Zesty Lemon Dill Shrimp Salad Recipe for Summer Freshness

Summers call for light, refreshing meals that tantalize your taste buds with this zesty lemon dill shrimp salad recipe dancing with bright, Mediterranean flavors.

Crisp greens mingle with succulent shrimp, creating a vibrant dish that feels both elegant and effortless.

The delicate dill adds a subtle herbal note that complements the tangy lemon perfectly.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of textures and tastes that spark joy at the dinner table.

Fresh ingredients come together in minutes, making this salad an ideal choice for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Seafood lovers and health enthusiasts will adore this protein-packed, low-calorie meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Dive into this delectable recipe and let your culinary adventure begin.

Instructions for Lemon-Dill Shrimp Salad Prep

• Water Preparation

Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the water and drop the lemon halves in for extra flavor.

• Shrimp Cooking

Carefully add shrimp to the boiling liquid, stirring gently. Cook until shrimp turn a delicate pink color, which takes about 2-3 minutes.

• Cooling Process

Transfer shrimp to an ice bath to stop the cooking and preserve their tender texture. Let them rest for several minutes, then drain completely.

• Salad Assembly

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the cooled shrimp with creamy mayonnaise, bright lemon zest, tangy mustard, and a blend of aromatic herbs. Gently mix all ingredients until perfectly incorporated.

• Serving

Arrange fresh lettuce leaves on individual plates as a crisp base. Generously spoon the zesty shrimp mixture on top. Sprinkle additional fresh herbs for a beautiful finishing touch.

Seasoning, Texture, and Swap Tips

• Choose large, deveined shrimp for the best texture and easiest preparation. Wild-caught shrimp often have superior flavor compared to farm-raised options.
• Replace shrimp with cooked crab meat, diced chicken, or imitation crab for a delightful twist on the classic seafood salad.
• Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier, lighter dressing that reduces calories without sacrificing flavor.
• Transform this salad into a wrap by spooning the mixture into lettuce leaves or soft tortillas for a portable lunch option. Serve over mixed greens or stuff into cucumber boats for elegant presentation.
• Experiment with additional fresh herbs like parsley, tarragon, or basil to boost the aromatic profile and add complexity to the salad's flavor.

How to Serve Shrimp Salad on Hot or Cold Days

• Serve Chilled for Summer Refreshment: Chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors and provide a cool, crisp experience perfect for hot days.
• Pair with Crusty Bread: Serve alongside toasted sourdough or rustic French bread to soak up the lemony dressing and add a delightful crunch to the meal.
• Create an Elegant Appetizer: Scoop the shrimp salad into endive leaves or cucumber boats for an upscale presentation that's great for dinner parties or light gatherings.
• Complement with Fresh Sides: Add a simple green salad or light cucumber tomato salad to balance the rich, creamy shrimp mixture and create a complete, satisfying meal.

Keeping Shrimp Salad Fresh for Later Enjoyment

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store the lemon dill shrimp salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Freshness matters most with seafood-based dishes.
• Prevent Soggy Salad: Keep lettuce leaves separate from the shrimp mixture until serving to maintain crisp texture and prevent wilting. Mix just before eating for the best taste and crunch.
• Freeze with Caution: While possible to freeze the shrimp salad, the texture of mayonnaise and seafood can change. If freezing, consume within 1 month and thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
• Serve Chilled: Always keep the shrimp salad cold, ideally below 40°F. Serve immediately after preparation or chill for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld together and enhance the overall taste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 2 minutes

Total Time: 12 minutes

Calories: 265 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients List for Lemon Dill Shrimp Salad

• Shrimp: Fresh, sweet-tasting crustaceans that bring oceanic flavor and protein-packed goodness; choose large, firm shrimp with clean smell and vibrant color.

• Mayonnaise, Mustard: Creamy base that binds ingredients and adds tangy richness; select high-quality, smooth versions for best texture.
• Lemon: Bright citrus fruit that adds zesty freshness and helps tenderize seafood; pick firm, heavy lemons with smooth, glossy skin.
• Garlic Powder: Concentrated aromatic that provides deep, mellow flavor without raw garlic intensity; choose pure, unadulterated powder.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate and balance overall taste; opt for freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt.

• Dill, Chives: Delicate herbs that introduce green, garden-fresh notes; select crisp, bright green herbs with no wilting.
• Celery: Crunchy vegetable that adds texture and subtle peppery undertone; choose firm stalks with vibrant green leaves.
• Lettuce: Crisp foundation for serving salad; pick fresh, crisp leaves with no browning or wilting edges.

Kitchen Tools to Toss a Refreshing Shrimp Salad

• Large pot: Essential for boiling water and cooking shrimp evenly.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping vegetables and zesting lemon.
• Sharp knife: Perfect for precise vegetable and herb cutting.
• Colander: Crucial for draining shrimp after cooking.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining salad ingredients and mixing.
• Measuring spoons: Helps add precise amounts of seasonings.
• Zester or grater: Great for creating lemon zest.
• Tongs or slotted spoon: Useful for handling shrimp during cooking.
• Ice bath bowl: Helps stop shrimp cooking and maintain texture.

Bright Lemon Dill Shrimp Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 12 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired lemon dill shrimp salad combines zesty citrus with fresh herbs for a light, refreshing meal. Crisp greens and succulent shrimp create perfect balance, inviting you to savor summer’s delightful flavors.

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Ingredients

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• 2 lbs (0.9 kg) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 heads butter leaf lettuce
• ¾ cup (180 ml) mayonnaise
• ½ cup (8 tbsps) chopped chives
• 1 cup (240 ml) minced celery
• 2 large lemons
• ¼ cup (4 tbsps) minced fresh dill
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) lemon juice
• ¼ cup (4 tbsps) finely chopped red onion
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper (optional)

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Instructions

1. Boiling Setup: Fill a large pot with water, bring to a vigorous boil over high heat. Squeeze lemon juice into the water and drop the halves into the pot, adding salt for enhanced flavor.
2. Shrimp Cooking: Gently lower raw shrimp into the bubbling water, stirring to ensure uniform cooking. Monitor closely, cooking 2-3 minutes until shrimp transform from translucent to soft pink.
3. Cooling Process: Immediately drain shrimp using a colander, transfer to an ice water bath to stop cooking. Rest for 5 minutes to preserve tender texture, then drain and refrigerate.
4. Salad Preparation: In a spacious mixing bowl, combine chilled shrimp with mayonnaise, lemon zest, additional lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, chopped dill, and chives.
5. Mixing Technique: Fold ingredients gently, ensuring even coating without breaking shrimp. Incorporate finely diced celery into the mixture.
6. Plating Elegance: Arrange crisp lettuce leaves on individual plates, creating a vibrant base. Generously spoon shrimp salad over lettuce.
7. Finishing Touch: Optionally garnish with delicate dill sprigs or finely chopped chives for a sophisticated presentation.

Notes

• Prevent Overcooking: Monitor shrimp closely, as they cook rapidly in 2-3 minutes and can become rubbery if left too long in boiling water.
• Chill Technique: Ice bath immediately stops cooking process, preserving tender shrimp texture and preventing further heat exposure.
• Flavor Enhancer: Adding lemon halves to boiling water infuses subtle citrus notes, complementing the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
• Mixing Method: Fold ingredients gently to avoid breaking delicate shrimp, ensuring even coating without damaging their structure.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 265
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 610 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg