Refreshing Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe for Summer Bliss

My light and refreshing creamy cucumber shrimp salad combines cool ocean flavors with crisp garden ingredients.

Summer afternoons demand simple yet spectacular meal solutions that surprise and delight.

Seafood enthusiasts will appreciate how tender shrimp dance alongside crunchy cucumber slices.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings blend seamlessly into a creamy dressing that coats each delicate morsel.

Chilled ingredients make this dish perfect for warm weather gatherings.

Protein-packed and zesty, this salad promises a quick culinary adventure you can whip up in minutes.

Dive into a plate that will make your taste buds celebrate fresh, vibrant flavors.

Ingredients Needed for Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad

• Shrimp: Tender seafood that provides protein and a delicate flavor to the salad.
• Cucumbers: Fresh vegetables that add crispness and a cool, light texture to the dish.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy bases that create a rich and smooth dressing for the salad.
• Dill: Fragrant herb that adds a tangy and slightly sharp flavor to complement the shrimp.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus that brings a zesty freshness and helps balance the creamy dressing.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor of the salad.

How to Prepare Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad

Step 1: Prepare Shrimp and Cucumber

Clean and chop fresh, plump shrimp into bite-sized pieces. Slice crisp cucumbers into thin, delicate rounds or half-moons. Place the shrimp and cucumber in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring they’re evenly distributed.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Dressing

• Smooth mayonnaise
• Tangy sour cream
• Fresh dill, finely chopped
• Zesty lemon juice
• Pinch of salt
• Dash of black pepper

Whisk the ingredients until they form a harmonious, silky mixture.

Step 3: Combine and Coat

Gently pour the creamy dressing over the shrimp and cucumber. Use a soft spatula or large spoon to toss and coat every morsel, ensuring an even distribution of flavors.

Step 4: Chill and Enhance

Transfer the salad to the refrigerator and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This cooling period allows the flavors to meld and intensify, creating a refreshing and delectable dish perfect for warm days or as a light meal.

Helpful Tips for Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad

• Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture in this light summer salad.
• Seed the cucumbers to prevent excess water from diluting the creamy dressing.
• Let the salad chill for at least an hour to allow flavors to meld and develop a more intense taste profile.
• Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier, tangier alternative that keeps the creamy consistency.
• Garnish with extra fresh dill or chives just before serving to add a bright, herbal touch and enhance the presentation.

Variations to Try with Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad

• Spicy Shrimp Cucumber Remix: Add sriracha or red pepper flakes to the dressing for a fiery kick that transforms the cool salad.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped kalamata olives, and fresh mint to give the salad a Greek-inspired profile.
• Avocado Protein Boost: Mix in diced avocado and replace sour cream with Greek yogurt for a creamy, protein-rich version with extra healthy fats.
• Asian-Inspired Cucumber Shrimp: Replace dill with chopped cilantro, add sesame oil, and splash some rice vinegar for an East Asian flavor palette.

Perfect Pairings for Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad

• Elevate Citrus Refreshment: Pair this creamy shrimp salad with a crisp, chilled sauvignon blanc that complements the bright lemon and dill notes, creating a zesty summer wine experience.
• Match Mediterranean Crunch: Serve alongside garlic-toasted ciabatta or rustic sourdough bread to add textural contrast and soak up the creamy dressing with delightful Mediterranean flair.
• Boost Herbal Harmony: Complement the dill's freshness with a light cucumber-mint spritzer or sparkling water with fresh mint leaves, enhancing the salad's cool, herbaceous profile.
• Create Seafood Balance: Add a small side of crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy shrimp dish and provide a refreshing, tangy counterpoint.

Storage Tips for Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad

• Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep it sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Not recommended due to the creamy dressing and delicate texture of shrimp, which can become watery and lose quality when thawed.
• Gently stir the cold salad to redistribute the dressing before serving. If slightly chilled, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to enhance flavors.
• For best taste and texture, consume within 24 hours. Drain any excess liquid that may form during refrigeration before serving.

FAQs Regarding Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad

• Is this salad healthy?

This dish offers a good balance of protein from shrimp and low-calorie cucumbers, making it a nutritious option packed with lean protein and fresh vegetables.

• Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Thaw frozen shrimp completely and pat dry before using to ensure the best texture and prevent excess water in the salad.

• How do I know if the shrimp is cooked properly?

Shrimp should turn pink and curl into a “C” shape when fully cooked. Overcooked shrimp will look tight and form a complete “O” shape, becoming rubbery.

• What type of dill works best in this recipe?

Fresh dill provides the most vibrant flavor, but dried dill can work as a substitute. If using dried, use about one-third the amount of fresh dill called for in the recipe.

What Makes Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad So Refreshing

• Craft a Refreshing Seafood Delight: This cucumber shrimp salad offers a cool, creamy escape from traditional heavy dishes, perfect for seafood lovers seeking a light yet satisfying meal.
• Simplify Your Cooking Experience: With just a few basic ingredients and minimal preparation steps, anyone can create this restaurant-quality salad without complex culinary skills.
• Adapt for Every Gathering: Whether you're hosting a summer barbecue, planning a picnic, or need a quick lunch option, this versatile recipe fits seamlessly into multiple social settings and meal plans.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Packed with protein from shrimp and hydrating cucumbers, this dish provides a healthy alternative to standard salad recipes while delivering maximum flavor and minimal guilt.

Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Cool summer nights welcome this creamy cucumber shrimp salad with zesty Mediterranean flair. Fresh shrimp nestled among crisp cucumbers and herbed dressing make delightful bites perfect for light dining you’ll savor with each refreshing forkful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables:

• 2 cucumbers, thinly sliced

Dressing and Seasoning:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Gently combine chilled, cooked shrimp with crisp, thinly sliced cucumbers in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Craft a luxurious dressing by whisking together tangy mayonnaise, velvety sour cream, fragrant fresh dill, zesty lemon juice, and a delicate blend of seasoning.
3. Drizzle the creamy dressing over the seafood and vegetable mixture, carefully folding to ensure every morsel is generously coated.
4. Refrigerate the salad for approximately 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify, creating a refreshing and harmonious dish.
5. Before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss to redistribute the dressing and maintain the ingredients’ pristine texture.

Notes

• Opt for fresh, high-quality shrimp to ensure the best flavor and texture in your salad.
• Seed the cucumbers to prevent excess moisture and maintain a crisp, refreshing crunch.
• Use Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative to sour cream for a healthier version of the dressing.
• Chill the salad longer for more intense flavor development and better melding of ingredients.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: No-cook
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 180 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 16 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg