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Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe

Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe

A light, refreshing Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad combining crisp cucumbers, tender shrimp, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing. Perfect for quick lunches, easy dinners, or party appetizers, this healthy and colorful salad offers a vibrant mix of textures and flavors with minimal prep time.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh crisp cucumbers (English or Persian), sliced into thin rounds or half-moons
  • 1 pound cooked peeled and deveined shrimp, cooled
  • 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped

Dressing Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes

Optional Variations

  • 1/2 avocado, diced (for added creaminess)
  • Lump crab meat instead of shrimp
  • Greek yogurt (to replace olive oil in dressing)
  • Fresh herbs mix (cilantro, mint, or basil instead of dill or parsley)
  • 1/2 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shrimp: Boil or steam fresh shrimp for 3-4 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Drain and cool completely. If using pre-cooked shrimp, thaw and pat dry.
  2. Chop the Vegetables: Slice cucumbers into preferred shapes, finely dice the red onion, and chop fresh herbs ensuring freshness for best flavor.
  3. Make the Dressing: Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes until bright and balanced.
  4. Toss Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine shrimp, cucumbers, onion, and herbs. Pour dressing over and gently toss to coat evenly.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 10 minutes to let flavors meld before serving.

Notes

  • Use seedless cucumbers to reduce excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
  • Pat shrimp dry to help the dressing adhere better.
  • Chill salad for 15-20 minutes for enhanced flavor melding.
  • Adjust lemon juice quantity to balance acidity to your taste.
  • Serve immediately for the freshest texture; avoid making too far ahead.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 2 days; keep dressing separate if possible.
  • Freezing is not recommended due to cucumber water content.
  • Reheating is unnecessary; bring to room temperature before serving leftovers.

Nutrition

Keywords: cucumber shrimp salad, refreshing seafood salad, light summer salad, easy shrimp recipe, healthy cucumber salad