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Cucumber Shrimp Salad

A refreshing dish featuring succulent shrimp and crisp cucumbers, complemented by a creamy lime dressing, perfect for warm days.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time3 minutes
Total Time18 minutes
Course: Lunch, Salad
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Cucumber Shrimp Salad, Quick Recipe, Refreshing Salad, Shrimp Salad, Summer Salad
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 280kcal

Ingredients

For the Salad

  • 2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined Tender, juicy morsels full of flavor.
  • 1 English cucumber diced Crisp and refreshing, adding a textural contrast.
  • 3 pieces green onions, thinly sliced Bright scallions that bring a hint of sharpness.

For the Dressing

  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise Creamy and rich for that delightful texture.
  • 1/3 cup sour cream Providing a tangy counterpart.
  • 1 large lime zest (about 2 teaspoons) Citrusy notes that brighten the dish.
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice Adding a fresh zing.
  • 2 tablespoons freshly chopped dill Fragrant herbs that elevate the flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard A touch of heat for complexity.
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced Aromatic and pungent, enhancing overall flavor.
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt Essential for balancing flavors.
  • to taste Freshly ground black pepper Added warmth and depth.

Instructions

Prepare the Dressing

  • In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lime zest, lime juice, dill, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  • Cover the mixture and refrigerate it while you prepare the rest of the salad, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Cook the Shrimp

  • Bring a pot of water to a boil over high heat.
  • Add the shrimp to the boiling water and cook for approximately 2-3 minutes or until they are pink and opaque.
  • Watch closely to prevent overcooking, then transfer the shrimp to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process.

Ice Bath

  • Allow the shrimp to cool in the ice bath for about 3 minutes. After chilling, drain the shrimp and chop them into bite-sized pieces.

Combine Ingredients

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, diced cucumber, and sliced green onions.
  • Drizzle the creamy lime dressing over the mixture, stirring gently to ensure everything is well-coated.

Chill and Serve

  • For the best flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving.
  • The flavors will improve with a bit of time!

Notes

Chef’s secret: For an extra layer of flavor, consider marinating the shrimp in a bit of lime juice, garlic, and olive oil for 15-20 minutes before cooking. Optional extras include diced avocado or cherry tomatoes.