Imagine a light, vibrant salad that captures the essence of summer in every single bite - crisp cucumbers, succulent shrimp, and a burst of fresh herbs that transport you to a breezy coastal paradise. This Cucumber Shrimp Salad isn't just a recipe; it's a culinary escape that promises to revolutionize your summer dining experience. Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, an elegant appetizer, or a crowd-pleasing side dish, this recipe is about to become your new warm-weather obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Seafood
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Start by preparing all your ingredients. Ensure that the cooked shrimp is peeled and deveined. If you haven't done so already, finely chop the red onion, dill, and parsley. Dice the cucumber into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced cucumber, chopped red onion, fresh dill, and fresh parsley. Mix these ingredients gently to ensure they are evenly distributed.
- Add the cooked shrimp to the bowl with the vegetables and herbs. Carefully fold the shrimp into the mixture, being cautious not to break the shrimp apart.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences.
- Pour the dressing over the shrimp and vegetable mixture. Toss everything together gently until all the ingredients are well coated with the dressing.
- Let the salad sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This will enhance the taste of the salad.
- Before serving, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
- Serve the Cucumber Shrimp Salad chilled or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed on its own or served over a bed of greens for added texture and flavor.
Tips
- Shrimp Selection: Use freshly cooked or high-quality pre-cooked shrimp for the best flavor and texture. If cooking your own, be careful not to overcook.
- Chill Factor: For maximum flavor, prepare the salad and let it rest in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes before serving. This allows the herbs and dressing to fully infuse the ingredients.
- Herb Freshness: Use freshly chopped herbs for the most vibrant flavor. If possible, pick herbs from your garden or buy them the same day you're preparing the salad.
- Dressing Technique: Whisk the olive oil and lemon juice thoroughly to create a smooth, well-emulsified dressing that coats every ingredient evenly.
- Serving Suggestions: For an extra touch of elegance, serve the salad on a bed of mixed greens or with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious dressing.
- Make-Ahead Tip: This salad can be prepared up to a day in advance, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 200kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 9g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 125mg
