Bright, zesty, and irresistibly creamy, a Shrimp Salad Sandwich is everything you crave in a summertime lunch or a quick yet satisfying dinner. This classic sandwich bursts with sweet, succulent shrimp dressed in a tangy, herby mayo mixture, all nestled into pillowy brioche and crisp lettuce. It’s fast and easy, but always impressive—a surefire way to bring a little coastal flair to your table, no matter where you are. From picnics to lunchboxes to weekend brunches, this recipe never fails to hit the spot.

Shrimp Salad Sandwich Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need anything fancy to make the best Shrimp Salad Sandwich, just a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients. Each one plays a unique role—adding bite, creaminess, freshness, or crunch—to ensure every bite is bursting with balanced flavor and texture.

Cooked Shrimp (1 pound, peeled, deveined, and chopped): This is the star of the show—look for fresh or frozen shrimp that’s been fully cooked for convenience.
Mayonnaise (1/3 cup): For that rich, smooth base that ties everything together; use good-quality mayo for the best flavor.
Dijon Mustard (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle tang and a hint of heat to balance the creaminess.
Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): Freshly squeezed brings out the best in the shrimp and keeps the salad bright and lively.
Old Bay Seasoning (1 teaspoon): The secret boost of flavor that gives the salad its classic seafood-shop feel.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just enough for a bit of gentle warmth.
Celery (1 stalk, finely chopped): Adds a crisp, refreshing crunch to each bite.
Red Onion (2 tablespoons, finely chopped): For color, a sharp flavor contrast, and an extra pop of color.
Fresh Dill (1 tablespoon, chopped): Gives the salad a herby, fresh aroma and pairs beautifully with seafood.
Sandwich Rolls or Brioche Buns (4): Go for something soft and slightly sweet for the ultimate Shrimp Salad Sandwich experience.
Butter Lettuce Leaves: Provides a tender, crisp bed to hold all that creamy shrimp salad in place.

How to Make Shrimp Salad Sandwich

Step 1: Whisk the Dressing

Start by grabbing a large bowl—the one you’ll toss everything in. Add the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Give it a vigorous stir until everything is smooth and evenly blended. This creamy, tangy base sets the stage for the best Shrimp Salad Sandwich you’ll ever bite into.

Step 2: Mix in the Shrimp and Veggies

Now it’s shrimp time! Toss in your chopped, cooked shrimp along with the crunchy celery, sharp red onion, and fresh dill. With a gentle hand, fold everything together so that every morsel of shrimp is coated, but not beaten up by over-mixing. You want to maintain those juicy chunks and bits of crisp veggies.

Step 3: Chill to Meld Flavors

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate your shrimp salad for at least 30 minutes. This brief chill allows the flavors to mingle, making the Shrimp Salad Sandwich more flavorful and refreshing. If you’re in a rush, you can eat it right away—but trust me, the quick wait is worth it!

Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches

To build your sandwich, lay butter lettuce leaves over the bottom half of each brioche bun or sandwich roll. Pile the shrimp salad on top, as generously as you like, then crown each stack with the bun tops. The lettuce keeps the bread from getting soggy and adds a satisfying crunch.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your Shrimp Salad Sandwiches chilled and fresh. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or packing up a couple for a picnic, these sandwiches are pure, irresistible flavor in every bite.

How to Serve Shrimp Salad Sandwich

Garnishes

A little extra flair goes a long way! Top your Shrimp Salad Sandwich with a sprinkle of fresh dill, a squeeze of lemon, or a crack of black pepper. A light dusting of paprika or a few thinly sliced radishes can also add color and crunch, creating a sandwich that looks as vibrant as it tastes.

Side Dishes

When serving a Shrimp Salad Sandwich, pair it with classics like crunchy potato chips, a cup of tomato bisque, or a zippy cucumber salad. For a lighter meal, try a side of fresh fruit or a handful of crisp veggies and hummus. Any way you choose, the sandwich remains the star.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to get a little fancy, skip the bread and spoon the shrimp salad into endive leaves or hollowed-out avocados for easy party bites. Or, pile the salad high on toasted crostini for a chic appetizer. A Shrimp Salad Sandwich doesn’t have to just stick to rolls—let your imagination lead the way.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover shrimp salad, simply cover it tightly and refrigerate. It will keep well for about 2 days. Be sure to store the salad separately from the bread to keep everything fresh and the buns from becoming soggy.

Freezing

Shrimp salad isn’t ideal for freezing, as mayonnaise and fresh veggies can separate or become watery when thawed. For best results, enjoy your Shrimp Salad Sandwich mixture freshly made or chilled from the refrigerator.

Reheating

This is a cold salad sandwich, so there’s no reheating necessary. If you’ve made it ahead, just give it a good stir before serving, to freshen up the dressing and rediscover those bright flavors.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Shrimp Salad Sandwich?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and drain the shrimp before chopping and adding to your salad. Frozen shrimp are often pre-cooked and a great, convenient option.

Is there a substitution for Old Bay seasoning?

If you don’t have Old Bay, try a blend of celery salt, a pinch of paprika, and a little cayenne. This easy homemade swap will give your Shrimp Salad Sandwich a similar savory kick.

What’s the best bread for a Shrimp Salad Sandwich?

Brioche buns are a favorite for their soft, barely-sweet dough, but you can use any sandwich roll, croissant, or even whole wheat bread. Just make sure the bread is sturdy enough to hold the creamy shrimp salad.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Definitely! Just pick your favorite gluten-free rolls or serve the shrimp salad over lettuce cups or salad greens, turning your Shrimp Salad Sandwich into a light, naturally gluten-free meal.

How can I lighten up this recipe?

You can substitute half of the mayo with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed base that still tastes creamy. It’s a simple switch that keeps all the fresh, tangy charm of the original.

Final Thoughts

If you’re hunting for a crave-worthy lunch or a stellar picnic treat, give this Shrimp Salad Sandwich a go. It’s a dish that proves you don’t need complicated steps or loads of ingredients to create something truly special. Share it with friends, family, or keep it all to yourself—it’s delicious either way!

Shrimp Salad Sandwich Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

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

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Description

This Shrimp Salad Sandwich is a delightful combination of tender shrimp tossed in a creamy dressing with crunchy celery and flavorful seasonings, served on a soft bun with crisp lettuce. It’s perfect for a quick and tasty lunch or light dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Shrimp Salad:

1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 stalk celery, finely chopped
2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

For Serving:

4 sandwich rolls or brioche buns
Butter lettuce leaves

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Instructions

In a large bowl, prepare the dressing: Combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Add the salad ingredients: Stir in the chopped shrimp, celery, red onion, and dill. Gently mix until evenly coated.
Chill the salad: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Assemble the sandwiches: Place lettuce leaves on the bottom half of each bun. Spoon the shrimp salad generously over the lettuce, and cover with the remaining bun.
Serve: Enjoy the sandwiches chilled.