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Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad

Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad
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Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad is a light, refreshing dish featuring crisp cucumbers and succulent shrimp tossed in a tangy creamy dressing. Perfect for warm days, quick lunches, or gatherings, it offers a vibrant mix of textures and flavors that’s quick to prepare and visually appealing.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 medium firm, crisp cucumbers (peeled and sliced into half-moons or small cubes)
  • 12 oz cooked peeled and deveined shrimp
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Herbs & Optional Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion (optional)

Variations (Optional)

  • 1/2 ripe avocado, diced (for extra creaminess)
  • Dash of cayenne pepper or 1 chopped jalapeño (for a spicy kick)
  • Substitute Greek yogurt/mayonnaise with coconut cream or vegan mayo (for dairy-free version)
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro (as an alternative herb)
  • 2 tablespoons toasted nuts or seeds (for crunch upgrade)

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Ingredients: Peel and slice the cucumbers into thin half-moons or small cubes based on your preference. If using raw shrimp, quickly sauté or boil them until pink and opaque, then let them cool completely.
  2. Make the Creamy Dressing: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt or mayonnaise with freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until smooth and creamy. Add minced garlic or finely chopped red onion if desired to enhance the flavor.
  3. Toss Salad Together: Gently fold the prepared cucumbers and shrimp into the creamy dressing, ensuring every piece is evenly coated without crushing the ingredients.
  4. Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in the chopped dill, parsley, or your preferred herb to introduce fresh aromatic notes and brighten the salad.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.

Notes

  • Use seedless Persian or English cucumbers to avoid excess wateriness and keep the salad crisp.
  • Start with less dressing and add more gradually to maintain a light, creamy texture without making the salad soggy.
  • For best taste and texture, buy fresh shrimp and cook just before preparation.
  • Keep cucumbers and shrimp chilled to amplify the refreshing quality and maintain crispness.
  • Allow the salad to rest chilled for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors fully develop.
  • Salting and draining cucumbers for 10 minutes before mixing helps reduce excess moisture.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days for best freshness.
  • Freezing is not recommended as cucumbers lose crispness and dressing may separate.
  • This salad is best served cold or at room temperature; avoid reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: Cucumber shrimp salad, creamy shrimp salad, refreshing shrimp salad, light seafood salad, summer salad, healthy shrimp dish, shrimp and cucumber, creamy dressing salad

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/creamy-cucumber-shrimp-salad/