shrimp needs to be de-shelled, do so then.
- Once shrimp are cooked through, set aside and allow to cool while prepping veggies and dressing.
Additional Ingredients
- Roughly chop (small dice) celery, red onion, red pepper, cucumber and dill. Set aside until assembly.
- Chop dill and parsley and set aside.
Herb Cream Dressing
- In a small bowl, combine mayo, dry ranch seasoning, Old Bay, lemon juice and fresh herbs (dill and parsley). Whisk until combined and set aside until assembly.
Cold Cajun Shrimp Salad Assembly
- In a medium sized bowl, combine cajun buttered shrimp, chopped veggies and 1-2 tablespoons of salad dressing. Begin to stir and add more dressing as needed.
- Top with any leftover veggies or fresh herbs and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and enjoy!
Eileen Gray says
This looks delicious. Sauteing the shrimp in Old Bay should infuse so much more flavor than steaming. Can't wait to try it.
Carita says
Yes! It's so refreshing and delicious!