Easy Summer Salad Shrimp Recipe Everyone Will Love

Crisp greens meet succulent shrimp in a refreshing salad that dances with vibrant flavors.

Mediterranean ingredients weave magic through each delectable bite.

Seafood lovers will adore this light, zesty creation bursting with color and nutrition.

Fresh herbs and tangy dressing complement the plump, juicy shrimp perfectly.

Quick and simple preparation makes this dish a weeknight champion for busy cooks.

Serve chilled and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight.

Salad Shrimp That Adds Freshness and Flavor

• Quick and Simple Preparation: Craft a delightful shrimp salad with minimal cooking steps, making it perfect for busy individuals seeking a nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Versatile Ingredient Combination: Blend fresh shrimp with crisp vegetables like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and creamy avocado, creating a balanced and satisfying dish that appeals to various taste preferences.
• Healthy Protein-Packed Option: Leverage the nutritional benefits of shrimp, which offers lean protein and essential nutrients, while incorporating fresh vegetables for a light, refreshing, and wholesome dining experience.
• Customizable Flavor Profile: Experiment with different dressing variations using olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings to personalize the salad's taste, allowing home cooks to adapt the recipe to their unique culinary style.

Ingredients to Build Fresh and Tasty Salad Shrimp

Main Ingredients:

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides the primary protein source for the salad.
• Mixed Greens: Tender leafy base that creates the foundation of the salad.

• Cucumber, Cherry Tomatoes: Crisp vegetables that add refreshing texture and vibrant color to the salad.
• Avocado: Creamy ingredient that offers rich, smooth flavor and healthy fats.

• Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, Salt, Pepper: Classic seasoning blend that creates a zesty, light vinaigrette to enhance the salad's overall flavor profile.

• Water, Paper Towels: Essential for preparing and handling ingredients during the cooking and preparation process.

How to Prepare Salad Shrimp Simply

Step 1: Clean and Cook Shrimp

Thaw frozen shrimp under cold running water for 10-15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with paper towels.

Check for deveining, removing the dark intestinal tract along the back. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil.

Gently add shrimp and cook until they turn pink (about 3-5 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Immediately drain and plunge into ice water to stop cooking and preserve tender texture.

Step 2: Chop Fresh Vegetables

Wash all produce carefully under cool running water.

• Peel and dice cucumbers into bite-sized cubes
• Halve cherry tomatoes
• Wash mixed greens and spin dry
• Tear larger greens into smaller pieces
• Split avocado lengthwise, remove pit
• Slice avocado into elegant thin wedges

Step 3: Create Salad Base

• Spread mixed greens as the foundation
• Scatter chopped cucumbers evenly
• Distribute cherry tomato halves
• Place chilled shrimp across the top
• Arrange avocado slices decoratively

Step 4: Whip Up Zesty Dressing

• Olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk ingredients until smooth and well-blended.

Drizzle generously over salad. Toss gently to ensure even coating.

Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors!

Tips to Make Salad Shrimp Delicious Every Time

• Swap frozen shrimp for precooked or grilled varieties to save preparation time and reduce cooking steps.
• Keep shrimp tender by avoiding overcooking; remove from heat immediately when they turn pink to prevent rubbery texture.
• Mix different greens like spinach, arugula, or kale for added nutritional variety and enhanced flavor profile.
• Use fresh herbs such as cilantro or dill to boost the salad's aromatic qualities and provide extra zesty notes.
• Select light, citrus-based dressings like lemon vinaigrette to complement the shrimp's delicate seafood flavor without overwhelming other ingredients.

Creative Variations on Salad Shrimp

• Spicy Shrimp Salad Sensation: Replace regular shrimp with blackened or Cajun-seasoned shrimp for a zesty kick. Add sliced jalapeños and a spicy chili lime dressing to enhance heat levels.
• Mediterranean Seafood Remix: Swap shrimp for grilled calamari or white fish. Incorporate feta cheese, kalamata olives, and a Greek-style yogurt dressing for Mediterranean flair.
• Gluten-Free Protein Powerhouse: Use quinoa as base instead of mixed greens. Add roasted chickpeas for extra protein and swap traditional dressing with herb-infused olive oil for clean eating option.

Pairings That Complement Salad Shrimp Perfectly

• Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly match the light, fresh shrimp salad with their bright, zesty notes that complement the seafood's delicate flavor profile.
• Serve warm ciabatta or focaccia alongside the salad to provide a satisfying textural contrast and soak up the tangy vinaigrette, adding depth to each bite.
• Add a splash of lemon or lime-infused sparkling water to enhance the salad's refreshing qualities, creating a crisp and palate-cleansing drinking experience that mirrors the dish's vibrant ingredients.

Storage Ideas for Salad Shrimp

• Refrigeration: Store leftover shrimp salad in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Separate wet ingredients from dry components to prevent sogginess.
• Freezing: Avoid freezing this salad as the vegetables and shrimp will lose their crisp texture and become watery when thawed. Shrimp tends to become rubbery after freezing and defrosting.
• Quick Reheating: Gently warm shrimp in the microwave for 30-45 seconds on low power, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly. Add fresh greens and avocado just before serving to maintain crispness.
• Refreshing Tip: If salad seems dry after refrigeration, drizzle a small amount of fresh lemon juice or additional dressing to revive flavors and moisture before serving.

FAQs

• Are shrimp safe to eat raw in this salad?

No, always cook shrimp thoroughly until they turn completely pink to eliminate potential foodborne bacteria. Cooking ensures both safety and best flavor.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen shrimp work perfectly. Just thaw them properly under cold water and ensure they’re completely defrosted before cooking.

• How do I know when shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn completely pink and curl slightly. This typically takes 3-5 minutes of boiling. Be careful not to overcook, as they can become tough and rubbery.

Salad Shrimp Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty Mediterranean shrimp salad delivers fresh Mediterranean flavors with crisp vegetables and succulent seafood. Herbs and lemon vinaigrette elevate this light, refreshing dish you’ll crave all summer long.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (453 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 4 cups (960 ml) mixed greens
• 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cucumber, sliced
• 1 avocado, diced
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) dressing (olive oil-based or citrus vinaigrette)

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Instructions

1. Defrost frozen shrimp under cold running water for 10-15 minutes, then rinse and pat dry. For fresh shrimp, ensure they are deveined.
2. Boil salted water at high heat, carefully add shrimp and cook until pink (3-5 minutes). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Immediately drain cooked shrimp into ice water to stop cooking and maintain tender texture.
4. Thoroughly wash all vegetables under cool running water.
5. Dice cucumbers into half-inch cubes after optional peeling. Halve cherry tomatoes and set aside.
6. Wash mixed greens gently, using salad spinner or kitchen towel to dry. Tear larger leaves into smaller, uniform pieces.
7. Slice avocado lengthwise, remove pit, and cut into thin wedges.
8. Select a large mixing bowl or platter for assembly.
9. Create base layer with four cups of mixed greens.
10. Layer chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and chilled shrimp evenly across the greens.
11. Arrange avocado slices on top for visual appeal.
12. Prepare vinaigrette by whisking olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
13. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss lightly to ensure even distribution.
14. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

Notes

• Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture in your salad.
• Avoid overcooking shrimp by watching carefully and removing from heat as soon as they turn pink to prevent rubbery texture.
• Quickly cool shrimp in ice water after boiling to stop the cooking process and maintain their tender, juicy consistency.
• Feel free to customize the salad with additional vegetables or swap ingredients based on seasonal availability or personal preferences.
• Consider using pre-cooked shrimp to save time, but be sure to check for freshness and quality before adding to the salad.
• Experiment with different dressing options like a light citrus vinaigrette or a creamy avocado dressing to add extra flavor complexity.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 15 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg