There’s something timeless about a cool shrimp salad. For me, it brings back coastal summers, sunlight dancing on water, a chilled plate of seafood, and soft bread spread with a creamy herb dressing. That memory is what inspired this version of best shrimp salad light, fresh, and full of flavor.
The recipe is simple but satisfying: tender shrimp boiled with lemon, crisp celery, finely diced red onion, and a creamy lemon-dill dressing that ties it all together. It’s the kind of salad that feels right whether you’re serving it on a croissant, over greens, or with crackers for an easy snack.
You can dress it up for guests or keep it casual for lunch at home. No matter how you serve it, it always feels refreshing, nourishing, and just a little special. Best of all, it comes together in 30 minutes and keeps well for days.
Why Shrimp Salad Belongs on Your Table
A Creamy Classic That Feels Fresh Every Time
What makes this shrimp salad one of the best? It comes down to three things: balance, simplicity, and bold flavor. The shrimp are tender and slightly briny, the celery adds clean crunch, and the red onion gives it a sharp bite that cuts through the creaminess of the dressing. But it’s the lemon and dill combo that really brightens the whole dish, keeping it light without losing richness.
The creamy dressing—made with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, and chopped dill, is smooth and tangy. It complements the shrimp without covering it up. And since the flavors are clean and natural, you don’t need a long list of ingredients to make it work.
What makes it even better? It’s fast. From boiling the shrimp to mixing the dressing, everything comes together in under 30 minutes. If you’re a fan of dishes that deliver big payoff with minimal effort, this is a recipe worth keeping. It has the same everyday elegance as our Smoked Salmon Salad, just with a slightly different twist.
And if you’re looking for something that’s easy to prep ahead and still holds up beautifully, shrimp salad checks that box too.
It’s Not Just for Summer: Year-Round Goodness
While chilled shrimp salad might sound like a summertime dish, it’s surprisingly perfect year-round. In warmer months, serve it cold on a bed of greens or in lettuce cups. When the weather cools down, you can spoon it onto toasted brioche or pair it with a warm side like Creamy Potato Salad or a soft roll for a cozy, satisfying meal.
You can even bulk it up with cooked grains like quinoa or couscous for a heartier meal. Or balance the richness by serving it with a tangy option like our Green Bean Salad with Feta and Cranberries.
Whether you’re making lunch for one, prepping meals for the week, or feeding a group, this shrimp salad delivers a cool, creamy experience that always feels fresh—no matter the season.
How to Make the Best Shrimp Salad (Ingredients + Tips)
Ingredients You’ll Need
The creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and dill—creates a rich base that pulls the flavors together. If you’re curious about what makes it so smooth, there’s a bit of food science behind it: mayonnaise creates a stable creamy base through emulsification.
When it comes to herbs, fresh dill truly shines here. Its clean, citrusy edge complements seafood beautifully. According to The Kitchn, fresh dill offers a brighter, cleaner taste than dried, especially in cold recipes like this one.
Here’s what goes into this creamy, crunchy shrimp salad:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lemon, quartered
- Salted water for boiling
- Ice water bath
For the Dressing:
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 ½ tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Salad Add-Ins:
- 1 cup celery, finely diced
- ½ red onion, finely minced
This combo makes the base for a creamy, refreshing salad you can eat straight from the bowl or serve as a snack with crackers.
If you like celery’s texture, you might enjoy the subtle flavors in our Celery Soup, another way to use this versatile vegetable.
Pro Tips for Perfect Shrimp
- Don’t overcook the shrimp. Just 2–3 minutes once they turn pink and firm.
- Use an ice bath to stop the cooking quickly and keep them juicy.
- Dry them thoroughly before mixing with the dressing to keep it creamy, not watery.
- Chill the salad before serving for the best flavor.
- Want a little heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
This technique also works well for other seafood dishes like the Cajun Salmon and Shrimp, a reader favorite with its spicy and rich flavors.
What Goes With Shrimp Salad?
Easy Pairings and Serving Ideas
Shrimp salad is versatile and goes with many dishes.
You can serve it:
- In lettuce cups or endive for a low-carb option
- On buttery croissants or toasted buns
- With crackers or pita chips for snacking
- Over rice or grains like farro for a lunch bowl
- As a side next to the Lentil Salad for plant-based balance
You can also turn it into a more elegant starter by placing a scoop inside a halved avocado or using it to fill small pastry shells.
Condiments & Flavor Add-Ins
The dressing is perfect as-is, but you can customize it:
- Swap mayo for Greek yogurt for a lighter base
- Add capers or chopped pickles for extra tang
- Stir in a squeeze of Sriracha or horseradish for heat
- A touch of honey mustard also works well
This shrimp salad recipe is very flexible. Just keep the balance of creamy, bright, and fresh, and you’ll always make something great.
Serving Shrimp Salad with Style + How to Store It Right
Creative Ways to Serve Shrimp Salad
One of the reasons this is considered the best shrimp salad is how versatile it is when it comes to presentation. Whether you’re prepping for a picnic, brunch, or weekday meal, this creamy salad easily fits the moment.
For something casual, try scooping it onto soft butter lettuce leaves or layering it inside a toasted brioche bun for a classic shrimp roll. It’s also delicious tucked into a wrap alongside fresh greens and sliced avocado. You can even serve it spooned over a simple grain base like couscous or brown rice, similar to the layering style used in our Lentil Salad.
Hosting a gathering? Use mini pastry shells or cucumber rounds to create elegant bite-sized appetizers. Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh dill for garnish and a touch of cracked pepper for a little contrast. It also pairs beautifully with a tangy side like the Green Bean Salad with Feta and Cranberries for texture and sweetness.
You can even enjoy it as a chilled side dish alongside seafood mains like the Cajun Salmon and Shrimp for a cool, refreshing contrast to warm flavors.
How to Store It (and Make Ahead)
Shrimp salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge. Once the dressing soaks into the shrimp, onion, and celery, the flavors meld beautifully. That’s why it’s a great make-ahead option.
After preparing, transfer the salad to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. For best quality, enjoy it within 2–3 days. Make sure it’s kept cold, especially if you’re packing it for a picnic or lunchbox.
Avoid freezing, as the creamy dressing and shrimp texture won’t hold up well after thawing. If you’re planning for multiple meals, consider storing the dressing separately and mixing just before eating for maximum freshness.
Creamy Shrimp Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the quartered lemon to the water.
- Prepare a large bowl filled with ice water and set aside.
- Add the shrimp to the boiling water and cook for 2–3 minutes until pink and opaque.
- Transfer shrimp to the ice bath to stop cooking. Drain and pat dry.
- In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, garlic, mayonnaise, mustard, dill, salt, and pepper.
- In a salad bowl, combine the shrimp, celery, and red onion. Add dressing and toss gently.
- Refrigerate for a few hours to chill. Garnish with fresh dill before serving.
Nutrition
Notes
From your stove to our hearts
share your delicious take!FAQs About Shrimp Salad
What is the most delicious salad in the world?
Taste is personal, but many people love seafood-based salads like shrimp salad for their bold flavor and freshness. With its juicy shrimp, crunchy celery, and creamy dill dressing, this shrimp salad is a strong contender light, rich, and perfectly balanced.
What is in shrimp salad?
A classic shrimp salad includes cooked shrimp, celery, red onion, and a creamy dressing. This version uses lemon juice, dill, and Dijon mustard for flavor.
Shrimp is naturally high in protein and low in calories, making it a healthy seafood choice for those looking for light, nourishing meals.
Do you put boiled eggs in shrimp salad?
Boiled eggs aren’t required, but they can be a great addition. Chopped boiled eggs add richness and protein and work well in shrimp salad, especially if you’re turning it into a wrap or sandwich.
What goes with cold shrimp?
Cold shrimp pairs well with fresh salads, creamy sides, or toasted breads. It’s delicious served alongside dishes like Lentil Salad, Green Bean Salad, or even in Shrimp Tempura Rolls for something creative.
Conclusion: A Shrimp Salad You’ll Come Back To
This shrimp salad isn’t just quick and delicious, it’s dependable. Whether you’re hosting, meal-prepping, or just craving something fresh and satisfying, it always fits the moment. The tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and creamy dill dressing create a balance that’s light yet indulgent, bright yet comforting.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a dish that feels restaurant-worthy but comes straight from your kitchen. It’s endlessly flexible too, add grains, wrap it up, spoon it over greens, or enjoy it on its own.
Like many recipes on Millow Dishes, this one brings together flavor, simplicity, and a touch of comfort. From weekday lunches to weekend gatherings, it’s a dish that deserves a spot in your rotation. If you loved this, be sure to try our Shrimp Tempura Roll or Cajun Salmon and Shrimp for more seafood favorites that satisfy.
