Description
This vibrant shrimp salad is a burst of fresh flavors, perfect for a light lunch or an elegant appetizer. Tender shrimp mingle with crisp vegetables and a zesty lemon-dill dressing, creating a dish that’s both refreshing and utterly satisfying. It’s the kind of bright, cheerful meal that’s perfect for a sunny afternoon or a simple yet sophisticated gathering.
Ingredients
water
2 bay leaves
1/2 lemon
salt
16 jumbo tiger shrimp , peeled and deveined (thawed if frozen)
1 Cubanelle pepper, finely diced (sweet)
1/2 red onion, finely diced
2 jalapeños, finely diced
1/2 tablespoon lemon zest
3 tablespoons chives, finely chopped
1/4 cup dill, finely chopped and fresh
1/3 cup mayo, I use Vegenaise
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon relish
salt and pepper , to taste
Instructions
In a large pot, combine about 4 cups of water, bay leaves, the juice of half a lemon, the squeezed lemon half, and a generous pinch of salt. Bring this mixture to a boil over high heat.
Once boiling, turn off the heat. Add the raw shrimp, cover the pot, and let them cook for 3 minutes, or until they turn pink and curl. While the shrimp cook, prepare a large bowl of ice water.
After 3 minutes, carefully remove the shrimp from the hot water using a spider strainer or small strainer and place them into the ice water bath. Let them chill for 1 to 2 minutes, then move them to a plate and set aside.
In a mixing bowl, combine the diced pepper, red onion, jalapeos, lemon zest, chopped chives, fresh dill, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and relish. Add salt and pepper to your liking.
Add the peeled and chilled shrimp to the bowl.
Gently toss all the ingredients together until well combined. Serve and enjoy.
Notes
Shrimp cook very quickly. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and lose their sweet flavor. Watch them closely and remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink.
Ensuring the shrimp are well-chilled before mixing is essential for a refreshing salad. This also allows the flavors to meld beautifully without the dressing becoming warm.
When combining your shrimp salad, use a light hand. Over-stirring can break up the shrimp and alter the texture you’re aiming for.
For the best texture and distribution of flavors, ensure your celery and red onion are chopped into small, uniform pieces.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American