Cucumber Shrimp Salad

Refreshing Cucumber Shrimp Salad with Creamy Lime Dressing

If you’re looking for a light, refreshing, and flavorful dish, this Cucumber Shrimp Salad is perfect for any occasion. Featuring tender shrimp, crunchy cucumber, and a zesty, creamy lime dressing, this salad is a delicious way to enjoy fresh, summery flavors in a healthy, satisfying meal. It’s simple to prepare and makes for an excellent lunch, appetizer, or side dish for gatherings.

Let’s dive into the recipe!

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 English cucumber, small diced
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced

For the Creamy Lime Dressing:

• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• ⅓ cup sour cream
• 1 large lime, zested and juiced (about 2 teaspoons zest and 2 tablespoons juice)
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Make the Creamy Lime Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime zest and juice, fresh dill, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and kosher salt. Add a pinch of black pepper to taste. Once combined, set the dressing aside or refrigerate it until ready to use. This zesty dressing will infuse the salad with bright, fresh flavors.

2. Cook the Shrimp: Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Let the shrimp cook for 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and are fully cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough.

3. Prepare an Ice Water Bath: While the shrimp are cooking, fill a large bowl with ice water. As soon as the shrimp are cooked, use a skimmer or slotted spoon to transfer them to the ice water bath. Let them cool for about 3 minutes, then drain them well in a colander. This process will stop the cooking and ensure the shrimp stay tender. After cooling, chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces.

4. Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, diced cucumber, and sliced green onions. Pour the prepared creamy lime dressing over the mixture and stir gently until everything is well-coated.

5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the salad chilled, either on its own or over a bed of greens for extra freshness. Garnish with additional dill or lime wedges if desired.

Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Shrimp Salad:

• Refreshing and Light: The cucumber adds a crisp, refreshing texture, while the lime dressing offers a zesty kick.
• Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and minimal cooking time, this salad is perfect for busy days or as a quick, healthy meal.
• Versatile: This salad is perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or even as a side dish for summer barbecues or potlucks.

Serving Suggestions:

This Cucumber Shrimp Salad pairs beautifully with crusty bread, crackers, or served in lettuce cups for a low-carb option. It’s also great alongside grilled vegetables or a light pasta dish. If you’re hosting a party, serve it as a refreshing appetizer or side.

Recipe Notes:

• Make-Ahead Tip: The dressing can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just wait to combine the shrimp and dressing until you’re ready to serve to keep the salad fresh and creamy.
• Add-Ons: Feel free to add other fresh veggies like diced avocado, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes for more color and flavor. You can also swap out the dill for other herbs like cilantro or parsley to change up the flavor profile.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it will keep well when stored properly.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings

This Cucumber Shrimp Salad is the perfect dish to enjoy during the warmer months or whenever you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing. The creamy lime dressing ties everything together with its tangy brightness, making each bite a delightful mix of flavors and textures. If you try this recipe, let me know how it turned out in the comments below!

Cucumber Shrimp Salad

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• Author: Dulcia
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

This Cucumber Shrimp Salad is the ultimate refreshing and light meal, perfect for a hot summer day. Tender shrimp, crisp cucumber, and green onions are tossed together with a creamy lime dressing that’s packed with the fresh flavors of dill, lime zest, and Dijon mustard.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 English cucumber, small diced
3 green onions, thinly sliced
Creamy Lime Dressing
⅓ cup mayonnaise
⅓ cup sour cream
1 large lime, zested and juiced (about 2 teaspoons zest and 2 tablespoons juice)
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 garlic clove, minced
¼ teaspoon kosher salt

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Instructions

Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime zest and juice, fresh dill, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and kosher salt. Set aside in the fridge while preparing the rest of the salad.
Cook the Shrimp: In a medium pot, bring water to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn pink and are fully cooked.
Prepare Ice Water Bath: While the shrimp are cooking, fill a large bowl with ice water. Using a skimmer or slotted spoon, transfer the shrimp into the ice bath to cool for about 3 minutes. Once cooled, drain the shrimp in a colander and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumber, sliced green onions, and chopped shrimp. Add the creamy lime dressing and stir until everything is well coated. Serve chilled.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes

Nutrition

• Calories: 220