🥗 Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad
📖 Description
Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad is a light yet indulgent dish that combines tender shrimp, crisp cucumbers, and a cool, tangy cream-based dressing. It’s refreshing, protein-rich, and ideal as a summer lunch, dinner side, or low-carb meal. The balance of crunch, creaminess, and subtle seafood sweetness makes it both elegant and easy.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Salad
1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled, deveined, cooked, and chilled
2 medium cucumbers, thinly sliced (English or Persian preferred)
¼ small red onion, very thinly sliced
2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
1 tbsp fresh parsley or chives (optional)
For the Creamy Dressing
½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
2 tbsp mayonnaise (optional for extra richness)
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice or white wine vinegar
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 small garlic clove, minced
Salt and black pepper, to taste
👩🍳 Instructions
Prepare the Shrimp
If not already cooked, boil shrimp in salted water for 2–3 minutes until pink.
Drain and immediately chill in ice water. Pat dry.
Prep the Cucumbers
Slice cucumbers thinly.
Optional: lightly salt them and let sit 10 minutes, then pat dry to remove excess water.
Make the Dressing
In a bowl, whisk together yogurt (or sour cream), mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine shrimp, cucumbers, red onion, and herbs.
Gently fold in the dressing until evenly coated.
Chill & Serve
Refrigerate for 15–30 minutes before serving for best flavor.
🍽️ Servings
Serves: 4
Serving Size: About 1½ cups per serving
🧂 Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
Calories: 260–300 kcal
Protein: 24–28 g
Fat: 15–18 g
Carbohydrates: 6–8 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 2–3 g
Sodium: ~450 mg
(Values vary depending on dressing choice)
🌟 Health Benefits
High in Lean Protein: Shrimp supports muscle health and satiety.
Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: Great for low-carb lifestyles.
Hydrating & Cooling: Cucumbers help with hydration and digestion.
Gut-Friendly: Greek yogurt adds probiotics.
Heart-Healthy: Low in saturated fat compared to heavy cream salads.
💡 Tips & Variations
Extra Crunch: Add celery or radishes.
Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or a dash of hot sauce.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free yogurt or avocado mayo.
Meal Prep Tip: Store dressing separately to keep cucumbers crisp.
Serving Ideas: Serve over lettuce, in wraps, or with toasted sourdough.
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry before using.
Q: How long does this salad last in the fridge?
A: Best within 24 hours, but can last up to 2 days in an airtight container.
Q: Can I substitute shrimp?
A: Absolutely—try cooked salmon, crab, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
Q: Is this good for weight loss?
A: Yes! It’s filling, low-carb, and protein-rich—just go lighter on mayo if needed.