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Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad: A Refreshing and Flavorful Delight
If you’re looking for a light yet satisfying dish that’s packed with flavor, Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad should be at the top of your list. This delightful salad combines the crisp freshness of cucumbers with the rich, savory taste of shrimp, all brought together with a creamy dressing. It’s perfect for a summer meal, a light lunch, or even as a side dish for dinner. What makes this salad even better is how quick and easy it is to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy days when you crave something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a healthy, refreshing option, this creamy cucumber shrimp salad will hit the spot. Let’s dive into the details of how to make this delectable dish.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
- Fresh and Crunchy: The cucumbers provide a cool, crisp texture, making every bite refreshing and light.
- Rich and Creamy: The dressing, made with creamy ingredients like mayo and Greek yogurt, adds a delicious richness without being too heavy.
- Flavorful Shrimp: Shrimp adds a protein-packed boost to the salad, with its sweet, savory flavor perfectly complementing the creamy dressing and crunchy cucumbers.
- Easy to Make: This salad is simple to prepare and doesn’t require complicated ingredients or a lot of cooking time.
- Healthy and Light: With fresh veggies, lean protein from shrimp, and a light creamy dressing, this salad is a healthy, satisfying option for any meal.
Ingredients for Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad
Here’s what you’ll need to make this quick and refreshing salad:
For the Salad:
- 1 lb. cooked shrimp (peeled and deveined, fresh or frozen)
- 2 medium cucumbers (sliced thin)
- 1 small red onion (finely sliced)
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh dill (chopped, or use dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (for a zesty touch)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
For the Creamy Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (use light mayo or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (adds a tangy richness)
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (for a little kick)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for extra brightness)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 clove of minced garlic)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for a smooth, silky texture)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
If you’re using cooked shrimp (which is the most convenient option), simply thaw it if frozen, then give it a quick rinse under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. You can also season the shrimp with a pinch of salt and pepper, or a squeeze of lemon, to add extra flavor.
If you’re starting with raw shrimp, cook them in a pan with a little olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt until they turn pink and opaque (about 2-3 minutes per side). Once cooked, remove from heat, let them cool slightly, and chop into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Slice the Vegetables
Thinly slice the cucumbers and red onion. If you prefer, you can use a mandolin slicer to ensure the cucumber slices are uniform in thickness. This will add a crisp texture to the salad that balances out the creamy dressing.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If you like your dressing a little tangier, you can adjust the amount of lemon juice or Dijon mustard.
Step 4: Combine All Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooked shrimp, sliced cucumbers, red onion, and fresh dill. Once the ingredients are well combined, pour the creamy dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
For best results, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. However, if you’re short on time, you can serve it immediately. Garnish with extra fresh dill, a squeeze of lemon, or a pinch of cracked bl
