Seeking the ultimate refreshing dish for warm days or an impressive, light meal? Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad is here to steal the spotlight on your table. This delightful mix balances sweet shrimp, crisp cucumber, and a tangy, herby dressing for flavor that’s as vibrant as its colors. Whether you’re entertaining or just want something quick and deeply satisfying, this salad promises both simplicity and serious flair.

Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad is in its blend of simple, fresh ingredients. Each one brings something special—crunch, creaminess, zest, or fragrance—for a salad that bursts with both flavor and texture.

Shrimp: Use one pound of cooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp for a sweet ocean bite that’s protein-packed and effortless.
English Cucumber: Thinly sliced, this cucumber adds a juicy, cooling crunch that is essential for balancing the creamy dressing.
Red Onion: Just a touch of this finely sliced beauty delivers sharp bite and vibrant color.
Mayonnaise: The base for the dressing, providing delicious richness and the perfect creamy texture.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Adds a subtle tang and lightness—Greek yogurt is a delightful, protein-boosted alternative.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon brightens the whole salad and keeps everything tasting zesty and fresh.
Dijon Mustard: A small spoonful goes a long way for a little kick and depth in the dressing.
Fresh Dill: Chopped dill is the signature herby note that makes this salad so irresistible—it’s summer in every bite!
Salt and Pepper: Always to taste, these classics round out the flavors and make everything pop.

How to Make Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad

Step 1: Mix the Main Ingredients

Start by grabbing your largest mixing bowl—this is where the magic begins! Combine the cooked shrimp, thinly sliced cucumber, and red onion. This trio forms the crunchy, juicy foundation of what will soon become your new favorite Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad. Gently toss them together and marvel at how those colors already look like summer in a bowl.

Step 2: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing

In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt, for a lighter spin), freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and fragrant chopped dill. Whisk until smooth and well-blended. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper—those little touches make the flavors sing!

Step 3: Dress, Toss, and Marry the Flavors

Pour that beautiful, tangy dressing over the shrimp, cucumber, and onion mix. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently toss until every ingredient is coated with the creamy goodness. The goal is to keep the veggies crisp and the shrimp intact, so go easy—no vigorous mixing needed.

Step 4: Chill and Let the Flavors Meld

Transfer your tossed salad to the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This rest time lets the flavors deepen and marry, and ensures the Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad is refreshingly cold when served. If you’ve got time, a little longer in the fridge only amps up the deliciousness.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once perfectly chilled and brimming with zest, give your salad a quick taste for any last-minute seasoning. Spoon into bowls, plate over a bed of lettuce, or tuck into lettuce cups for a fun, hand-held variation. Dig in and savor every creamy, crisp, herby mouthful!

How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad

Garnishes

There’s no rule against getting a little fancy. Try scattering extra fresh dill or finely chopped chives over the salad just before serving for an extra pop of color and flavor. A light shower of cracked black pepper adds an elegant finishing touch, while lemon wedges on the side invite your guests to squeeze their own citrusy brightness.

Side Dishes

While Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad shines all on its own, pairing it with the right side can turn a salad into a satisfying meal. Fresh sourdough or a crusty baguette is perfect for scooping up every creamy bite. In hotter months, keep things light with a fruit salad or a bowl of cold gazpacho. For spring gatherings, grilled asparagus or a colorful quinoa pilaf make excellent partners.

Creative Ways to Present

Elevate your Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad by spooning it into avocado halves for an eye-catching appetizer or serving in chilled martini glasses for a sophisticated starter. Tuck the mixture into lettuce cups for a fun, low-carb presentation that’s perfect for parties or picnics. For a modern spin, layer it in mini mason jars—always a hit for potlucks or lunch-on-the-go!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers of your Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad keep well in the fridge for up to two days, stored in an airtight container. The chilled flavors will actually continue to meld and become even more delicious. Give the salad a gentle stir before serving again to revive the creamy texture.

Freezing

This salad isn’t the best candidate for freezing—cucumbers tend to lose their crunch, and that fresh, creamy dressing can separate after thawing. If you want to get ahead, you can prep and freeze your cooked shrimp separately, then assemble everything fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

Since Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad is meant to be served chilled, there’s no need to reheat! In fact, the key to its delightful texture and refreshing taste is keeping it cold, so just give it a quick stir and serve straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly, drain them well, and pat dry before mixing into the salad. This ensures the dressing stays creamy and the texture isn’t watered down.

Is there a dairy-free option for the dressing?

Yes, you can swap the sour cream or Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative like plant-based yogurt, and use your favorite vegan mayo. The result will still be decadently creamy and flavorful.

How long can Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad sit out at a picnic?

For food safety, don’t let the salad sit at room temperature for more than two hours. On especially warm days, keep it in a cooler or over a bowl of ice to maintain freshness and taste.

Can I add extra vegetables?

Why not? Chopped celery or radishes are fantastic for an extra crunch, while avocado brings luscious richness. Tailor the salad to your liking—the base is deliciously versatile.

What are the best shrimp to use?

Medium to large shrimp work beautifully for Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad. Choose peeled, deveined, and cooked shrimp for convenience. Wild-caught shrimp often bring the best flavor, but use what’s most accessible!

Final Thoughts

Don’t wait for a special occasion—give Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad a spot at your next lunch, picnic, or family gathering! The cool crunch, creamy dressing, and spritz of lemon make every bite something to savor. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or add your own twist, I can’t recommend this salad enough. Happy cooking!

Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes chilling)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad is a refreshing and light seafood salad that combines tender shrimp with crisp cucumber, red onion, and a creamy dill dressing. Perfect for a quick meal or a side dish for a summer gathering.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp Salad:

1 pound cooked shrimp (peeled, deveined, and chopped)
1 large English cucumber (thinly sliced)
¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced)

Creamy Dressing:

⅓ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped)
Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare Salad: In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, cucumber, and red onion.
Make Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or yogurt), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and chopped dill until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine: Pour the dressing over the shrimp mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Chill: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Serve: Enjoy this salad cold as a main dish or side.