Refreshing Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe

Looking for a light, refreshing dish that’s both satisfying and bursting with flavor? This Cucumber Shrimp Salad is just what you need! With tender shrimp, crunchy cucumbers, and a creamy lime dressing, this salad is the perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s an easy-to-make, healthy meal that’s perfect for warm weather, a quick lunch, or even as a side dish for dinner.

The creamy lime dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh dill, and a touch of Dijon mustard gives this salad a zesty kick, while the cool cucumbers and plump shrimp add freshness and protein. This salad is not only low-carb and packed with nutrients, but it also tastes amazing and can be prepared in under 30 minutes!

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, hosting a light summer gathering, or just craving something fresh, this Cucumber Shrimp Salad will quickly become one of your go-to dishes.

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Why You’ll Love This Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe

This Cucumber Shrimp Salad is the perfect combination of light, fresh, and creamy. The shrimp provides lean protein, while the cucumbers give it a cool crunch that balances perfectly with the rich, tangy dressing. The addition of green onions and fresh dill adds flavor complexity, making every bite full of savory goodness.

Not only is this salad incredibly flavorful, but it’s also quick to make and easy to customize. You can add extra vegetables, adjust the dressing’s tanginess to your taste, or even throw in some avocado for added creaminess. It’s an adaptable dish that will fit a variety of diets, from low-carb to gluten-free.

For another refreshing, light dish, try making Avocado Chicken Salad or Tomato Basil Mozzarella Salad for a delightful addition to your meal.

Ingredients Breakdown and Measurements

To make this Cucumber Shrimp Salad, here’s what you’ll need:

• 2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 English cucumber, small diced
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced

For the Creamy Lime Dressing:

• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• ⅓ cup sour cream
• 1 large lime, zested and juiced (about 2 teaspoons zest and 2 tablespoons juice)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

These simple ingredients combine to create a light and flavorful salad that’s both healthy and satisfying.

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Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cucumber Shrimp Salad

Step 1: Make the Creamy Lime Dressing

Start by preparing the creamy lime dressing. In a bowl, combine the following ingredients:

• ⅓ cup mayonnaise
• ⅓ cup sour cream
• 1 large lime (zested and juiced)
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped dill
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Stir the ingredients together until well combined. Set the dressing aside, or if you prefer, you can refrigerate it for about 15 minutes to let the flavors meld.

This dressing is tangy, creamy, and packed with flavor, making it the perfect complement to the shrimp and cucumber.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

While the dressing is coming together, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Be sure not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.

If you’re a fan of shrimp but want to try a different recipe, Garlic Butter Shrimp is another delicious option to explore.

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Step 3: Make an Ice Water Bath

While the shrimp is cooking, prepare an ice water bath by filling a large bowl with cold water and ice. This will quickly cool down the shrimp, stopping the cooking process and helping them retain their tender texture.

Once the shrimp are cooked, use a skimmer to remove them from the boiling water and place them into the ice water bath. Let the shrimp sit in the water for 3 minutes to cool completely. After they’ve cooled, drain the shrimp in a colander.

Step 4: Chop the Shrimp

Once the shrimp are cool, chop them into bite-sized pieces. You can leave them whole if you prefer larger shrimp bites, but chopping them into smaller pieces makes the salad easier to eat and helps distribute the shrimp evenly throughout the salad.

Step 5: Prepare the Vegetables

While the shrimp is cooling, prepare the cucumber and green onions. Dice the cucumber into small pieces and thinly slice the green onions. These fresh vegetables add crunch and brightness to the salad.

Step 6: Stir It All Together

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, diced cucumber, and sliced green onions. Add the creamy lime dressing and stir until everything is well-coated and creamy.

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Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Once everything is mixed together, serve the salad in individual bowls or on a platter. Garnish with extra fresh chopped parsley or chili flakes for an extra pop of color and flavor.

This salad is perfect as a light meal on its own, or it can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or steak for a more substantial dinner.

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Tips for Perfecting Cucumber Shrimp Salad

Here are a few tips to ensure your Cucumber Shrimp Salad turns out perfectly:

• Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, remove them from the heat and cool them down in the ice water bath.
• Use a firm cucumber: An English cucumber works best for this salad because it has fewer seeds and a more firm texture. If you use a regular cucumber, remove the seeds for a better texture.
• Adjust the dressing: If you like your salad extra creamy, you can add a bit more sour cream or mayonnaise. For more tang, add extra lime juice.
• Chill the salad: For an even fresher taste, let the salad chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving.

For another healthy, refreshing dish, try making Zucchini Noodles with Pesto.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Cucumber Shrimp Salad

• Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, and overcooking them can make them tough and chewy. Always monitor them carefully during cooking.
• Using too much dressing: The creamy dressing should coat the shrimp and vegetables, but be careful not to drown them in it. Start with a little and add more to taste.
• Not chilling the shrimp properly: After cooking the shrimp, be sure to cool them down quickly in an ice water bath to stop the cooking process and preserve their texture.

Serving Suggestions for Cucumber Shrimp Salad

This Cucumber Shrimp Salad is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes:

• Serve with crusty bread: Enjoy this salad with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread for a more filling meal.
• Add a side of grilled veggies: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or grilled peppers make great accompaniments to this fresh salad.
• Pair with a refreshing drink: Serve with a lemonade or iced tea for a refreshing, light meal.

For a more indulgent side, try pairing it with cheddar bay biscuit ground beef cobbler for a cheesy, comforting addition to your meal.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This salad is best enjoyed cold, so there’s no need to reheat it. Just give it a good stir before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! This salad can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just wait to add the dressing until you’re ready to serve to prevent the salad from getting soggy.

Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the sour cream and mayonnaise with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and vegan mayo.

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! If you use frozen shrimp, just be sure to thaw them properly in the fridge overnight before cooking.

Conclusion & Call to Action

This Cucumber Shrimp Salad is the perfect combination of fresh ingredients, creamy dressing, and savory shrimp. It’s a healthy, light, and refreshing dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish, this salad is sure to impress.

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