Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad – Healthy Recipes

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Creamy Cucumber and Shrimp Salad: A Refreshing Delight

A bowl of creamy cucumber and shrimp salad with fresh herbs

Dive into a bowl of pure refreshment with this sensational Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad. It’s a masterful blend of crisp, cool cucumbers, succulent shrimp, and vibrant cherry tomatoes, all tossed in a rich, tangy dressing that will leave you wanting more. Whether you’re searching for a quick and elegant lunch, a light summer dinner, or a star side dish for your next barbecue, this recipe is your perfect answer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these fresh, simple ingredients to create a salad that bursts with flavor and texture.

For the Salad:

  • Shrimp: 1 lb (450g) of cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Cucumbers: 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
  • Tomatoes: 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Red Onion: 1/2 of a red onion, slivered
  • Avocado: 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • Fresh Herbs: 2 tablespoons each of fresh dill and parsley, finely chopped
  • Seasoning: Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Luscious Creamy Dressing:

  • Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup
  • Sour Cream: 1/4 cup for extra tang and creaminess
  • Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
  • Dijon Mustard: 1 tablespoon for a zesty kick
  • Garlic: 1 clove, minced
  • Honey: 1 teaspoon to balance the flavors
  • Seasoning: Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to assemble a truly memorable salad.

  1. Prepare the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, combine your freshly sliced cucumbers, sweet cherry tomato halves, and thinly sliced red onion. Dice the avocado and add it to the bowl.
  2. Add Shrimp and Herbs: Introduce the cooked shrimp to the vegetable mix. Generously sprinkle the chopped fresh dill and parsley over everything. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper and give it a gentle toss to combine.
  3. Whip Up the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and honey. Continue whisking until the dressing is silky smooth. Season with salt and pepper to your preference.
  4. Combine and Coat: Pour the creamy dressing over the shrimp and vegetable mixture. Gently fold all the ingredients together, ensuring everything is evenly and delightfully coated. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
  5. Chill for Flavor: For the best results, cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Before serving, feel free to garnish with an extra sprinkle of fresh herbs. This salad is ready to be enjoyed as a standalone meal or a perfect side dish.

Pro-Tips for Salad Success

  • Elevate the Flavor: For an extra burst of freshness, add a final squeeze of lemon juice just before serving. A light dusting of paprika can also add beautiful color and a hint of smokiness.
  • Make It Vegan: To create a delicious plant-based version, simply substitute the shrimp with chickpeas or hearts of palm, and use your favorite vegan mayonnaise and sour cream alternatives for the dressing.

Enjoy your refreshing 🥒🍤 Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad—the ultimate dish for a sun-drenched day or a light, satisfying meal!

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of shrimp works best for this salad?

For convenience, pre-cooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp are the best choice. You can use either fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp. If you cook them yourself, ensure they are completely cooled before adding them to the salad to maintain the crispness of the other ingredients.

Can I make this shrimp salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can! For best results, prepare the salad base and the dressing separately and store them in the refrigerator. Combine them up to a few hours before serving. If you mix it all at once, wait to add the avocado until just before you serve to prevent it from browning.

How long does this salad last in the refrigerator?

Stored in an airtight container, this Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Be aware that the cucumbers will release some water over time, so you may need to give it a gentle stir before enjoying the leftovers.

I don’t have fresh dill. What can I use as a substitute?

If you don’t have fresh dill, you can use dried dill, but be sure to use less—about one-third of the amount called for (around 1-2 teaspoons). Other fresh herbs like chives, tarragon, or even a bit of mint would also be delicious substitutes.

Is this recipe low-carb or keto-friendly?

This salad is naturally low in carbohydrates. To make it fully keto-friendly, simply omit the teaspoon of honey from the dressing or replace it with a keto-approved liquid sweetener like stevia or monk fruit drops.