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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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