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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Immediately transfer shrimp to an ice bath, ensuring rapid cooling and preventing overcooking. Once thoroughly chilled, carefully peel the shrimp, removing shells and tails.
- Chop cucumber, celery, radish, red onion, and fresh dill into uniform, bite-sized pieces to create a crisp, textural base for the salad.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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