This Cucumber Shrimp Salad is the perfect balance of creamy and light flavors, making it an ideal dish for warm weather. The chilled shrimp pairs beautifully with crisp cucumbers and a tangy lemony dressing, creating a refreshing and satisfying meal. The freshness of dill or chives enhances the overall taste, while the dressing brings a creamy yet vibrant note to the dish. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply looking for a light meal, this salad is a great choice. It’s quick to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and is versatile enough to pair with other dishes or enjoy on its own.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds cooked shrimp, chilled (peeled, tails off)
- 2 cups sliced cucumber (I use Persian cucumbers for this salad, sliced ¼ to ½ inch thick)
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup chopped fresh dill or chives
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: celery and/or red onion
Directions:
- In a large serving bowl, combine the shrimp and cucumber.
- In a smaller bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and dill or chives.
- Pour the dressing over the shrimp and cucumber and mix well.
- Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve chilled.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 300 | Servings: 6
A Refreshing, Healthy Delight for Any Occasion
Cucumber Shrimp Salad is a dish that embodies everything we crave during warm weather: refreshing, light, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a side dish for a barbecue, or a stand-alone dinner that’s both satisfying and nutritious, this salad is the perfect choice. The combination of crisp cucumbers, tender shrimp, and a creamy yet tangy dressing creates a harmony of flavors that will delight your taste buds and leave you feeling energized rather than weighed down.
Why This Recipe is Perfect for Summer
One of the reasons this Cucumber Shrimp Salad is ideal for summer is its sheer simplicity and ease of preparation. During the hot months, most people don’t want to spend hours cooking over a hot stove or baking in the kitchen. This dish requires minimal cooking — only the shrimp needs to be boiled or sautéed — and comes together in a matter of minutes. The cool, crisp cucumbers offer a refreshing contrast to the warm weather, while the shrimp provides a hearty dose of protein, making this a filling yet light meal.
The dressing used in this salad is a creamy mix of mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like dill or chives. Despite being rich and luxurious, the dressing maintains a lightness that keeps the dish feeling fresh. The lemon juice cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise and sour cream, adding brightness and acidity, while the herbs provide an aromatic depth that complements the shrimp perfectly.
Nutritional Benefits of Cucumber and Shrimp
Beyond its refreshing taste and ease of preparation, Cucumber Shrimp Salad also boasts significant nutritional benefits. Both cucumbers and shrimp are low in calories, making this a great dish for those who are watching their caloric intake but still want to enjoy a flavorful, satisfying meal.
Cucumbers are an incredibly hydrating vegetable, composed mostly of water (around 95%), making them an excellent choice for keeping hydrated during hot summer days. They are also a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin K, which plays a crucial role in bone health, and vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function. Cucumbers are also rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and promote overall health.
Shrimp, on the other hand, is a nutrient-dense seafood that provides a great source of lean protein. A 3-ounce serving of shrimp contains about 20 grams of protein with very little fat, making it an excellent option for those looking to increase their protein intake without consuming excess calories. Shrimp is also rich in key nutrients like selenium, which is important for heart health and immunity, and omega-3 fatty acids, known for their anti-inflammatory benefits. Additionally, shrimp contains astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant that has been linked to improved skin health and reduced inflammation.
The Versatility of Cucumber Shrimp Salad
Another reason this recipe shines is its versatility. While the basic version of the salad includes shrimp, cucumber, and a creamy dressing, there are plenty of ways to customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs. For example, you can add extra vegetables like red onion or celery for added crunch and flavor. Red onions provide a sharp, pungent contrast to the mildness of cucumbers, while celery brings a satisfying bite and more fiber.
If you’re looking to add a touch of sweetness, consider incorporating diced mango or pineapple into the salad. The sweet, tropical flavors of these fruits pair wonderfully with the shrimp and the creamy dressing, creating a unique twist on the traditional recipe. You could also swap out the dill or chives for other herbs like cilantro or parsley, depending on your preferences.
For those who prefer a lighter dressing, you could reduce the amount of mayonnaise and sour cream, or even swap them out for Greek yogurt. This will create a tangier, healthier dressing that’s just as creamy but lower in calories and fat.
Ideal for Meal Prep and Gatherings
Cucumber Shrimp Salad is not only delicious but also an excellent option for meal prep. The ingredients hold up well when made in advance, and the salad stays fresh and flavorful for a few days in the refrigerator. This makes it perfect for anyone looking to prepare their meals ahead of time, whether you’re packing lunch for work or planning a family picnic.
When making this salad ahead of time, it’s best to store the dressing separately and mix it in just before serving. This prevents the cucumbers from becoming soggy and ensures the shrimp maintains its firm, juicy texture. If you are planning to bring this salad to a potluck or barbecue, simply pack it in a cooler with ice to keep it chilled, and it will be a hit among guests.
Another advantage of this salad is its ability to serve as both a main dish or a side. When served as a main course, you can enjoy it on its own or pair it with a slice of crusty bread or a side of quinoa or rice. As a side dish, it pairs beautifully with grilled fish, chicken, or other seafood, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing addition to any summer meal.
A Crowd-Pleasing Dish for Special Diets
Cucumber Shrimp Salad is also a great option for people following specific dietary restrictions. It’s naturally gluten-free and can easily be made dairy-free by using a plant-based mayonnaise and sour cream substitute. For a lower-fat version, you can opt for light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, as mentioned earlier. This dish is also ideal for anyone on a low-carb or keto diet, as it is packed with protein and healthy fats without the carbs.
Shrimp lovers, in particular, will appreciate how this salad elevates a familiar ingredient into something truly special. The freshness of the cucumber and the richness of the dressing make every bite interesting and delicious, while still keeping the focus on the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
Conclusion:
Cucumber Shrimp Salad is an absolute winner when it comes to summer meals. It’s a dish that checks all the boxes: refreshing, flavorful, easy to prepare, and packed with nutrition. Whether you’re making it for yourself, your family, or a gathering of friends, this salad is guaranteed to impress.
Its versatility allows for endless customization, making it a flexible dish that can adapt to different tastes and dietary needs. The combination of nutrient-rich shrimp and hydrating cucumbers, along with the creamy, tangy dressing, creates a deliciously balanced salad that’s both satisfying and light. Best of all, it’s a dish that can be prepped ahead of time and enjoyed for days, making it an ideal option for meal planners and busy individuals alike.