Simple Elegance: How to Make Shrimp Salad That’s Irresistible
This is not just any shrimp salad, this fabulous pink dressing melds together with the succulent taste of shrimp and the crispness of red bell peppers, red cabbage, and radishes. This salad is as much about the vibrant dressing as it is about the fresh ingredients.
I encourage you to be creative and feel free to customize this salad to your liking. You can also make it with scallops, or crab meat. Or you can even use lobster. Today I am making it with one of my favorite seafood, shrimp. The versatility of this salad allows you to pair it with any dish of your choice. Personally, I believe it would make a fantastic addition to a Surf n Turf Dinner.
So, prepare your taste buds for a symphony of flavors. Let me show you how to make shrimp salad you are going to love!
A Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make Shrimp Salad: Fresh & Delicious
Recipe Video
Recipe Ingredients
For the Dressing:
- 2 tbsp Mayonnaise heaping
- 2 tbsp Sour Cream heaping
- 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 1 tsp prepared Horseradish
- 1 tbsp Hot Sauce adjust to taste
- 1 tbsp Lea & Perrins Marinade for Chicken optional
- 1 tsp minced Garlic
- 2 tsp Ketchup
- 1 tsp Lemon Juice
- 1 tsp Cognac optional
- 1/2 tsp Fresh Dill - chopped
- Salt and Pepper to taste
For the Shrimp Salad
- 1 lb 9-10 count or 21-25 count Cooked Shrimp, peeled, deveined, cut to bite sized
- 1/4 cup Slivered Almonds
- 1/4 cup small diced Red Bell Pepper
- 1/4 cup finely chopped Red Cabbage
- 1/2 cup Cherry Tomatoes cut in half
- 1/2 cup Fresh Dill - chopped
- 1/4 cup sliced Radishes
- 1 to 2 heads Romaine Lettuce cut into julienne
- Fresh Dill for garnish
Recipe Instructions
Prepare the Dressing:
- In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, horseradish, hot sauce, Lea & Perrins Marinade (if using), garlic, ketchup, lemon juice, cognac (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Whisk together until well emulsified and pinkish in color.
- Stir in the chopped dill and adjust the seasoning if needed. Set aside.
Prepare the Shrimp Salad:
- Pour a small amount of dressing into the bottom of a mixing bowl.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, slivered almonds, diced red bell pepper, chopped red cabbage, tomatoes, and dill.
- Gently fold in enough of the pink dressing to coat the ingredients. You can add more or less dressing depending on your preference.
- Add more dill, salt, and pepper to taste.
Assemble the Salad:
Option 1:
- If you want to serve the salad in individual glasses, arrange the lettuce in the bottom half of the glass. Layer the shrimp salad on top and arrange the sliced radishes in each glass.
Option 2:
- You can also serve it on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves or in avocado halves for an elegant presentation.
Enjoy your delicious and colorful Shrimp Salad with Pink Dressing! Remember to adjust the ingredients and seasonings to suit your taste preferences. Bon appétit!
You can find the items below used in making this dish at our online store!
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Make Shrimp Salad
1. What should I look for when buying shrimp?
Look for shrimp that has a fresh, sea-like aroma. Avoid those with any ammonia smell. Shrimp should be translucent and glossy. If purchasing frozen shrimp, ensure that the package is free of ice crystals or signs of freezer burn.
2. Can creamy shrimp salad be prepared in advance?
Yes, creamy shrimp salad can be prepared in advance. In fact, preparing it a few hours ahead and refrigerating it can allow the flavors to meld, resulting in a tastier salad.
3. How long can creamy shrimp salad be stored in the refrigerator?
Creamy shrimp salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Ensure it’s kept in an airtight container to preserve freshness.
4. Can you freeze creamy shrimp salad?
While you can freeze creamy shrimp salad, it’s strongly not recommended as the texture of the mayonnaise and shrimp can change once frozen and then thawed. The salad might become watery and lose its creaminess.
5. What kind of shrimp is best for shrimp salad?
Medium to large-sized shrimp, 9-10 count or 21-25 count, cut to bite sized is ideal for shrimp salad. They are meaty and hold up well in the creamy dressing. Make sure to peel, devein, and cook them before adding to the salad.
6. How do I know when the shrimp is cooked perfectly?
Shrimp cooks quickly. When it turns opaque and has a pinkish hue, it’s done. Overcooked shrimp becomes rubbery, so it’s essential to monitor closely.
7. Can I use low-fat mayonnaise in the shrimp salad?
Absolutely. You can use low-fat or even non-fat mayonnaise in your shrimp salad. Just keep in mind that it might slightly alter the flavor and creaminess.
8. Is there an alternative to mayonnaise for the dressing?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream as a healthier alternative. They provide creaminess without the added fat from mayonnaise.
9. Can I add other seafood to the shrimp salad?
Yes, adding crabmeat or diced lobster can elevate the salad. Ensure any additional seafood is cooked and cleaned properly.
10. How can I make my shrimp salad more crunchy?
Add diced celery, bell peppers, or even chopped nuts like cashews or almonds to introduce a crunchy texture.
11. What can I serve with shrimp salad?
Creamy shrimp salad pairs well with toasted bread, crackers, or a bed of lettuce. You can also wrap it in tortillas or serve it in hollowed-out tomatoes or avocados.
Jean-Pierre continued his apprenticeship on the French Riviera where he worked at famous restaurants, such as L’Oasis at La Napoule, Le Vendome in Aix-en-Provence, and the the Carlton in Cannes. In 1976, he opened The Left Bank Restaurant, consistently recognized as one of the best in America for 22 years by magazines like "Bon Appetit," "Conde Nast," "Gourmet Magazine" and "Travel & Leisure."
Jean-Pierre was also a popular TV personality, having hosted National Public Television series like "Incredible Cuisine” and "Sunshine Cuisine." He was also nominated for "Best Culinary Video" by the James Beard Foundation and operated the nationally renowned “Chef Jean-Pierre's Cooking School” and was a sought-after guest on shows like "The Today Show" and "Larry King Live."
With over 1.1 Million Subscribers to his Chef Jean-Pierre YouTube Channel, he is a widely respected figure in the culinary world, known for his skill and dedication to his craft, but even more so known for making gourmet cooking fun and easy to learn.
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Your recipe is most marvelous I added some lump crab, could not find the white Worcestershire sauce any where but found that adding it to the ketchup and then putting the ketchup in it was not a brown color at all thank for sharing your recipe very yummy
Made this to go with burgers over the weekend, it was the star of the show!
Super simple, delicious, appetising!
Can be served at family meals or at parties!
That is Great