Refreshing Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe for Summer Joy

Summer’s heat calls for a delightful cucumber shrimp salad that refreshes and satisfies your craving for something light.

Crisp vegetables and succulent seafood blend perfectly in this cool dish.

Mediterranean influences shine through with each vibrant bite.

Delicate shrimp nestle among cucumber slices, creating a harmonious mix of textures.

Fresh herbs and a tangy dressing elevate the entire experience.

You’ll love how simple ingredients transform into an elegant meal.

Let this recipe become your new favorite summer companion.

Why Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Is a Cool and Fresh Delight

• Savor Quick Protein Boost: Packed with succulent shrimp, this salad delivers a protein-rich meal that satisfies hunger and provides essential nutrients.
• Craft Refreshing Summer Delight: Cool cucumber and zesty dressing create a light, crisp dish perfect for beating the heat and enjoying fresh seasonal ingredients.
• Master Simple Cooking Skills: Minimal cooking steps and basic ingredients make this recipe approachable for home cooks of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned chefs.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows swapping ingredients or adding extra herbs and spices to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that adds protein and creates the main body of the salad.

• Cucumber, Red Onion: Crisp vegetables that provide fresh crunch and texture to the salad.
• Fresh Dill: Herb that adds bright, aromatic flavor to enhance the overall taste.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy bases that create a rich and smooth dressing.
• Lemon Juice: Acidic ingredient that brightens the flavors and adds a zesty touch.

• Olive Oil: Helps cook the shrimp and adds a subtle flavor.
• Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Seasonings that enhance the shrimp's taste and provide balanced seasoning.

How to Make Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad with Ease

Step 1: Sizzle Succulent Shrimp

• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they transform into a beautiful pink color and are thoroughly cooked. Transfer shrimp to a plate and let them cool down completely.

Step 2: Chop Fresh Veggie Base

• Thinly sliced cucumber
• Finely chopped red onion
• Freshly chopped dill

Step 3: Whisk Creamy Dreamy Dressing

• Smooth mayonnaise
• Tangy sour cream
• Fresh lemon juice

Whisk the ingredients until they form a silky, uniform sauce.

Step 4: Marry the Ingredients

Once the shrimp have cooled, gently fold them into the cucumber mixture. Pour the creamy dressing over the salad and softly toss everything together, ensuring each morsel gets coated with the luscious sauce.

Step 5: Chill and Savor

Cover the salad and nestle it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to dance and mingle. Serve ice-cold and enjoy the refreshing, light meal.

Expert Tips for Perfectly Balanced Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad

• Quickly pat shrimp dry before cooking to achieve a perfect golden sear and prevent excess moisture.
• Dice cucumber seeds to reduce water content, keeping the salad crisp and preventing a watery texture.
• Chill ingredients separately before combining to maintain maximum freshness and prevent soggy vegetables.
• Use fresh dill instead of dried for a brighter, more vibrant herb flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Optional protein swap: Replace shrimp with grilled chicken or crab meat for different dietary preferences and flavor variations.

Creative Twists to Elevate Your Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad

• Mediterranean Marvel: Replace dill with chopped parsley, add crumbled feta cheese, and mix in kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwest Sensation: Incorporate diced jalapeños, swap sour cream with Greek yogurt, and sprinkle chili powder for a zesty kick.
• Asian Fusion Flair: Mix in sliced green onions, drizzle sesame oil, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds for an eastern-style transformation.
• Herb Garden Blend: Combine fresh basil, chives, and tarragon instead of dill, creating a vibrant herbaceous profile that elevates the salad's freshness.

Best Pairings to Enjoy Alongside Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the salad's light, refreshing flavors and enhance the shrimp's delicate taste.
• Match with Crusty Bread: Serve alongside a rustic sourdough or baguette to add a crunchy texture that contrasts with the creamy dressing and provides a perfect dipping companion.
• Garnish with Herb-Infused Appetizer: Create a simple bruschetta with fresh basil, tomatoes, and a drizzle of olive oil to add a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired side that balances the cool cucumber salad.

How to Store Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad for Freshness

• Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep it covered to maintain freshness and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Not recommended due to the creamy dressing and cucumber's high water content, which will cause separation and texture changes when thawed.
• Gently stir the cold salad before serving. If needed, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to take the chill off, but avoid warming it directly to prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery.
• Enjoy the salad within 24-48 hours for optimal taste and texture, as the cucumber will release water and soften over time.

Your Top Questions About Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Answered

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture and ensure they cook evenly and get a nice sear.

• Is this salad healthy?

Absolutely! Shrimp is low in calories and high in protein, while cucumbers provide hydration and essential nutrients. The dressing uses light mayo and sour cream for a balanced, nutritious meal.

• How do I know when shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and form a loose “C” shape. If they curl into a tight “O” shape, they’re overcooked and might become rubbery.

Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 36 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Cool Mediterranean vibes shine through this Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad, blending crisp textures with zesty coastal flavors. Refreshing ingredients dance together, promising a light yet satisfying meal that transports you straight to seaside dining.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 large cucumber, sliced
• 1/2 cup (75 grams) red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup (15 grams) fresh dill, chopped

Seasonings and Dressing:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) sour cream
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Sear shrimp in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat at 375°F, seasoning with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook 2-3 minutes per side until they transform to a vibrant pink and achieve complete doneness. Transfer shrimp to a cooling rack.
2. Slice cucumber into thin, uniform rounds and dice red onion into delicate pieces. Finely chop fresh dill to release its aromatic essence.
3. Create a silky dressing by whisking mayonnaise, sour cream, and tangy lemon juice until the mixture becomes uniformly smooth and creamy.
4. Incorporate cooled shrimp into the cucumber and onion blend, ensuring gentle mixing to maintain ingredient integrity.
5. Drizzle prepared dressing over the salad, using a folding technique to distribute flavors evenly without crushing delicate components.
6. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for 30-45 minutes, allowing ingredients to harmonize and develop a more profound taste profile. Serve cold for maximum refreshment.

Notes

• Select plump, medium-sized shrimp for the best texture and flavor in the salad.
• Pat shrimp dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly and develop a nice golden color.
• Avoid overcooking shrimp, as they can quickly become tough and rubbery when exposed to heat for too long.
• Chill ingredients beforehand to keep the salad refreshingly cool and crisp.
• For a lighter version, swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce calories and add protein.
• Enhance the salad’s crunch by adding thinly sliced radishes or chopped celery for extra texture.
• Use fresh dill for the most vibrant and aromatic flavor, but dried dill can work in a pinch.
• Make the salad ahead of time and let it marinate in the refrigerator for deeper, more developed flavors.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 200 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg