If there’s one dish that perfectly captures summer on a Scandinavian coast, it’s Nordic Shrimp Salad. Imagine tender, sweet shrimp mingling with a creamy, feather-light dressing flecked with fresh herbs and citrus, all ready to be piled onto crisp lettuce or hearty rye bread. It’s bright, elegant, and impossibly easy. Whether you’re prepping for a light lunch or longing for a taste of the Nordic seaside, this vibrant salad is guaranteed to steal the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of ingredients for this Nordic Shrimp Salad, and each one truly matters. Simple as they may seem, these are the building blocks of a dish that bursts with freshness, so take a moment to appreciate what each brings to your bowl.
- Nordic shrimp (or baby shrimp): Delicate, pre-cooked little pink shrimp star in this salad with their sweet flavor and tender bite.
- Mayonnaise: The cornerstone for the creamy dressing; use a high-quality mayonnaise for the best flavor.
- Sour cream or crème fraîche: Adds a gentle tang and keeps the salad light; crème fraîche delivers extra richness if you prefer.
- Fresh lemon juice: A squeeze of lemon brightens everything up—don’t skip it!
- Lemon zest: The aromatic oils in the zest give an extra punch of citrus that makes the salad sing.
- Fresh dill, chopped: Dill is classic in Nordic cooking; its herbal fragrance is just beautiful with seafood.
- Fresh chives, chopped: Chives add a mild, sweet-onion note that feels right at home in this mix.
- Dijon mustard: Just a hint brings a subtle heat and depth to the creamy dressing.
- Salt: A little seasoning brings out all the delicate flavors of the shrimp and herbs.
- Black pepper: For a gentle kick of warmth and complexity.
- Cucumber, diced (optional): If you crave extra crunch and coolness, cucumber is a dreamy addition.
- Lettuce leaves or rye bread for serving: Classic ways to serve this salad—on crisp greens for lightness, or hearty rye for something more substantial.
How to Make Nordic Shrimp Salad
Step 1: Make the Creamy Herb Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream or crème fraîche, fresh lemon juice, zesty lemon peel, chopped dill, chives, Dijon mustard, salt, and a touch of black pepper. The goal is a smooth, creamy dressing speckled with herbs and citrus. You’ll be amazed by the aroma—so fresh and inviting!
Step 2: Fold in the Shrimp and Cucumber
Add your lovely little Nordic shrimp (and cucumber, if you’re using it) to the bowl. Use a spatula or large spoon to gently fold everything together. Be careful—not to mash the shrimp! You want each one coated but still boasting its delicate texture. The colors alone will get you excited for lunch.
Step 3: Chill and Let the Flavors Meld
Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step isn’t just about serving the salad cold (though that’s a bonus)—letting it chill gives the flavors time to deepen and mingle. Trust me, your patience will be rewarded with a salad that tastes as spectacular as it looks.
Step 4: Serve it Up
When you’re ready to eat, gently stir the salad one last time. Spoon it onto crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing meal, or heap it high on slices of rye bread for a classic open-faced sandwich. Don’t forget a little extra dill or a lemon wedge to finish!
How to Serve Nordic Shrimp Salad
Garnishes
Pile on the charm with a sprinkle of fresh dill or chives, a crack of black pepper, and a wedge of lemon on the side. For a touch of old-school Nordic flair, scatter a few tiny capers or a dusting of paprika right before serving. These simple flourishes make each bite feel a little special.
Side Dishes
Pair your Nordic Shrimp Salad with a bowl of chilled cucumber soup, a medley of pickled beets, or crisp radishes. Even a simple plate of sliced tomatoes with flaky salt and olive oil is a delightful choice—it all keeps the meal light and breezy, just how it was meant to be.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining, turn the salad into elegant appetizer bites spooned into endive leaves or atop crunchy crackers. For a picnic, pack it in jars with a little lettuce at the bottom and forks on the side. Or, get playful and serve it as part of a Nordic-inspired smorgasbord with hard-boiled eggs, sliced cucumbers, and buttery new potatoes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Nordic Shrimp Salad keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to two days. Store any leftovers in an airtight container, and try to eat them sooner rather than later to enjoy the shrimp’s tender texture at its best. Give it a gentle stir before serving again to freshen up the dressing.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh; freezing it is not recommended. The creamy dressing and delicate shrimp don’t fare well in the freezer, as the texture can turn watery and the flavors dull. Make only what you’ll eat within a couple of days for the best experience.
Reheating
No reheating necessary—Nordic Shrimp Salad is served chilled, straight from the refrigerator! Just let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes if it’s very cold, and give it a gentle mix before serving.
FAQs
Can I use another type Salad, Light Meal
Absolutely, though small, sweet Nordic or baby shrimp are the classic choice for this salad. If you can’t find them, seek out the smallest cooked shrimp you can, or gently chop larger ones. The key is to keep the texture light and tender.
Is there a way to lighten up the dressing?
Yes! For a lighter version of Nordic Shrimp Salad, swap out half (or even all) of the mayonnaise for thick, plain Greek yogurt. You’ll get a creamy texture with extra protein and a pleasant tang.
What bread works best for serving?
Traditional Nordic Shrimp Salad finds its home on dense, dark rye bread. But you can also serve it on crusty sourdough, toasted baguette slices, or even simple crispbread crackers. For a gluten-free option, lettuce wraps are lovely.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can mix everything together a day ahead and refrigerate. In fact, letting it chill overnight helps intensify the flavors. Just hold off on adding any greens or garnishes until right before serving to keep them fresh.
Are there other herbs I can use?
Dill and chives are the traditional pairing, but feel free to experiment with tarragon, parsley, or even a little fresh basil for a twist. The herbs are what make Nordic Shrimp Salad pop, so don’t be shy about trying something new based on your preferences or what’s in season.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that’s as easy as it is elegant, Nordic Shrimp Salad will quickly become a new favorite. Every forkful tastes like a breeze off the Scandinavian coast—fresh, bright, and full of life. Give it a try, and you might find yourself making it again and again, just like I do.
Print
Nordic Shrimp Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Nordic Shrimp Salad is a light and refreshing dish that features tender Nordic shrimp tossed in a creamy dressing with fresh herbs. Perfect for a quick meal or elegant appetizer.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 pound small cooked Nordic shrimp (or baby shrimp)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream or crème fraîche
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 small cucumber, diced (optional)
- Lettuce leaves or rye bread for serving
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, chives, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Gently fold in the shrimp and cucumber (if using) until evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve chilled on crisp lettuce leaves, piled on rye bread, or as an open-faced sandwich.
Notes
- For a lighter version, replace half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Traditional Nordic shrimp salad is often served on dark rye bread with a lemon wedge and extra dill.
- Leftovers should be eaten within 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad, Light Meal
- Method: Mixing, No-Cook
- Cuisine: Nordic, Scandinavian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
