Quick & Tangy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe for Summer Bliss

Cool summer afternoons sparkle with this refreshing cucumber shrimp salad that dances between crisp textures and bright flavors.

Mediterranean coastal memories whisper through each carefully arranged bite.

Delicate shrimp curl against emerald cucumber slices, creating a light meal perfect for warm weather.

Zesty herbs and a tangy dressing bring unexpected depth to every forkful.

Fresh ingredients combine elegantly, promising a dish that feels simultaneously sophisticated and approachable.

Quick preparation makes this salad an ideal choice when you want something delicious without extensive kitchen time.

Savor each vibrant bite and let your taste buds celebrate this simple, elegant creation.

Shrimp Salad With Cool Cucumber Crunch

• Quick Summer Refresh: This salad delivers a light, zesty meal perfect for hot days, providing a cool and refreshing dining experience in minutes.
• Nutritious Protein-Packed Meal: Combining lean shrimp with fresh vegetables, this recipe offers a balanced, low-calorie option that supports healthy eating goals while satisfying hunger.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy as a standalone lunch, elegant appetizer, or side dish for barbecues, picnics, and summer gatherings, making it an adaptable recipe for multiple occasions.

Cucumber Shrimp Salad Ingredient Collection

• Shrimp: Tender, protein-packed seafood that adds a delightful maritime flavor to the salad.

• Cucumber, Red Onion, Cherry Tomatoes: Crisp and refreshing vegetables that provide crunch and vibrant color.
• Parsley: Bright herb that adds a fresh, green note to the salad.

• Olive Oil: Smooth, rich base for the dressing that helps blend flavors.
• Lemon Juice: Tangy citrus that adds brightness and balances the dish.
• Dijon Mustard: Sharp condiment that enhances the dressing's complexity.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for bringing out the ingredients' natural flavors.
• Feta Cheese: Optional creamy, salty cheese that adds a tangy Mediterranean touch.
• Fresh Dill: Optional herb that provides an aromatic and delicate garnish.

Shrimp and Cucumber Salad Assembly Instructions

Step 1: Cook Succulent Shrimp

Boil water in a pot and add the shrimp.

Cook until they turn pink and curl slightly.

Drain and let them cool completely.

This prevents overcooking and keeps the shrimp tender and juicy.

Step 2: Chop Crisp Vegetables

Slice the cucumber into thin half-moons.

Dice the red onion into small pieces.

Halve the cherry tomatoes.

Finely chop fresh parsley for a burst of green color and herbal flavor.

Step 3: Create Zesty Dressing

• Olive oil
• Fresh lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk ingredients together until smooth and well blended.

Step 4: Combine Salad Components

• Cooled shrimp
• Sliced cucumber
• Diced red onion
• Halved cherry tomatoes
• Chopped parsley

Gently toss all ingredients to distribute evenly.

Step 5: Dress and Finish

Pour the prepared dressing over the salad.

Toss again to ensure every ingredient gets coated with the tangy dressing.

Step 6: Add Final Touches

Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top.

Garnish with delicate fresh dill for an extra layer of flavor.

Step 7: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.

Serve cold as a refreshing summer meal or side dish.

Shrimp Salad Tips with Cucumber Coolness

• Select high-quality, fresh shrimp without any fishy smell for the best taste and texture in your salad.
• Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes to enhance flavors and create a refreshing, crisp experience.
• Pat cucumber slices dry with a paper towel to prevent the salad from becoming watery and maintain its crunch.
• Swap shrimp with grilled chicken or tofu for different dietary preferences while keeping the salad's core essence.
• Adjust lemon juice and mustard quantities to match your taste preference, ensuring a perfectly balanced vinaigrette.

Storing Chill Cucumber Shrimp Salad

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate to prevent soggy vegetables.
• Before serving again, gently drain any excess liquid that may have collected to maintain crisp texture.
• Quickly toss with fresh herbs or a splash of lemon juice to revive flavors before eating.
• Do not freeze this salad, as cucumber and shrimp will lose their texture and become watery when thawed.

Cucumber Shrimp Salad Flavor Matches

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complements the light, zesty flavors of the cucumber shrimp salad. These wines enhance the seafood's delicate taste and match the salad's bright, clean profile.
• Chill Mediterranean-Style Rosé: Choose a dry rosé from Provence, France, which offers a perfect balance of acidity and subtle fruitiness. Its light, crisp character harmonizes beautifully with the shrimp and fresh vegetables.
• Match Sparkling Water with Citrus: Serve a chilled sparkling water infused with lemon or lime slices. The effervescence and citrus notes will mirror the salad's lemony dressing and provide a refreshing non-alcoholic alternative.
• Complement with Light Appetizer: Pair the salad with grilled bruschetta or light toasted crostini. These simple appetizers add a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely with the salad's soft ingredients while keeping the overall meal light and summery.

Shrimp Cucumber Salad Combinations

• Vegan Cucumber Salad: Replace shrimp with marinated tofu cubes, use plant-based feta alternative, and add chickpeas for protein boost.
• Gluten-Free Mediterranean Mix: Swap Dijon mustard with gluten-free mustard, use fresh herbs like basil and oregano for extra zest.
• Low-Carb Protein Power: Substitute cucumber with zucchini noodles, add grilled chicken instead of shrimp, use avocado for creamy texture.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Include jalapeños, swap parsley with cilantro, add black beans, use lime juice instead of lemon, incorporate chipotle seasoning for heat.

FAQs

• Are the shrimp cooked before adding to the salad?

Yes, the shrimp must be pre-cooked and cooled before mixing with other ingredients. You can boil, grill, or purchase pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe.

• Can I substitute cucumber if I don't like it?

Absolutely! You can replace cucumber with similar crisp vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or celery to maintain the salad’s fresh texture.

• Is this salad considered healthy?

Definitely! This salad is protein-rich from shrimp, low in calories, contains fresh vegetables, and uses heart-healthy olive oil in the dressing.

• How can I make this salad more filling?

Add quinoa, couscous, or mixed greens to increase the volume and nutritional value. These additions will transform the salad from a side dish to a complete meal.

Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired cucumber shrimp salad offers a refreshing dance of crisp vegetables and succulent seafood. Zesty lemon dressing and fresh herbs elevate this light, elegant dish that you’ll savor with pure coastal delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 g) cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill (optional)

Dressing and Cheese:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup feta cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Craft a harmonious base by delicately arranging cooked shrimp with crisp cucumber rounds, vibrant red onion slivers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and aromatic parsley in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Create a zesty emulsion by whisking together bright lemon juice, robust olive oil, tangy Dijon mustard, and a balanced blend of seasoning to form a cohesive dressing.
3. Gently cascade the prepared dressing over the seafood and vegetable medley, using a light folding technique to ensure each morsel is gracefully coated without bruising the delicate ingredients.
4. Elevate the salad’s visual and flavor profile by sprinkling crumbled feta cheese and feathery fresh dill across the surface, introducing textural complexity and herbaceous notes.
5. For optimal enjoyment, allow the salad to rest and marinate in the refrigerator for approximately half an hour, permitting the flavors to meld and intensify before serving chilled.

Notes

• Swap cucumber for zucchini or summer squash if allergic or prefer different texture, maintaining the crisp, fresh element of the dish.
• Use gluten-free Dijon mustard and check olive oil brand to make this recipe completely gluten-free and suitable for sensitive diets.
• Opt for pre-cooked shrimp from seafood counter to save time, ensuring they are thoroughly chilled before mixing into salad for best flavor and food safety.
• Replace shrimp with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version that still delivers protein and maintains the salad’s light, summery profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg