Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad

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🥗 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

  1. 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.

  2. Prep the Cucumbers

    • Slice cucumbers thinly.

    • Optional: lightly salt them and let sit 10 minutes, then pat dry to remove excess water.

  3. Make the Dressing

    • In a bowl, whisk together yogurt (or sour cream), mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.

  4. Assemble the Salad

    • In a large bowl, combine shrimp, cucumbers, red onion, and herbs.

    • Gently fold in the dressing until evenly coated.

  5. 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.

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