Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe

The Best Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe For Summer Bliss

Shrimp lovers will absolutely adore this creamy cucumber shrimp salad that combines fresh ocean flavors with crisp garden vegetables.

Cool ingredients mingle together in a delightful dance of textures and tastes.

Summer afternoons feel instantly brighter with such a refreshing dish on your plate.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings give this recipe an unexpected twist that surprises and delights.

Crunchy cucumbers provide a perfect counterpoint to tender, succulent shrimp nestled in a smooth, tangy dressing.

Quick preparation means you can whip up this elegant meal in mere minutes.

Grab your fork and savor every single bite of this delectable culinary creation.

Why Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Is Refreshing And Light

  • Craft with Ease: This shrimp salad requires minimal cooking skills, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels.
  • Protein-Packed Delight: Loaded with succulent shrimp, the salad provides a healthy protein boost that keeps you satisfied and energized.
  • Cool and Refreshing: The combination of crisp cucumbers, creamy dressing, and zesty dill creates a light, tangy summer dish that's perfect for warm days and outdoor gatherings.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Whether served as a quick lunch, potluck contribution, or elegant appetizer, this salad adapts beautifully to different occasions and meal settings.

Ingredients For Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad

Protein Base:
  • Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides the main protein for the salad.
  • Greek Yogurt: Creamy base that adds tanginess and protein to the dressing.
Vegetables:
  • Cucumber: Crisp and refreshing vegetable that adds cool texture to the salad.
  • Red Onion: Sharp and zesty vegetable that provides a mild bite and color contrast.
Dressing and Seasoning:
  • Mayonnaise, Lemon Juice, Dijon Mustard: Creamy and tangy components that blend to create a smooth, flavorful dressing.
  • Dill, Salt, Pepper: Herbs and seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the salad.

Step By Step Directions For Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad

Step 1: Craft The Silky Dressing

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and pour in Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Whisk everything together until the mixture transforms into a smooth, creamy base that looks glossy and well-blended.

Step 2: Toss In The Ocean’s Treasures

Add these delectable ingredients to your dressing:
  • Tender cooked shrimp
  • Crisp cucumber slices
  • Thinly sliced red onion

Gently fold the ingredients together, ensuring every morsel gets a luxurious coating of the creamy dressing.

Step 3: Sprinkle With Herbal Magic

Shower the salad with freshly chopped dill, then season with salt and pepper. Use a light touch to distribute the herbs and seasonings, creating a harmonious flavor profile.

Step 4: Let Flavors Dance

Cover the bowl and slide it into the refrigerator. Allow the salad to chill for at least 30 minutes, giving the ingredients time to mingle and develop a more intense, cohesive taste.

Step 5: Serve And Savor

Pull out the chilled salad and serve immediately. Each bite promises a cool, creamy, and refreshing experience that celebrates the delicate balance of seafood and garden-fresh ingredients.

Helpful Advice For Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad

  • Opt for fresh, high-quality shrimp to elevate the salad's taste and texture.
  • Drain cucumbers thoroughly to prevent watery dressing and maintain a creamy consistency.
  • Use Greek yogurt for a protein-packed, lighter alternative to traditional mayonnaise-heavy dressings.
  • Experiment with adding chopped herbs like parsley or chives for extra flavor complexity.
  • Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to two days to keep the salad fresh and crisp.

Variations To Try With Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad

  • Mediterranean Shrimp Salad: Replace dill with fresh mint and add crumbled feta cheese, diced cherry tomatoes, and kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired version.
  • Spicy Cajun Shrimp Salad: Mix in Cajun seasoning, add chopped bell peppers, and use a spicy remoulade sauce instead of the yogurt dressing for a zesty kick.
  • Asian-Inspired Cucumber Shrimp Salad: Swap Greek yogurt for sesame-ginger dressing, add sliced green onions, and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top for an eastern flavor profile.
  • Avocado Shrimp Salad: Incorporate diced avocado, replace dill with cilantro, and add a squeeze of lime juice for a creamy, fresh southwestern touch.

What To Serve With Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the shrimp's delicate flavor and cuts through the creamy dressing.
  • Serve with Crusty Bread: Add a side of warm, artisan sourdough or baguette slices to soak up the tangy dressing and provide a delightful textural contrast.
  • Match with Citrus Salad: Create a bright citrus side salad with orange segments and grapefruit to enhance the lemony notes in the cucumber shrimp salad.
  • Complement with Chilled Gazpacho: Offer a small glass of cold tomato gazpacho as a starter to mirror the refreshing and cool nature of the main dish.

Storage Guidelines For Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the salad chilled to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Avoid freezing this salad, as the cucumbers and yogurt-based dressing will separate and lose their creamy texture when thawed.
  • Consume the salad cold directly from the refrigerator. Gently stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and revive the flavors.
  • If the salad seems watery after storage, drain excess liquid and add a fresh sprinkle of chopped dill to refresh the taste and appearance.

FAQs About Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad

  • Is this salad healthy?

Yes, it’s a nutritious dish packed with lean protein from shrimp, low-fat Greek yogurt for creaminess, and fresh cucumbers that provide hydration and vitamins.

  • Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Just thaw them completely, pat dry, and ensure they’re fully cooked before adding to the salad.

  • How long can this salad stay fresh?

The salad stays fresh in the refrigerator for 1-2 days when stored in an airtight container. After that, the cucumbers might release excess water and lose crispness.

  • What if I don't like dill?

No problem! You can substitute dill with fresh chives, parsley, or even fresh basil for a different herb flavor profile.

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Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe

Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe


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4.8 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Refreshing cucumber shrimp salad brings Mediterranean coastal charm to summer dining. Cool, zesty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising delightful flavor combinations that you’ll savor with each crisp, satisfying bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 lb (454 grams) shrimp, cooked and peeled
  • 2 cucumbers, sliced
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon dill, chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard in a spacious mixing vessel until achieving a silky, uniform consistency.
  2. Incorporate tender, pre-cooked shrimp, thinly mandolined cucumbers, and finely sliced red onion into the creamy base, ensuring each morsel is delicately enrobed with the tangy dressing.
  3. Lavishly sprinkle freshly chopped dill across the salad’s surface, then delicately season with kosher salt and cracked black pepper, gently folding to distribute aromatics and seasonings evenly.
  4. Transfer the salad to a sealed container and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes, allowing flavors to harmonize and intensify while maintaining a crisp, cool temperature.
  5. After chilling, give the salad a final gentle toss to reinvigorate the dressing and redistribute ingredients.
  6. Present the cucumber shrimp salad directly from the refrigerator, offering a refreshing, light meal perfect for warm summer gatherings or as an elegant appetizer.

Notes

  • Choose firm, crisp cucumbers to maintain a satisfying crunch and prevent watery texture in the salad.
  • Pat shrimp dry before adding to prevent diluting the creamy dressing and ensure better flavor absorption.
  • For a low-carb version, replace Greek yogurt with full-fat sour cream and use a keto-friendly mayonnaise alternative.
  • Swap raw red onion with pickled or grilled onions to reduce sharp bite and add deeper flavor complexity.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: No cooking method
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 138 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 6 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 20 g
  • Cholesterol: 150 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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