If you’re craving a light, refreshing, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a warm day or as a side at your next gathering, look no further than this Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad. This salad combines the crispness of cucumbers with the sweetness of succulent shrimp, all tossed in a creamy dressing that’s tangy and refreshing. It’s the perfect dish to serve at summer BBQs, picnics, or even as a light lunch or dinner.
What makes this salad so special is the balance of textures and flavors. The cucumbers provide a crisp and refreshing base, while the shrimp add a savory, tender bite. The creamy dressing—made with mayo, sour cream, and a touch of lemon juice—binds everything together, creating a light but satisfying dish. The dill and garlic elevate the flavor profile, giving this salad a fresh, herby kick. It’s a dish that’s both light and satisfying, making it the perfect addition to any meal.
I first made this Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad when I was looking for a cool, easy meal for a hot summer day. The combination of shrimp and cucumber seemed perfect, and after the first bite, I was hooked! The creamy dressing balances the freshness of the ingredients so well, and the shrimp adds just the right amount of richness. Now, it’s one of my go-to dishes when I want something light, flavorful, and easy to make.
Why This Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Will Be Your New Favorite Dish
- Refreshing and light: The cool, crisp cucumbers and tender shrimp make this salad light yet satisfying.
- Creamy and tangy: The creamy dressing has the perfect balance of tanginess and richness, making every bite delightful.
- Easy to make: With just a few ingredients and simple prep, this salad comes together in no time.
- Perfect for warm weather: Whether it’s a summer BBQ, picnic, or a light lunch, this salad is refreshing and perfect for warm weather.
What You Need For Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad
- 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil (optional, for drizzling)
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad
- Prepare the shrimp and vegetables: If you haven’t already, peel and devein the shrimp, then cut them into bite-sized pieces. Slice the cucumbers and red onion thinly, and chop the fresh dill if using.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or lemon juice if desired.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, cucumbers, red onion, and fresh dill. Gently toss to combine.
- Add the dressing: Pour the creamy dressing over the shrimp and cucumber mixture. Toss everything together gently until well-coated.
- Serve and enjoy: Drizzle with olive oil if desired, and serve immediately. This salad can be chilled for about 30 minutes before serving for an extra refreshing taste.
Tips
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a squeeze of hot sauce to the dressing.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can swap the mayo for Greek yogurt, which adds a nice tang and is lower in fat.
- You can add other veggies to the salad, such as cherry tomatoes or avocado, for more variety.
- If you’re using fresh shrimp, be sure to cook them until just pink and tender, then cool them in ice water before adding them to the salad.
- For a more filling meal, serve this salad on top of a bed of greens or with some crusty bread on the side.
Substitutions and Variations
- Vegetarian: Skip the shrimp and add cooked chickpeas or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- Spicy: Add a diced jalapeño or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the salad for a bit of heat.
- Gluten-Free: This salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those following a gluten-free diet.
- Low-Carb: This salad is low in carbs as is, making it perfect for keto or low-carb diets.
Make a Healthier Version
- Low-Calorie: Use a lighter mayonnaise or substitute with avocado in place of sour cream for a lower-calorie version.
- Less Creamy: For a lighter salad, reduce the amount of mayonnaise and sour cream, and add more lemon juice and herbs for flavor.
- More Protein: Add hard-boiled eggs or extra shrimp to increase the protein content of the salad.
And there you have it! This Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its cool, crisp cucumbers, tender shrimp, and creamy dressing, it’s the ideal light meal or side dish for a warm day. Don’t forget to let us know how your salad turns out, and be sure to check out some of our other delicious, easy-to-make recipes
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the salad a few hours ahead and refrigerate it. The flavors will meld together nicely, but add the dressing just before serving for the best texture. - Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and drain off any excess water before using them in the salad. - How long will this salad last in the fridge?
This salad will last for about 1-2 days in the refrigerator. If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container. - Can I add more vegetables to the salad?
Absolutely! You can add tomatoes, radishes, or even avocado for more texture and flavor. - Can I make this recipe without mayonnaise?
Yes! You can use Greek yogurt, sour cream, or even avocado as a base for the dressing. - How do I keep the cucumbers crisp?
To keep the cucumbers crisp, slice them just before assembling the salad, or sprinkle them with salt and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess water, then pat them dry. - Can I make this salad spicy?
Yes, you can add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of hot sauce to make this salad spicier.