Refreshing Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe for a Healthy Meal
This Cucumber Shrimp Salad is a vibrant mix of fresh ingredients that brings together the cool crunch of cucumbers and the succulent sweetness of shrimp. Perfect for warm days, this dish is both light and satisfying, making it an ideal starter or meal.
- Author: Bluebella
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling and Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- 2 pounds shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 English cucumber (small diced)
- 3 green onions (thinly sliced)
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup sour cream
- 1 large lime (zested and juiced (about 2 teaspoons zest and 2 tablespoons juice))
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- Make the dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine ⅓ cup mayonnaise, ⅓ cup sour cream, 2 teaspoons lime zest, and 2 tablespoons lime juice. Add 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, and ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Stir until smooth and creamy. Set aside or refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the shrimp: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the 2 pounds of peeled and deveined shrimp. Cook for exactly 2 to 3 minutes or until they turn pink and opaque. Be cautious not to overcook them; they should be firm but not rubbery.
- Prepare an ice water bath: While the shrimp are cooking, fill a large bowl with ice water. Once the shrimp are cooked, quickly transfer them using a slotted spoon to the ice water bath. This stops the cooking process and keeps the shrimp tender. Let them cool for about 3 minutes.
- Drain and chop the shrimp: After cooling, drain the shrimp in a colander and pat dry with paper towels. Chop them into bite-sized pieces. Make sure not to leave any excess water, as it can dilute the dressing later.
- Combine all ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped shrimp, 1 small diced English cucumber, and 3 thinly sliced green onions. Pour the creamy dressing over the mixture. Stir gently until everything is well coated. Make sure that each piece is evenly covered without breaking the shrimp.
- Chill and serve: For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled and enjoy your refreshing Cucumber Shrimp Salad!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 200 mg
Keywords: For a healthier version, you can replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. If you want to enhance the dressing, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or a teaspoon of honey for a touch of sweetness.