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
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Slice cucumber into thin, uniform rounds and dice red onion into delicate pieces. Finely chop fresh dill to release its aromatic essence.
- Create a silky dressing by whisking mayonnaise, sour cream, and tangy lemon juice until the mixture becomes uniformly smooth and creamy.
- Incorporate cooled shrimp into the cucumber and onion blend, ensuring gentle mixing to maintain ingredient integrity.
- Drizzle prepared dressing over the salad, using a folding technique to distribute flavors evenly without crushing delicate components.
- 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