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shrimp salad

Shrimp Salad

This refreshing Shrimp Salad combines tender, succulent shrimp with crisp vegetables and a creamy, zesty dressing that's perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Ready in just 20 minutes, this protein-packed recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort. Serve it on buttery croissants, over fresh greens, or with crackers for a versatile dish that works for everything from casual weekday meals to elegant summer gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Salad
Cuisine: British
Calories: 338
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • ⅔ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp creamed horseradish
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp tomato paste
  • ¼ tsp granulated sugar
  • A few drops of hot pepper sauce
  • Black pepper
  • 8 oz 250g peeled cooked shrimp
  • Lettuce leaves for serving
  • Thin lemon wedges for garnish
  • Parsley sprigs for garnish
  • 4 large cooked shrimp in their shells for garnish

Method
 

  1. Begin by preparing the dressing, which is the flavor foundation of this zesty salad. In a medium bowl, combine ⅔ cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp creamed horseradish, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce, 1 tsp tomato paste, and ¼ tsp granulated sugar.
  2. Add a few drops of hot pepper sauce and season generously with black pepper to taste. Whisk all these ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and well blended, ensuring the horseradish and tomato paste are fully incorporated throughout the creamy base.
  3. Once the dressing is ready, add the 8 oz of peeled cooked shrimp to the bowl and stir gently to coat each piece evenly with the flavorful mixture. Take care not to break apart the delicate shrimp as you fold them in. The dressing should envelop all the shrimp, creating a cohesive salad mixture that's ready to serve.
  4. To plate and serve, line 4 individual glass serving bowls with fresh lettuce leaves, creating an attractive base that will showcase the shrimp salad. Divide the shrimp mixture evenly among the four bowls, mounding it on top of the lettuce.
  5. Finish each serving with a thin lemon wedge, a fresh parsley sprig, and one large cooked shrimp still in its shell positioned as a garnish. This presentation adds visual appeal while the shrimp in shells provides an elegant touch that signals the freshness and quality of the dish.

Notes

What's the Secret to a Flavorful Shrimp Salad?

The secret to an exceptional shrimp salad lies in properly seasoning your shrimp before cooking and not overdressing the final mixture. Start by cooking shrimp with Old Bay seasoning, lemon, and garlic to infuse deep flavor from the start, then chill them completely before mixing. The dressing should complement, not overpower. Combine mayonnaise with fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a touch of hot sauce for brightness and tang. Adding finely diced celery and red onion provides essential crunch and aromatics. Finally, fold ingredients gently to keep shrimp intact, and always taste before serving, adjusting seasoning with salt, pepper, and fresh herbs like dill or parsley for that perfect flavor balance.