Shrimp Salad Recipe
Tender poached shrimp tossed with crisp celery, red onion, fresh dill, and a bright lemon-Dijon mayonnaise dressing for a classic, chilled seafood salad.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- skimmer
- Colander
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
Salad Base
- 2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
- 1 rib celery, finely chopped
Shrimp Salad Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced (about 1 tablespoon zest and 3 tablespoons juice)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- pinch freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: butter lettuce leaves for serving
Instructions
- Whisk the mayonnaise, lemon zest and juice, dill, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl, then set it aside. The dressing should look smooth and smell bright from the lemon and dill, with the garlic aroma becoming more noticeable as it sits.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the shrimp, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Watch for shrimp that change from translucent gray to opaque pink and curl into loose C-shapes rather than tight O-shapes.
- Transfer the cooked shrimp with a skimmer directly into an ice water bath and leave it there for 3 minutes, then drain in a colander. The cold water stops residual cooking, and the shrimp should feel fully chilled before it meets the dressing.
- Pat the shrimp dry, then fold it with the red onion, celery, and prepared dressing until evenly coated. The finished salad should look creamy and glossy, with distinct shrimp pieces and crisp celery distributed throughout.
Notes
Drying tip: Spread drained shrimp on paper towels and press gently until dry before mixing to keep the dressing thick and prevent a watery salad.
Temperature tip: Ensure the poached shrimp is fully chilled before adding to the dressing, as warm seafood can loosen the mayonnaise and make it oily.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Do not freeze, as mayonnaise-based dressings separate upon thawing.
Nutrition information is an estimate based on common ingredients and serving sizes. Values may vary depending on brands, portions, and substitutions.