The NoFuss Flavour Bomb LemonHerb Shrimp Salad

Lemon Herb Shrimp Salad

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:7 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 lb Large Shrimp (16/20 count), peeled and deveined
• 4 cups Water (or light stock)
• 1 Tbsp Salt (for poaching)
• 1/2 Lemon, halved (for poaching)
• 1 tsp Black Peppercorns
• 1/2 cup Good Quality Mayonnaise
• 3 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
• 1 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
• 1 small Shallot, finely minced
• 2 stalks Celery, finely diced
• 2 Tbsp Fresh Dill, chopped
• 1 Tbsp Fresh Chives, snipped
• 1 Tbsp Fresh Parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp Fresh Lemon Zest
• Salt and Black Pepper, to taste

Instructions:

• Prepare Shrimp Poaching Liquid: Bring water, 1 Tbsp salt, the halved lemons, and peppercorns to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan.
• Poach Shrimp: Add raw shrimp to the boiling liquid. Cook briefly for 2–3 minutes until pink and opaque. Do not overcook.
• Chill Shrimp: Immediately drain the shrimp and plunge them into a bowl of ice water for 1 minute to halt cooking. Drain well and pat thoroughly dry. Chop larger shrimp into 2-3 bite-sized pieces.
• Make the Dressing Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced shallot, and lemon zest until smooth. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
• Add Herbs and Combine: Gently fold in the chopped dill, chives, and parsley. Add the dried, chopped shrimp and finely diced celery to the dressing mixture. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
• Rest & Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to marry. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:1010 kcal

Protein:13.9 g

Fat:16.8 g

Carbs:41.3 g

Fiber:9.7 g

Sugar:0.0 g

Sodium:1008 mg

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:American

Ditching the Dull: Why This Lemon-Herb Shrimp Salad Reigns Supreme

We’ve all been there: staring down a bowl of pale, overly creamy, vaguely fishy concoction masquerading as a lunchtime treat. But fear not, for those days of lackluster cold salads are officially over. This isn't just any cold seafood preparation; this is a vibrant celebration of texture and zest. If you are searching for the Best Shrimp Salad Recipe that truly honours the delicate flavour of fresh shrimp, you have arrived at the right destination. We are building a classic, yet bright, profile that feels incredibly sophisticated while remaining remarkably simple to execute—perfect for weeknight meal prep or last-minute entertaining.

The Secret to Bright, Zesty Summer Lunches, Any Time of Year

The magic ingredient in this particular Shrimp Salad isn't found in a jar; it’s the balance achieved between richness and acidity. Our aim is to create a dish that tastes like sunshine, regardless of the weather outside. This Easy Shrimp Salad Recipe relies heavily on proper cooking technique and the judicious use of fresh aromatics, ensuring every bite provides that sought-after "pop."

Our Promise: Goodbye Soggy, Hello Spectacular Freshness

The biggest pitfall in making any creamy salad—tuna, chicken, or shrimp—is moisture mismanagement. Soggy texture ruins the experience. That’s why our method prioritises thoroughly dried components. We use a quick poaching technique followed immediately by an ice bath to halt the cooking process, ensuring the shrimp remain firm and snappy, providing the structural integrity necessary for a truly great Fresh Shrimp Salad .

Elevating the Humble Classic Shrimp Salad with Garden Herbs

What separates a standard preparation from an exceptional one is the herbaceous backbone. Instead of relying on just celery for crunch, we infuse the dressing with a trio of fresh greens: dill, chives, and flat-leaf parsley. These aren't afterthoughts; they are central players. This generous infusion of herbs elevates the entire profile, making this a Healthy Shrimp Salad option packed with natural fragrance and flavour, moving far beyond the basic binder-and-protein mix.

Perfect Pairing Potential: What Goes Best With This Bright Mix

The versatility of this preparation means it transitions seamlessly across mealtimes and formats. While it excels as the star filling in a traditional Shrimp Salad Sandwich Recipe , it shines equally brightly when used as a topping or side. Imagine it spooned over crisp romaine leaves for a substantial, yet light, starter, or served alongside crusty bread for dipping. This robust flavour profile can handle bold accompaniments, making it one of the most adaptable recipes in your culinary repertoire.

Assembling the Pantry Staples for Optimal Flavour Delivery

To achieve the flavour profile we are aiming for—bright, zesty, and slightly tangy—we must pay close attention to the quality of our core components. This Quick Shrimp Salad comes together in under 30 minutes of active time, provided your staples are ready to go. The secret sauce lies in the synergy between good quality fat (mayonnaise) and potent acid (fresh lemon).

Selecting the Perfect Prawns: Sourcing & Preparation Tips

For this recipe, aim for large shrimp, ideally 16/20 count per pound, peeled and deveined, with the tails removed for easier mixing. Whether you use fresh or frozen (and subsequently thawed) is fine, but the key preparation step follows cooking. We must handle the shrimp gently post-cook to maintain their appealing bite and avoid leeching excess water into our finished salad.

Dressing Components: Unleashing the Lemon-Herb Zest Factor

The dressing base is a sophisticated blend of creamy and sharp. We use a high-quality, full-fat mayonnaise as the luxurious foundation, which is then cut beautifully by the sharp tang of Dijon mustard and the necessary bright lift from fresh lemon juice and zest. The shallot provides a milder, sweeter aromatic base compared to raw onion, integrating smoothly into the emuon.

Tool Checklist: Essential Gear for Whipping Up This Salad

While this is a very straightforward dish, a few tools will ensure success. You’ll need a medium saucepan for poaching, a large mixing bowl for the final assembly, a whisk or fork for emufying the dressing components, and most critically, a fine-mesh sieve or colander paired with a bowl of ice water for the crucial chilling step.

Mastering the Cook: Achieving Perfectly Tender Shrimp Every Time

The biggest challenge in any seafood salad is overcooking the protein. Rubbery shrimp ruins the entire Shrimp Salad Recipe . We are poaching the shrimp, which is the gentlest method for ensuring uniform cooking without imparting unwanted external flavours.

The poaching liquid itself is seasoned generously with a tablespoon of salt, some black peppercorns, and the juice and halves of half a lemon. This seasoned bath imparts subtle flavour right into the shrimp as it cooks. The moment the shrimp turn opaque and curl slightly—usually just 2 to 3 minutes—they must be removed from the heat. Immediately plunging them into the ice bath stops residual heat from toughening them up. They must then be dried thoroughly before proceeding; this step cannot be overstated for achieving the right final texture. Once dried, chop any larger specimens into uniform, bite-sized chunks.

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The Gentle Art of Combining: Building the Ultimate Shrimp Salad

This stage requires a light touch. We want everything coated beautifully, not mashed into a paste. The texture of the celery and the plumpness of the shrimp must be preserved.

Step-by-Step: Preparing the Vibrant Herb Vinaigrette Base

Begin by constructing the dressing in your large mixing bowl. Whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, minced shallot, and the finely grated lemon zest. Season this base lightly with salt and pepper first. Taste it! It should taste punchy and quite sharp on its own—it will mellow out once mixed with the shrimp. After confirming the dressing's profile is perfect, gently fold in the fresh, chopped dill, chives, and parsley.

Chilling & Marinating: Allowing the Flavours to Mingle Deeply

Once the dressing is prepared and the shrimp are dried and chopped, it is time to introduce them. Add the cooled shrimp and the finely diced celery (our primary textural element) to the bowl. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the ingredients together until every piece of shrimp is lovingly coated in the bright dressing. Resist the urge to overmix!

Final Assembly: Folding in the Add-Ins Without Crushing the Texture

After the initial fold, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, though an hour is even better. This resting period is essential; it allows the herbs to truly infuse the dressing and the celery to soften just slightly while retaining its essential crunch. This resting time transforms a simple mix into a cohesive, deeply flavoured Shrimp Salad Dressing experience.

Serving Suggestions: Beyond the Sandwich Bread

While the Shrimp Salad Sandwich Recipe is iconic—perhaps served on toasted brioche or classic sourdough—don't limit your creativity. This bright mix is phenomenal served atop chilled avocado halves, transforming it into a simple yet elegant entrée. For gatherings, arrange it artfully on a platter lined with butter lettuce, offering Shrimp Salad Rolls by wrapping spoonsful in large, crisp Romaine leaves. It's the perfect companion for a summer picnic, picnic basket staple, or a quick, sophisticated desk lunch.

Keeping Your Salad Crisp: Storage and Shelf-Life Secrets

Because this recipe relies heavily on fresh ingredients and mayonnaise, proper storage is vital for maintaining both safety and quality. Always keep your finished salad chilled below 40° F ( 4° C). When stored correctly in an airtight container, this salad will maintain peak texture and flavour for up to three days. If you find the dressing has thickened overnight, simply stir in an extra teaspoon of fresh lemon juice before serving to revive that signature brightness.

Recipe Tweaks: Customizing Your Signature Shrimp Salad

The beauty of this preparation lies in its adaptability. While the lemon-herb profile is foundational, you can easily tailor it to your specific cravings or dietary needs.

Creative Vessels: Ways to Showcase This Cold Salad Delight

For a unique presentation, consider serving this mixture inside hollowed-out mini bell peppers or large cherry tomatoes for vibrant, self-contained portions ideal for canapés. Alternatively, if you prefer a lighter version of Shrimp Salad Rolls , use large collard green leaves or steamed savoy cabbage wraps instead of tortillas.

Ingredient Swaps: Making it Dairy-Free or Adding That 'Egg' Factor

If you wish to mimic the texture often found in traditional deli salads, feel free to incorporate finely chopped hard-boiled egg into the mixture—it adds density and richness. For those avoiding dairy or seeking lower fat options, substitute half (or all) of the mayonnaise with high-quality, thick Greek yogurt or a vegan cashew-based cream alternative. This keeps the salad creamy while altering the fat profile, ensuring everyone can enjoy this dish.

Maximizing Freshness: Refrigerator Life and Best-By Dates

Remember, the quality of the herbs dictates the lifespan of the flavour . While the salad remains safe to eat for a few days, its flavour peak is within the first 36 hours. Always use fresh, vibrant celery and herbs; wilting vegetables will quickly degrade the overall quality of your Best Shrimp Salad Recipe . Enjoy it fresh, and revel in the zesty difference!