Lemon Dill Shrimp Salad

As the warmer months beckon, there’s nothing quite as refreshing as a light and zesty salad. Today, I’m excited to share a recipe that combines succulent shrimp with the bright, tangy flavors of lemon and dill—the Lemon Dill Shrimp Salad. This dish not only tantalizes the taste buds but is also quick to prepare, making it perfect for a leisurely lunch or a special weekend brunch.

Ingredients Breakdown:

For the Shrimp:

• 2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 large lemon

For the Dressing:

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 large lemon, zested
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
• 1/4 cup minced fresh dill (about 1/2 bunch)
• 1/2 cup chopped chives (about 1 bunch)
• 1 cup minced celery (about 2 stalks)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion (about 1/4 of an onion)

For the Salad:

• 2 heads butter leaf lettuce, washed and leaves separated

Directions:

Cooking Shrimp:

1. Preparation of the Water: Bring 5 quarts of water to a rolling boil. Add the juice of one large lemon and the squeezed lemon halves along with a tablespoon of salt to the water.
2. Boiling the Shrimp: Gently add the shrimp to the boiling lemon water. Stir occasionally and cook for about 2-3 minutes or just until the shrimp begin to turn pink.
3. Cooling Down: Drain the shrimp and immediately transfer them to an ice bath. Allow the shrimp to cool for 5 minutes, then drain again. Refrigerate the shrimp while you prepare the other components of the salad.

Assembling the Salad:

1. Mixing the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine the cooled shrimp with mayonnaise, lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix gently.
2. Adding Greens and Herbs: Fold in the fresh dill, chopped chives, minced celery, and red onion into the shrimp mixture.
3. Serving: Lay out the butter leaf lettuce leaves on individual plates. Spoon generous portions of the shrimp salad onto each leaf.
4. Garnish: Optionally, garnish with additional dill or chives to enhance the visual appeal and add a burst of fresh flavor.

Nutritional Information:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 minutes
• Total Time: 12 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Calories: 362 kcal per serving

Conclusion:

This Lemon Dill Shrimp Salad is not just about great flavors; it’s also about bringing a piece of the seaside to your table. The combination of fresh, crisp ingredients with the zesty lemon and aromatic dill makes this salad a perfect choice for any summer meal. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking for a delicious, light meal option, this recipe promises to deliver satisfaction in every bite. Enjoy this delightful dish and the flavors of summer all rolled into one!