The vibrant flavors of this Creamy Lemon-Herb Shrimp Salad make it an irresistible go-to for any warm-weather meal. With tender shrimp, crunchy celery, and a refreshing citrusy dressing, it delivers the perfect balance of texture and taste. Fresh dill and zesty lemon brighten the creamy base, making every bite pop with flavor.
Best of all, this dish comes together in just minutes and requires zero cooking, making it a favorite for busy days, outdoor gatherings, or even meal prep. Whether you serve it over crisp greens, inside a sandwich roll, or alongside crackers for a quick bite, it’s a versatile recipe that fits any occasion.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb (450g) cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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2 tbsp sour cream
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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Juice of 1 lemon
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1 tsp lemon zest
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2 celery stalks, finely diced
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1/4 red onion, finely chopped
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1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Butter lettuce leaves or mixed greens, for serving
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Optional: sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber for garnish
Directions:
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In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped dill until smooth and creamy.
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Add the cooked shrimp, celery, and red onion to the dressing and gently mix to coat all ingredients evenly.
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Season with salt and black pepper to taste. For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes before serving.
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Serve over a bed of butter lettuce or mixed greens. Optionally, garnish with sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 10 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal per serving | Servings: 4 servings
A Beloved Summer Staple
Shrimp salad has long been cherished for its versatility, flavor, and refreshing nature. It’s one of those dishes that checks all the boxes—it’s easy to make, packed with protein, customizable to suit different palates, and perfect for warm-weather meals. Whether served on a bed of crisp greens, tucked into a sandwich roll, or spooned into lettuce cups for a low-carb option, this salad delivers every time.
In this version, cooked shrimp is tossed in a creamy, zesty dressing made from mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and fresh dill. The result is a rich yet refreshing combination that pairs beautifully with the natural sweetness of the shrimp. Finely chopped celery and red onion add a crunchy contrast, making every bite texturally satisfying.
The Charm of Shrimp in Salads
Shrimp is one of the most popular seafood choices globally, not just because of its sweet, tender meat but also because it cooks quickly and pairs well with a variety of flavors. In salads, shrimp becomes a lean protein that’s elegant yet approachable. It adds sophistication to what might otherwise be a simple dish, and its natural flavor shines when paired with citrus and herbs.
Unlike chicken or beef salads that can feel heavy, shrimp salad offers a lighter alternative. It’s a perfect make-ahead dish that holds up well in the fridge, making it ideal for meal prep, picnics, or casual lunch gatherings. It also suits a variety of dietary preferences including gluten-free, keto, and low-carb lifestyles.
Why the Creamy Dressing Works So Well
The creamy base in this shrimp salad plays a crucial role in tying everything together. While some seafood salads lean toward vinaigrettes or olive oil-based dressings, the mayonnaise and sour cream blend in this recipe adds indulgence without overwhelming the natural flavor of the shrimp. The Dijon mustard adds a subtle kick, while lemon juice cuts through the richness and adds brightness.
The addition of dill is particularly impactful. Dill has a slightly tangy, almost citrus-like flavor that complements seafood beautifully. When combined with lemon zest, it elevates the dish to something you’d expect at a high-end café, yet it’s made with ingredients easily found in most home kitchens.
Ideal Occasions for Serving Shrimp Salad
This shrimp salad is a true all-occasion dish. For busy weeknights, it offers a no-cook option that can be ready in just minutes. For weekend brunches, it adds a sophisticated touch to the spread. And during warmer months, it’s perfect for alfresco meals, barbecues, or as part of a chilled lunch plate.
It’s also a great dish for entertaining. Served in small pastry cups or on cucumber rounds, it becomes an elegant appetizer. Placed in a bowl with crackers on the side, it can be a crowd-pleasing dip. The ability to scale the recipe up or down means you can easily adapt it for a single serving or a large group.
Nutritional Benefits
From a nutrition standpoint, shrimp is a low-calorie, high-protein ingredient that also provides essential vitamins and minerals like selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine. Combined with the crunchy vegetables, this salad provides fiber and micronutrients without unnecessary carbs.
For those watching their carb intake, this shrimp salad is naturally low in carbohydrates and can be enjoyed on its own, in lettuce wraps, or with keto-friendly sides. Swapping in Greek yogurt for some of the mayonnaise or sour cream can further lighten the dish without sacrificing creaminess.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This shrimp salad stores exceptionally well. In fact, allowing it to chill in the refrigerator for 15 to 30 minutes before serving can enhance the flavors, letting the dressing meld beautifully with the shrimp and veggies.
When stored in an airtight container, it will keep fresh for up to 3 days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving. For best results, avoid freezing, as the creamy dressing and vegetables may not hold up well to thawing.
If you’re meal prepping, consider storing the dressing separately from the shrimp and vegetables until you’re ready to eat. This helps maintain the texture and prevents the celery from becoming soggy.
How to Customize the Recipe
This recipe is incredibly forgiving and easy to adjust to personal preferences. Here are a few popular customizations:
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Avocado: Add diced avocado for creaminess and healthy fats.
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Spice: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce for heat.
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Greek Yogurt: Swap some or all of the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter version.
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Add-ins: Consider mixing in chopped boiled eggs, capers, or diced pickles for extra complexity.
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Serving style: Serve over a toasted baguette slice, inside a croissant, or layered in a mason jar with greens for a picnic-friendly option.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair this shrimp salad with a chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for a refreshing lunch or light dinner. On the non-alcoholic side, sparkling water with a splash of lemon or cucumber mint-infused water makes an ideal match.
For sides, consider serving it with crusty bread, grilled corn, or a light couscous salad. If you want to keep things light and carb-free, go for a bed of arugula, butter lettuce, or cabbage slaw.
The Universal Appeal of Seafood Salads
Seafood salads have a timeless appeal across cultures. From Mediterranean octopus salads to Southern-style crab or shrimp remoulade, every region has its own version. This creamy shrimp salad sits comfortably in that tradition while offering a balance of ease, elegance, and versatility.
People love dishes that feel special but don’t require complex techniques—and this shrimp salad delivers just that. With basic pantry ingredients and a handful of fresh components, you get a dish that looks and tastes gourmet with very little effort.
Conclusion
This creamy shrimp salad is more than just a recipe—it’s a celebration of simplicity and flavor. Whether you’re entertaining, meal prepping, or just craving something light yet satisfying, this dish fits the bill. It brings together the fresh brightness of lemon and dill with the richness of a creamy dressing and the delicate sweetness of shrimp for a combination that’s hard to beat.
With its adaptability and nutritional benefits, it’s a recipe you’ll want to revisit all year long. Try it once, and it’s likely to become a staple in your kitchen, loved by seafood fans and picky eaters alike.