Cucumber Shrimp Salad Chilled

This cool cucumber shrimp salad is my favorite dish to pull together for picnics or easy summer dinners when I want something refreshing and a little bit special. The crisp cucumbers and tender shrimp tossed with creamy lemon dressing make every bite taste like sunshine.

Every summer I make this salad for family lake trips. It disappears from the bowl before I even get a taste so now I always make a double batch

Ingredients

• Cooked shrimp: Look for peeled and tails off shrimp that feel firm and smell fresh at the seafood counter or buy good quality pre-cooked ones in the seafood section
• Persian cucumber: Thin-skinned and crisp with fewer seeds choose these or small seedless varieties for a crunchier salad
• Mayonnaise: Choose a real, creamy mayo for best texture and flavor homemade or high-quality store brand
• Sour cream: Adds tangy richness and softens the tart notes of lemon
• Dijon mustard: Gives depth and a mild zing opt for smooth Dijon
• Fresh lemon juice: Brightens up the flavors use freshly squeezed for the best taste
• Fresh dill or chives: Both add summery flavor and color select fragrant, bright green herbs
• Salt and pepper: Brings all the flavors together taste and season to your liking
• Optional celery and red onion: For extra crunch and a pop of mild sharpness slice thin if adding

Step-by-Step Instructions

Mix Shrimp and Cucumber:

In a large serving bowl toss together the chilled shrimp and sliced cucumber making sure each piece is separated so everything gets evenly coated later

Make the Creamy Lemon Dressing:

In a separate small bowl whisk mayonnaise sour cream Dijon mustard lemon juice and your chosen fresh herbs until perfectly smooth and creamy taste and adjust the lemon or herbs if you like it zippier or more herbal

Dress and Toss:

Pour all of the dressing over the shrimp and cucumber and gently fold everything together from bottom to top making sure every bite is glossy and coated

Season to Taste:

Sprinkle salt and pepper over the salad then gently stir again take a taste and adjust until the flavors are balanced to your liking

Chill and Serve:

Cover the salad and let it sit in the fridge for at least twenty minutes before serving to meld flavors and keep it extra cool

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Fresh dill is my favorite here because it just smells and tastes like summer to me Nothing wakes up a shrimp salad more than that burst of fresh dill and my kids always perk up when they see those green flecks scattered throughout This salad was our family’s go-to after swimming lessons and we still look forward to it every time shrimp is on sale

Storage Tips

Keep this cucumber shrimp salad sealed in the fridge for up to three days The flavors develop more after a few hours If you're packing it for a picnic or potluck keep it in a cooler with plenty of ice packs and never leave it out for more than one hour on a warm day to keep it safe and tasting fresh

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap the sour cream for plain Greek yogurt for a protein boost or swap out dill for chives or even a handful of fresh parsley If you do not have Dijon mustard a bit of prepared horseradish or even yellow mustard can work in a pinch Chopped celery or even a little diced bell pepper gives extra crunch

Serving Suggestions

Pile this salad onto butter lettuce leaves for an easy hand-held option or scoop it up with crackers for a party appetizer It is lovely on a toasted bun for a shrimp roll and even better on a summer buffet next to fresh watermelon slices and corn on the cob

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Cultural History

Shrimp salad like this is a classic American dish you will find at potlucks church picnics and family reunions especially in coastal regions The creamy dressing is inspired by traditional deli salads but the fresh cucumber and herbs make it feel light and new When I first tasted a version at a Maryland crab shack I was hooked

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use frozen shrimp for this salad?

Yes, just thaw and chill the shrimp thoroughly before combining with the cucumber and dressing.

→ How should I slice the cucumbers?

Slice Persian or regular cucumbers to 1/4–1/2 inch thick for optimal crunch and texture.

→ Is there a substitute for dill?

Chives or a mix of fresh parsley and tarragon work well if you don't have dill available.

→ Can I add extra vegetables?

Certainly! Red onion, celery, or even diced bell pepper make excellent additions to the salad.

→ How long can I store this cucumber shrimp salad?

Store it in a covered container in the fridge and enjoy within 3 days for best flavor and freshness.