Ingredients
For the Salad
- 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 large English cucumbers
- ½ teaspoon salt (for the cucumbers)
- 1 cup diced celery (optional for extra crunch)
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For the Shrimp
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Creamy Dressing
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 2 tablespoons fresh)
- Salt to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumbers
Wash the cucumbers thoroughly. Slice them into thick half-moons or bite-sized chunks. Sprinkle with salt and let them rest in a colander for about 15–20 minutes. This helps draw out excess moisture so the salad stays creamy instead of watery.
Pat the cucumbers dry with paper towels.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil.
Cook the shrimp for 2–3 minutes until pink and opaque.
Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and keep them tender.
Drain thoroughly.
Alternatively, sauté the shrimp in olive oil with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper for about 2 minutes per side.
Allow them to cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
In a medium bowl combine:
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Dijon mustard
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dill
- Honey
- Salt
- Black pepper
Whisk until completely smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl combine:
- Shrimp
- Cucumbers
- Celery
- Red onion
- Fresh dill
- Parsley
Pour the dressing over everything.
Fold gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated.
Avoid overmixing to keep the shrimp intact.
Step 5: Chill
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
This resting time allows all the flavors to blend beautifully.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is delicious served:
- With toasted sourdough bread
- Inside croissants
- Wrapped in lettuce leaves
- Over mixed greens
- With crackers as an appetizer
- Alongside grilled vegetables
- As a filling for pita bread
- With avocado slices
- Next to roasted potatoes
- On a buffet table for summer parties
Tips for Success
- Use fresh shrimp whenever possible.
- English cucumbers work best because they contain fewer seeds.
- Dry the cucumbers thoroughly before mixing.
- Chill the salad before serving.
- Fresh dill provides the brightest flavor.
- Add avocado just before serving if desired.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon right before eating brightens the flavors.
- Do not overcook the shrimp or they may become rubbery.
Optional Add-Ins
Customize your salad with:
- Avocado cubes
- Cherry tomatoes
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Capers
- Sweet corn
- Green onions
- Chopped hard-boiled eggs
- Diced radishes
- Baby spinach
- Fresh basil
- Chopped chives
- Cooked pasta for a shrimp pasta salad
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Since cucumbers naturally release water over time, give the salad a gentle stir before serving again.
Freezing is not recommended because the creamy dressing and cucumbers lose their texture after thawing.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 27 g
- Fat: 21 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Creamy Shrimp & Cucumber Salad is the perfect balance of freshness and richness. The shrimp are succulent and flavorful, while the cucumbers provide a crisp, cooling contrast. The creamy dressing, infused with lemon and dill, ties everything together into a dish that feels elegant yet effortless.
Whether you’re preparing a quick weekday lunch, hosting a summer picnic, or looking for a healthy seafood dinner, this salad is versatile, refreshing, and incredibly satisfying. Best of all, it requires simple ingredients and minimal preparation, making it a recipe you’ll return to again and again.