This cucumber shrimp salad is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a refreshing dinner option. The blend of crunchy cucumbers and succulent shrimp, combined with a zesty lime dressing, makes it a standout dish. It’s light yet satisfying, ensuring it appeals to both seafood lovers and salad enthusiasts alike.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful: The creamy lime dressing elevates the taste of the shrimp and cucumbers, creating a burst of flavor in every bite.
- Versatile: Serve it as a main dish or a side—perfect for casual family dinners or elegant gatherings.
- Healthy Choice: Packed with protein and low in carbs, this salad is a nutritious option that won’t weigh you down.
- Refreshing: The combination of fresh ingredients provides a cooling effect, making it perfect for hot days.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your cucumber shrimp salad, gather your tools to streamline the process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Skimmer or slotted spoon
- Mixing bowl
- Colander
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot: Essential for boiling the shrimp quickly and efficiently.
- Skimmer or slotted spoon: Helps in easily transferring the shrimp to the ice water bath without losing any.
- Mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all ingredients seamlessly, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
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, stir together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime zest and juice, dill, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. Set aside or place in the fridge.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they are cooked through and pink.
Step 3: Make an Ice Water Bath
While the shrimp are cooking, prepare an ice water bath. Remove the shrimp to this ice water bath using a skimmer. Let them cool for about 3 minutes before draining them in a colander. Chop them into bite-sized pieces.
Step 4: Stir It All Together
In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, green onion, diced cucumber, and dressing. Stir until everything is coated evenly with that creamy goodness.
Enjoy your refreshing cucumber shrimp salad!
How to Serve Cucumber Shrimp Salad
Cucumber shrimp salad is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a casual meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.
As a Refreshing Appetizer
- Serve small portions in elegant glasses for an eye-catching start to any meal.
- Pair with crispy tortilla chips for a delightful crunch.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Use large lettuce leaves to create wraps filled with cucumber shrimp salad for a low-carb option.
- Drizzle with extra lime juice for added zest.
On Toasted Bread
- Spread the salad on toasted baguette slices for a delicious open-faced sandwich.
- Garnish with additional dill or green onion for a gourmet touch.
With Crackers
- Serve alongside an assortment of crackers for a fun and interactive snack.
- Choose whole grain or seed crackers for added texture.
How to Perfect Cucumber Shrimp Salad
To ensure your cucumber shrimp salad is perfect every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cucumbers and herbs enhance the flavor significantly. Always opt for quality ingredients.
- Chill Before Serving: Allow the salad to chill in the fridge before serving. This helps the flavors meld beautifully.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed to suit your preference.
- Add Crunch: For extra texture, consider adding diced bell peppers or celery to the mix.
- Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 1-2 days for best freshness.
Best Side Dishes for Cucumber Shrimp Salad
Cucumber shrimp salad pairs well with various side dishes that complement its fresh flavors. Here are some excellent options to consider:
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread adds a satisfying crunch and complements the creamy salad perfectly.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad provides additional protein and fiber, making it a filling side dish.
- Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled vegetables add smokiness and balance out the freshness of the shrimp salad.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw offers crunch and acidity, enhancing the overall dining experience.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad adds sweetness and bright colors to your meal, creating a lovely contrast.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges deliver comfort food vibes while still being easy to prepare.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a cucumber shrimp salad can be easy, but there are pitfalls to watch for. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Skipping the Ice Bath: Not preparing an ice water bath can lead to overcooked shrimp. Always cool cooked shrimp quickly to maintain their texture.
- Using Old Shrimp: Freshness matters! Ensure your shrimp are fresh and properly stored before cooking. This ensures a delicious flavor in your salad.
- Overdressing: Adding too much dressing can drown the other flavors. Start with a small amount and add more as needed for balance.
- Not Chilling Before Serving: Serving immediately can result in a less refreshing dish. Allowing the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes enhances the flavors.
- Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Everyone’s taste differs. Don’t hesitate to adjust salt, lime juice, or dill according to your preference.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Duration: Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Containers: Use an airtight container to keep the salad fresh and prevent odors from other foods.
Freezing Cucumber Shrimp Salad
- Not Recommended: Freezing is not advised as it may alter the texture of both shrimp and cucumbers once thawed.
Reheating Cucumber Shrimp Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Heat gently on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes, checking frequently.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 20-30 seconds, stirring in between, until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until just warmed; do not cook further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I substitute different seafood in this Cucumber Shrimp Salad?
You can certainly substitute crab, lobster, or even cooked chicken if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What can I serve with Cucumber Shrimp Salad?
This salad pairs well with crusty bread, crackers, or as part of a light dinner spread. It also makes a great appetizer!
How can I customize my Cucumber Shrimp Salad?
Feel free to add other ingredients like avocado, bell peppers, or even fruits like mango for added flavor and texture.
Is this Cucumber Shrimp Salad healthy?
Yes! It’s low in carbs and high in protein while providing healthy fats from mayonnaise and sour cream.
Final Thoughts
This cucumber shrimp salad is not only refreshing but also versatile enough for various occasions. You can easily customize it with different herbs or veggies. Try it out today and enjoy its bright flavors!
Cucumber Shrimp Salad
Cucumber shrimp salad is a delightful dish that shines on any occasion, from summer barbecues to elegant dinners. This refreshing salad combines crunchy cucumbers with succulent shrimp, all enveloped in a creamy lime dressing that adds a zesty kick. It’s light yet satisfying, making it perfect for both seafood aficionados and salad lovers. Quick to prepare in just 30 minutes, this versatile salad can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish, ensuring it fits seamlessly into your meal plans. Packed with protein and low in carbs, it’s also a healthy choice that leaves you feeling energized.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Ingredients
- 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 chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- Kosher salt
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing by mixing mayonnaise, sour cream, lime juice and zest, dill, mustard, garlic, and salt in a bowl. Chill.
- Boil water in a large pot; cook shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes until pink.
- Make an ice water bath and transfer cooked shrimp to cool for about 3 minutes before draining.
- Chop the cooled shrimp and combine with cucumber, green onions, and dressing in a bowl. Mix well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
Keywords: Use fresh herbs for the best flavor. Chill the salad before serving for enhanced taste. Feel free to add diced bell peppers or avocado for extra crunch.
