Refreshing Nordic Shrimp Salad Recipe for Summer Gatherings

Crisp summer days invite a delightful nordic shrimp salad that celebrates fresh, vibrant ingredients.

Scandinavian coastal traditions inspire this light, refreshing dish.

Cool waters surrounding norway and sweden yield succulent seafood perfect for such a recipe.

Herbs and delicate greens complement the sweet, tender shrimp beautifully.

Each bite promises a burst of ocean-inspired flavors that dance across your palate.

Nordic cuisine’s simplicity shines through in this elegant, uncomplicated preparation.

Let this recipe transport you to a breezy scandinavian shoreline with its pure, clean taste.

Variations of Nordic Shrimp Salad

• Nordic Seafood Fusion: Replace shrimp with a mix of poached salmon and crab meat for a rich, oceanic flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Refresh: Swap dill for fresh basil and mint, add kalamata olives, and use Greek yogurt in the dressing for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Spicy Scandinavian Kick: Incorporate smoked paprika, pickled jalapeños, and horseradish into the dressing for a bold, zesty Nordic-style salad.
• Protein-Packed Power Salad: Mix in quinoa, toasted pine nuts, and grilled chicken to transform the light shrimp salad into a hearty meal option.

Pairings for Nordic Shrimp Salad

• Pairing Power-Ups for Nordic Shrimp Salad
• Crisp White Wine Match: Serve a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the delicate seafood and bright herbal notes of the salad.
• Rustic Bread Companion: Pair with toasted sourdough or rye bread to add a hearty texture that balances the light, refreshing shrimp mixture.
• Sparkling Citrus Spritzer: Create a zesty lemon-herb sparkling water with fresh dill and cucumber slices to enhance the salad's maritime freshness.
• Crisp Cucumber Side: Add a simple cucumber salad with dill and light vinaigrette to echo the salad's Nordic-inspired ingredients and provide a cool, crunchy counterpoint.

Storing Nordic Shrimp Salad Properly

Store leftover Nordic Shrimp Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep cold to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.

Not recommended due to mayonnaise and yogurt-based dressing, which can separate and lose texture when thawed.

Carefully warm in microwave at 50% power for 30 seconds, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Best enjoyed chilled for optimal taste and texture.

If salad seems dry after storage, add a small dollop of fresh yogurt or a squeeze of lemon juice to revive the creamy consistency before serving.

FAQs

• What type of shrimp works best for this salad?

Nordic or cold-water shrimp are ideal, but you can use fresh, medium-sized peeled shrimp from any clean, cold ocean region like Alaska or Norway.

• How can I tell if the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Look for a bright pink color and a slight curl in the shrimp. They should be firm but not rubbery, and the cooking time is typically 4-5 minutes in simmering liquid.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the salad and dressing separately and combine just before serving to keep the texture crisp. The salad stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

What Makes Nordic Shrimp Salad Special

• Craft Quick Seafood Delight: Nordic shrimp salad delivers a sophisticated yet simple protein-packed meal that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary culinary experience.
• Customize with Ease: Versatile serving options like lettuce cups, toast, or avocado boats allow seamless adaptation to personal preferences and dietary needs.
• Boost Nutritional Profile: Packed with lean protein from shrimp, crisp vegetables, and protein-rich yogurt, this recipe provides a balanced and healthy meal solution.
• Master Gourmet Technique: Poaching shrimp with aromatic herbs creates restaurant-quality results, empowering home cooks to elevate their seafood preparation skills.

Ingredients for Nordic Shrimp Salad

• Nordic Shrimp: Fresh and delicate seafood that provides the main protein for the salad.

• Bay Leaves, Thyme, Parsley, Dill: Fragrant herbs that add depth and freshness to the shrimp flavor.
• Sea Salt, Lemon Juice, Lemon Halves: Seasonings that enhance and brighten the seafood's natural taste.
• Seafood Seasoning: A blend of spices that complements the shrimp's delicate flavor.

• Cucumber, Celery, Radish, Red Onion: Crisp vegetables that provide texture and a refreshing crunch to the salad.

• Mayonnaise, Yogurt: Creamy bases that create a smooth and rich dressing.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy and slightly sharp flavor to the dressing.

• Lettuce, Lettuce Cups, Toast, Avocado: Versatile serving options that complement the shrimp salad.

How to Prepare Nordic Shrimp Salad

Step 1: Prepare Poaching Liquid

Create a flavorful poaching bath by combining water, sea salt, lemon juice, and lemon halves. Add aromatic herbs like bay leaves, thyme, parsley, and seafood seasoning.

Bring the liquid to a rolling boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.

Step 2: Cook Shrimp Perfectly

Gently lower the shrimp into the simmering liquid.

Cook for 4-5 minutes until the shrimp turn a vibrant pink and curl slightly. This indicates they’re cooked through but still tender and juicy.

Step 3: Shock and Peel Shrimp

Immediately transfer the cooked shrimp to an ice bath. This stops the cooking process and ensures crisp, tender shrimp.

Once completely chilled, carefully peel the shrimp, removing shells and tails.

Step 4: Chop Fresh Vegetables

• Cucumber
• Celery
• Radish
• Red onion
• Fresh dill

Chop all ingredients into uniform, bite-sized pieces to create a crunchy and visually appealing base for the salad.

Step 5: Create Creamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Yogurt
• Dijon mustard
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Pepper

Adjust the consistency by adding more lemon juice if needed. The dressing should be creamy but not too thick.

Step 6: Combine and Toss

Add the peeled shrimp to the chopped vegetables. Pour the prepared dressing over the mixture.

Gently toss to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle additional fresh dill on top for extra flavor and visual appeal.

• Over crisp lettuce
• Inside lettuce cups
• On toasted bread
• Nestled in a halved avocado

Tips for Nordic Shrimp Salad

• Avoid overcooking shrimp by watching for the pink color and curled shape, which indicate they're done and tender.
• Use an ice bath immediately after cooking to stop the cooking process and preserve the shrimp's delicate texture and prevent rubbery consistency.
• Whisk dressing ingredients thoroughly to create a smooth, well-blended sauce that coats each ingredient evenly without clumping.
• Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or vegan alternatives for a lighter, healthier version that maintains creamy texture.
• Add fresh herbs like chives or tarragon to boost the salad's aromatic profile and create more depth in the overall taste.

Nordic Shrimp Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Scandinavian coastal charm shines through this Nordic shrimp salad, blending crisp vegetables with delicate prawns. Fresh ingredients and light dressing create a refreshing summer dish that connects you to Nordic culinary traditions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) large or jumbo shrimp, shell-on
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped dill
• 1 handful fresh thyme leaves
• 1 handful fresh flat-leaf parsley

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1/2 cup finely diced cucumber
• 1/2 cup finely diced celery
• 1/3 cup finely diced radish
• 1/4 cup minced red onion
• 2 lemons, halved
• 2 handfuls fresh lettuce, chopped

Seasoning and Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons seafood seasoning (Old Bay or Zatarains)
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• 3 bay leaves
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup Skyr or Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 3 teaspoons lemon juice
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the poaching liquid by combining water, sea salt, lemon juice, lemon halves, bay leaves, thyme, parsley, and seafood seasoning in a large pot. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 5 minutes to infuse flavors.
2. Gently lower the shrimp into the aromatic liquid, maintaining a medium-low temperature. Cook for 4-5 minutes until shrimp turn pink and curl slightly, indicating perfect doneness.
3. Immediately transfer shrimp to an ice bath, ensuring rapid cooling and preventing overcooking. Once thoroughly chilled, carefully peel the shrimp, removing shells and tails.
4. Chop cucumber, celery, radish, red onion, and fresh dill into uniform, bite-sized pieces to create a crisp, textural base for the salad.
5. Create the creamy dressing by whisking mayonnaise, yogurt, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth. Season with salt and pepper, adjusting consistency with additional lemon juice if needed.
6. Combine the peeled shrimp with chopped vegetables in a mixing bowl. Pour the prepared dressing over the ingredients and gently fold to ensure even coating.
7. Garnish with additional fresh dill for an extra burst of herbal flavor. Serve the salad chilled on a bed of lettuce, inside lettuce cups, atop crusty toast, or nestled in a halved avocado.

Notes

• Chill shrimp immediately after poaching to stop cooking and maintain tender texture, preventing rubbery consistency.
• Use fresh, high-quality seafood seasoning for maximum flavor depth in poaching liquid.
• Select small Nordic or cold-water shrimp for authentic taste and delicate texture.
• Customize salad for dietary needs by substituting yogurt with Greek yogurt for extra protein or using vegan mayo for plant-based version.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Nordic

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 165 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1.5 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 195 mg