Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a salad that’s as refreshing as a summer breeze, you’ve got to try my Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad! This dish is a delightful mix of succulent shrimp and crisp cucumbers, all wrapped up in a creamy dressing that’s just bursting with flavor. Seriously, every bite is like a little celebration! It’s perfect for hot days when you want something light yet satisfying. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up, making it a go-to for lunch or a quick dinner. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients List
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups cucumber, diced
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad
Making this Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad is a breeze! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a refreshing dish ready in no time. Just remember, chilling time is key for letting all those flavors mingle beautifully!
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, toss in the peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn a lovely pink color. You’ll know they’re done when they curl slightly. Drain and let them cool!
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, chopped dill, and a pinch of salt and pepper. I love giving it a good stir until it’s all creamy and smooth. This dressing is where the magic happens, so don’t skimp on mixing!
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
Now, it’s time for the fun part! Add the cooled shrimp and diced cucumber to your dressing. Gently toss everything together until the shrimp and cucumbers are well coated. Be careful not to break the shrimp; you want them to stay nice and plump!
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
Don’t skip this step! Transfer your salad to the fridge and let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to develop and makes the salad even more refreshing. Trust me, it’s worth the wait!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
- Incredibly refreshing, this salad is a fantastic way to cool down on a hot day.
- Packed with protein from the shrimp, it’s a healthy choice that keeps you satisfied.
- The creamy dressing is rich and flavorful, yet light—just what you want in a summer salad!
- Perfect for meal prep, you can whip up a batch ahead of time and enjoy it all week.
- It’s versatile, too! Serve it on its own, over greens, or in a sandwich.
Tips for Success
To make your Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad the best it can be, here are some of my favorite tips! First, choose the freshest shrimp you can find; it makes all the difference in flavor. Also, if you want an extra zing, consider adding a touch more lemon juice or a sprinkle of zest. For an added crunch, serve the salad on a bed of crisp lettuce or even in avocado halves—yum! And don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Trust me, these little details can elevate your salad from good to amazing!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of my Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad: about 250 calories, 10g of fat (with 2g saturated), 25g of protein, and 10g of carbohydrates. Plus, it has around 600mg of sodium and just 3g of sugar. Keep in mind, these are estimates, but they give you a good idea of this deliciously healthy dish!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. It works like a charm!
How long can I store leftovers?
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just keep it in an airtight container.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a few hours in advance, but I recommend adding the cucumbers right before serving to keep them crisp.
What can I substitute for the Greek yogurt?
If you prefer, you can use sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt alternative for a similar creamy texture.
Is it okay to add other vegetables?
Of course! Feel free to throw in diced bell peppers, celery, or even avocado for extra flavor and crunch!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad fresh, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It should be good for up to 2 days, but trust me, it’s best enjoyed within the first day for maximum freshness and crunch! I don’t recommend reheating this salad, as it’s meant to be served cold. If you’ve made a big batch, simply give it a good stir before serving again. And if the cucumbers start to lose their crispness, just toss in a few fresh ones to liven it up! Enjoy your refreshing treat!
For more delicious salad recipes, check out this creamy cucumber salad or avocado salsa shrimp salad.
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Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad: 5 Steps to Pure Delight
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A refreshing and creamy salad featuring shrimp and cucumbers.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups cucumber, diced
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil shrimp in salted water for 2-3 minutes until pink. Drain and cool.
- In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Add cooled shrimp and diced cucumber to the dressing.
- Toss gently to combine.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Serve on a bed of lettuce for added crunch.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Best served cold.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad