Creamy Shrimp Salad
What makes this shrimp salad extra special is how simple it is. It uses easy-to-find ingredients, takes less than 30 minutes to throw together, and tastes like something you'd get from a fancy deli. The creamy dressing gives it that comforting feel, while the shrimp and veggies keep it light and fresh.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring Cups & Spoons
- Whisk or spoon
- Strainer or Sieve (optional)
- Serving Dish or Plate
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Salad:
- 1 lb cooked shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 cup celery finely chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
For the Creamy Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prep the Shrimp:
- If you’re using raw shrimp, cook them first.
- Simply bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque.
- Drain and cool them.
- If you’re using pre-cooked shrimp, just give them a quick rinse to remove any ice crystals, then pat dry with paper towels.
Chop the Veggies:
- Dice the celery and red onion into small, bite-sized pieces. I like to chop them finely so they mix in with the shrimp easily, adding just the right crunch without overwhelming the dish.
Make the Dressing:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I love the tang the mustard brings, and the sour cream makes it extra creamy.
- If you want it a little zestier, feel free to add more lemon juice!
Combine the Shrimp & Veggies:
- In the large mixing bowl, add your cooked shrimp, celery, red onion, and fresh parsley.
- Gently toss everything together to evenly distribute the veggies.
Add the Dressing:
- Pour the creamy dressing over the shrimp and veggie mixture.
- Stir everything together until all the shrimp and veggies are well-coated. Be gentle while stirring so the shrimp don’t break apart too much.
Taste & Adjust:
- Give your salad a quick taste test.
- If it needs more salt, pepper, or lemon juice, feel free to adjust it now. Sometimes a small dash more lemon juice can really brighten it up!
Chill (Optional, but Recommended):
- For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely. But if you’re in a rush, you can serve it right away!
Serve & Enjoy:
- Spoon the creamy shrimp salad onto a plate, a bed of lettuce, or into sandwiches or wraps.
- You can also pair it with crackers or enjoy it on its own as a light meal.
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~300–350 kcal
- Protein: ~22g
- Carbohydrates: ~4g
- Fat: ~25g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sugar: ~2g
- Cholesterol: ~170mg
- Sodium: ~450–600mg
The nutritional information provided on this website is an estimate only and is intended for general guidance. We cannot guarantee its accuracy and recommend consulting a qualified healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition advice.