Here is a complete, cleanly formatted guide for Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad, with no wide lines or separators included.
Introduction
Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad is a refreshing yet satisfying dish that combines tender shrimp, crisp cucumbers, and a light, creamy dressing. Cool, flavorful, and elegant, it works equally well as a light lunch, starter, or chilled dinner option, especially in warm weather.
Origin and Cultural Significance
Chilled seafood salads have roots in coastal cuisines around the world, where fresh shellfish is paired with cooling vegetables and simple dressings. The combination of shrimp and cucumber is especially popular in European and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, valued for its balance of richness and freshness. This salad reflects a tradition of seasonal eating and relaxed, health-conscious dining.
Ingredients Quantity
- Cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined: 1 lb (450 g)
- English cucumber: 2 medium, thinly sliced
- Red onion: ¼ cup, finely sliced
- Fresh dill: 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: ¾ cup
- Mayonnaise: ¼ cup
- Lemon juice: 1½ tablespoons
- Salt: ½ teaspoon
- Black pepper: ¼ teaspoon
Optional Additions
- Avocado slices for creaminess
- Cherry tomatoes for color and sweetness
- Garlic or garlic powder for depth
- Dijon mustard for tang
- Fresh parsley or chives
Tips for Success
- Pat shrimp dry before mixing to prevent excess moisture
- Use seedless cucumbers to avoid watering down the salad
- Chill the salad for 20–30 minutes before serving for best flavor
- Adjust lemon juice and seasoning to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine sliced cucumbers, red onion, and shrimp.
- In a separate bowl, whisk sour cream (or yogurt), mayonnaise, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the shrimp mixture.
- Gently toss until evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate briefly before serving.
Description
This salad is cool and creamy with a pleasant contrast between juicy shrimp and crisp cucumbers. The herbaceous dill and bright lemon bring freshness, while the creamy dressing ties everything together in a smooth, satisfying bite.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 26 g
- Fat: 18 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
Conclusion
Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad is a simple yet refined dish that delivers both comfort and freshness. Its ease of preparation and balanced flavors make it ideal for everyday meals or special occasions.
Recommendation
Serve this salad on a bed of lettuce, with crusty bread, or inside a wrap or sandwich. It pairs beautifully with sparkling water, iced tea, or light white wine.
Embracing Healthful Indulgence
This dish embraces mindful indulgence by combining lean protein with fresh vegetables. Using Greek yogurt in place of some or all of the mayonnaise can lighten the dressing while maintaining its creamy texture and satisfying flavor.
If you’d like, I can also create a low-calorie version, meal-prep guide, or Mediterranean-style variation.