Zingy Shrimp and Cucumber Salad Recipe for Summer Refreshment

Cool summer days call for a refreshing shrimp and cucumber salad that bursts with vibrant flavors and crisp textures.

This light Mediterranean-inspired dish combines succulent seafood with garden-fresh ingredients.

Tender shrimp mingle beautifully with cool cucumber slices, creating a delightful contrast of tastes and temperatures.

Bright herbs and a zesty dressing elevate each bite with tantalizing aromatics.

The recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for lazy afternoons or spontaneous gatherings.

Quick, simple, and packed with nutrition, this salad offers a delicious escape from ordinary meal routines.

Dive into this delectable creation and experience a burst of summer on your plate.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time:

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 162 kcal

Servings: 3

What’s Inside Shrimp And Cucumber Salad

• Shrimp: Sweet, succulent seafood that adds a delightful ocean flavor and provides lean protein for a satisfying meal. Choose fresh or frozen wild-caught shrimp for the best taste and sustainability.

• Cucumber, Red Onion: Crisp vegetables that bring refreshing texture and zesty bite to the salad. Select firm, bright green cucumbers and choose red onions with smooth, tight skin for maximum crispness.

• Olive Oil: Smooth, fruity base that helps blend ingredients and adds heart-healthy richness. Select extra virgin olive oil for superior taste.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, tangy liquid that cuts through richness and balances the entire dish. Use freshly squeezed for vibrant, authentic flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Sharp, complex condiment that adds depth and helps emulsify the dressing. Look for authentic French-style mustard with visible whole seeds.
• Honey: Optional sweet element that softens the dressing's acidity and adds subtle warmth. Choose raw, local honey for best quality.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning that elevates and harmonizes all other ingredients. Use freshly ground black pepper for maximum aroma.

• Fresh Dill: Delicate, feathery herb that provides a subtle anise-like freshness. Select bright green, fragrant sprigs with no wilting.

Tools To Make Shrimp And Cucumber Salad

• Mandoline or Sharp Knife: Essential for creating thin, uniform cucumber slices.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining salad ingredients and tossing with dressing.
• Small Bowl: Ideal for whisking together the zesty dressing ingredients.
• Whisk: Helps blend dressing components smoothly and quickly.
• Cutting Board: Provides a stable surface for slicing cucumber and preparing ingredients.
• Colander or Strainer: Useful for draining and rinsing cooked shrimp.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning and dressing proportions.

Easy Instructions For Shrimp And Cucumber Salad

• Seafood Preparation

Fresh shrimp transform into tender morsels through quick boiling. Let them dance in salted water until they turn a beautiful pink color, then cool them down with a cold water rinse.

• Cucumber Canvas

Slice cucumber into delicate, paper-thin rounds that will create a crisp foundation for our refreshing dish. Spread these translucent circles in a spacious mixing bowl.

• Zesty Liquid Magic

Craft a vibrant dressing by blending olive oil, tangy lemon juice, smooth Dijon mustard, and a whisper of honey. Whisk until the mixture sings with harmonious flavors.

• Salad Symphony

Gently introduce plump shrimp, cucumber slices, sharp red onion, and fragrant dill into the bowl. Drizzle the dressing and tenderly toss, allowing each ingredient to embrace the others.

• Flavor Fusion

Let the salad rest in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to intertwine and develop depth. Serve chilled as a light, elegant meal that captures the essence of summer by the sea.

Extra Tips For Shrimp And Cucumber Salad

• Chilled Shrimp Salad Mastery: Expert Tips & Delicious Twists
• Texture Perfection: Slice cucumbers paper-thin for a delicate, crisp texture that absorbs dressing beautifully. A sharp mandoline ensures uniform, elegant cuts.
• Protein Power Swap: Replace shrimp with grilled chicken, canned tuna, or tofu for diverse protein options that keep the salad light and refreshing.
• Low-Carb Delight: Transform this recipe into a keto-friendly dish by using extra herbs, increasing cucumber quantity, and adding avocado for healthy fats.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Enhance flavor by incorporating crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, and replacing Dijon mustard with Greek-style yogurt for a Mediterranean twist.

How To Serve Shrimp And Cucumber Salad

• Coastal Picnic Platter: Arrange the salad on a rustic wooden board with lemon wedges, sprinkle extra dill, and serve alongside crusty whole grain bread for a Mediterranean-style meal.
• Elegant Appetizer Presentation: Serve in chilled martini glasses or small glass bowls, garnish with a delicate dill sprig and thin cucumber ribbon for an upscale dinner party touch.
• Fresh Summer Lunch Combo: Pair the salad with crisp white wine, add a side of quinoa or mixed greens, and create a light, refreshing midday meal perfect for warm days.
• Protein Power Bowl: Transform the salad into a heartier dish by adding sliced avocado, toasted pine nuts, and a sprinkle of feta cheese for extra nutrition and flavor complexity.

Keep Shrimp And Cucumber Salad Fresh

• Quick Chill Technique: Refrigerate the salad for 15-30 minutes before serving to enhance flavor infusion and ensure a crisp, refreshing taste.
• Smart Storage Strategy: Keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but consume within 24 hours for optimal texture and freshness.
• Ingredient Separation Tip: Store dressing separately from salad components to prevent cucumbers from becoming soggy and maintain crisp vegetable texture.
• Advance Prep Method: Cook shrimp and chop vegetables ahead of time, storing them separately in sealed containers to streamline meal preparation and save time during busy days.

Crisp Shrimp And Cucumber Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Mediterranean shrimp and cucumber salad brings fresh coastal flavors together in a light, zesty dish. Crisp cucumbers, succulent shrimp, and tangy herbs create a refreshing meal sure to transport diners to seaside dining.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, cooked, peeled and deveined
• 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced (or 2 Persian cucumbers)
• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tbsps fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp honey (or sugar, optional for sweetness)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Shrimp Preparation: Poach shrimp in lightly salted water until they turn vibrant pink and completely opaque. Immediately transfer to an ice bath to halt cooking and preserve their delicate texture.
2. Cucumber and Onion Technique: Slice cucumber into gossamer-thin rounds using a mandoline. Finely dice red onion with precision. Scatter both in a spacious mixing bowl.
3. Dressing Creation: Whisk together extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and cracked black pepper until the mixture transforms into a smooth, emulsified vinaigrette.
4. Salad Assembly: Gently combine cooled shrimp, cucumber slices, diced red onion, and freshly chopped dill. Pour the luminous dressing over the ingredients, carefully folding to ensure every element is thoroughly coated with the zesty mixture.
5. Flavor Melding: Refrigerate the salad for a minimum of 15 minutes, allowing the ingredients to harmonize and intensify their collective flavor profile. Serve chilled as a refreshing appetizer or light side dish that promises to awaken the palate.

Notes

• Prevent Overcooking Shrimp: Monitor shrimp closely during cooking to avoid tough, rubbery texture; they cook rapidly and turn pink within 2-3 minutes.
• Slice Cucumber Uniformly: Use a sharp mandoline or steady knife to create consistent, thin cucumber rounds for elegant presentation and even flavor distribution.
• Balance Dressing Ingredients: Adjust lemon juice, honey, and mustard ratios to achieve perfect tangy-sweet balance that complements the shrimp’s delicate flavor.
• Chill for Maximum Flavor: Refrigeration allows ingredients to marinate and develop deeper, more integrated taste profiles; 30 minutes yields optimal results.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 162
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 19 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg