The vibrant colors of summer are not just for your garden; they can fill your plate too! This Refreshing Cucumber and Shrimp Salad takes advantage of the season’s best produce, featuring crisp cucumbers and tender poached shrimp. It’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it an ideal choice for warm days when the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen. Packed with protein and low in carbs, this creamy cucumber shrimp salad is not only nutritious but also a delightful way to impress guests at your next gathering or to enjoy as a light lunch. Would you believe just how refreshing this dish can be? Let’s dive in and whip up something spectacular!

Why is This Salad So Refreshing?

Simplicity: Minimal cooking makes this salad incredibly easy to whip up, perfect for busy summer days.

Flavor Explosion: The combination of zesty lemon, creamy mayonnaise, and fresh herbs elevates each bite, leaving your taste buds dancing.

High-Protein Power: With poached shrimp as the star, you’ll enjoy a satisfying meal packed with protein that keeps you full longer.

Versatile Options: Feel free to customize with diced avocado or switch shrimp with chicken for a personal twist.

Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is sure to impress at summer gatherings, making it an ideal addition to any picnic alongside refreshing sides like Cucumber Tomato Feta or Spicy Cucumber Salad.

Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Ingredients

For the Poaching Liquid
• 2 pounds shrimp (peeled and deveined) – Main protein source, providing a rich and savory flavor. Choose medium to large shrimp for optimal texture.
• 6 cups water – Base for poaching shrimp to ensure they remain moist and tender.
• 6-8 peppercorns – Adds a subtle spiciness to the poaching liquid.
• 12-15 cloves garlic (whole) – Delivers aromatic flavor while poaching, adding depth.
• A few sprigs of parsley – Enhances flavor; can be substituted with cilantro for a different herbal note.
• 2 bay leaves – Imparts a subtle earthy flavor to the poaching liquid.
• 2 shallots (roughly chopped) – Adds sweetness and complexity to the broth.
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt – Essential for seasoning the poaching liquid. Adjust to taste.

For the Salad
• ½ cup mayonnaise – Provides creaminess and binds the salad together. Can substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
• Zest of 1 lemon + 3-4 tablespoons lemon juice – Adds brightness and acidity to counterbalance richness.
• ¼ cup celery (finely minced) – Adds crunch and freshness to the salad.
• 2 tablespoons chives (finely minced) – Contributes a mild onion flavor.
• 1 tablespoon dill (finely minced) – Offers a fresh, slightly tangy twist.
• 6-7 Persian cucumbers (thinly sliced) – Crisp texture and refreshing taste, ideal for salads.
• ½ teaspoon umami seasoning – Enhances overall flavor, can substitute with more salt if unavailable.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad

Step 1: Prepare Poaching Liquid
In a large stock pot, combine 6 cups of water, 6-8 peppercorns, 12-15 whole garlic cloves, a few sprigs of parsley, 2 bay leaves, 2 roughly chopped shallots, and 2 tablespoons of kosher salt. Bring this mixture to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat, allowing the flavors to meld for about 5 minutes, then strain out the solids, keeping the fragrant liquid in the pot.

Step 2: Poach Shrimp
Add 2 pounds of peeled and deveined shrimp to the hot poaching liquid. Immediately turn off the heat, cover the pot, and let the shrimp sit in the hot liquid for 2-5 minutes, depending on their size. You’ll know they are ready when they turn opaque and curl slightly. This gentle cooking method keeps the shrimp moist and tender.

Step 3: Ice Bath
While the shrimp are poaching, prepare an ice water bath by filling a large bowl with ice and cold water. Once the shrimp have cooked, quickly transfer them to the ice bath using a slotted spoon. This will stop the cooking process and ensure they remain perfectly tender and cool, ready to be mixed into your creamy cucumber shrimp salad.

Step 4: Make Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup of mayonnaise, the zest of 1 lemon, and 3-4 tablespoons of lemon juice until smooth. Then, fold in ¼ cup of finely minced celery, 2 tablespoons of finely minced chives, 1 tablespoon of finely minced dill, and ½ teaspoon of umami seasoning. This creamy dressing will tie together the flavors of your salad beautifully.

Step 5: Assemble Salad
When the shrimp have cooled, drain them well and add them to the dressing. Gently fold in 6-7 thinly sliced Persian cucumbers, ensuring everything is well coated with the creamy mixture. Taste and adjust the seasoning if desired. Serve immediately or let the creamy cucumber shrimp salad chill for up to an hour to enhance the flavors even further.

What to Serve with Refreshing Cucumber and Shrimp Salad

Elevate your dining experience with delightful pairings that complement this zesty, refreshing dish.

Garlic Bread: The warm, toasted goodness of garlic bread is perfect for dipping into this savory, creamy salad while adding a comforting crunch.
Zesty Quinoa: A light and fluffy quinoa side brings in earthy flavors and a nutty element, enhancing the overall meal without overshadowing the shrimp.
Chilled White Wine: A crisp, chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc will elevate your dining experience, highlighting the salad’s fresh and zesty notes.
Fresh Fruit Salad: A sweet and vibrant mix of seasonal fruits will provide a refreshing contrast, balancing the creamy texture of the shrimp salad beautifully.
Grilled Vegetables: Charred, smoky grilled veggies add depth to your plate. Their warm flavors create a lovely accompaniment while keeping the meal healthy and colorful.
Lemon Orzo Salad: This bright orzo dish brings lemony brightness and tender pasta, making a perfect sidekick to the creaminess of your cucumber shrimp salad.

Each of these options offers a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, making your summer meal not just a dinner but a delightful culinary adventure!

Make Ahead Options

These Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad components are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time on busy weeknights! You can poach the shrimp and prepare the dressing up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully. Store the poached shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and refrigerate the dressing separately for optimal flavor retention. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine the chilled shrimp with the dressing, fold in the thinly sliced cucumbers, and enjoy a refreshing meal that tastes just as delicious as when freshly made. This simple strategy ensures you maintain the salad’s quality and enjoy a quick yet impressive dish anytime!

Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Variations

Customize your Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad with these fun and flavorful twists that will surely excite your palate!

Avocado Delight: Substitute diced avocado for some mayonnaise to add creaminess and healthy fats. The buttery texture of avocado elevates the dish beautifully!
Protein Swap: Replace shrimp with diced chicken or tofu for a different protein option. This is perfect for picky eaters or those with shellfish allergies.
Crunchy Additions: Incorporate additional vegetables like bell peppers or radishes for extra crunch. These vibrant veggies not only boost texture but also add a pop of color!
Herbal Twist: Experiment with different herbs like cilantro or mint instead of dill; they can lend a refreshing twist to the salad’s flavor profile.
Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños if you crave some heat. A little spice can turn your refreshing salad into an exciting culinary adventure!
Greek Style: Swap mayonnaise for tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean flair. This will infuse your salad with refreshing yogurt, cucumber, and garlic notes.
Zesty Variations: Mix in lime juice instead of lemon for a tangy alternative that complements the shrimp and cucumbers. Lime brings a whole new world of bright flavor!

Feel free to experiment with these variations and create a version of your own! For even more inspiration, you might also enjoy trying a Winter Vegetable Salad or a delicious Green Goddess Salad Sandwich.

Expert Tips for Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad

Flavorful Poaching Liquid: Always ensure your poaching liquid is well-seasoned before adding shrimp. The broth enhances the shrimp’s flavor, elevating the entire creamy cucumber shrimp salad.
Avoid Overcooking: Be careful not to overcook the shrimp; they should be opaque and slightly curled. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, ruining your salad’s texture.
Keep it Cool: Quickly transfer the shrimp to an ice bath after poaching to stop the cooking process. This helps maintain their tenderness and keeps the salad refreshing.
Customize the Dressing: Feel free to substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option while still achieving that creaminess in your creamy cucumber shrimp salad.
Mix Up the Veggies: Don’t hesitate to add other crunchy vegetables like bell peppers or radishes to your salad for an extra flavor burst and texture contrast!

How to Store and Freeze Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad

Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Consume within this timeframe for the best taste.

Freezer: It’s not recommended to freeze creamy cucumber shrimp salad due to the mayonnaise and cucumber texture, which can compromise quality once thawed.

Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold; however, you can let it come to room temperature if desired. Avoid microwaving as it can affect the shrimp’s texture.

Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe FAQs

What type of shrimp should I use for the salad?
Absolutely! For the best texture, I recommend using medium to large shrimp that are peeled and deveined. Fresh shrimp will provide a richer flavor, but if you’re short on time, high-quality frozen shrimp that are fully thawed also work well.

How do I store leftovers of the creamy cucumber shrimp salad?
Very! You should store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to 2 days. Remember, this salad is best enjoyed cold, so keep it chilled!

Can I freeze the creamy cucumber shrimp salad?
I often advise against freezing this salad. The mayonnaise and cucumbers can lose their texture when thawed, impacting overall quality. It’s best to enjoy this salad fresh!

How do I ensure my shrimp are perfectly poached?
Follow these steps:

Make sure your poaching liquid is well-seasoned; it should taste flavorful before adding shrimp.
Add shrimp to the hot liquid, then turn off the heat and cover the pot.
Let them sit in the hot liquid for 2-5 minutes, checking for their color change to opaque and slight curling. This helps maintain their tenderness without overcooking.

Are there any dietary considerations for this salad?
Certainly! This creamy cucumber shrimp salad is gluten-free and low in carbs, making it suitable for various diets. If you’re concerned about allergies, ensure your shrimp is from a reliable source, and remember that mayonnaise can be swapped with Greek yogurt for a lighter or dairy-friendly option.

Can I add more ingredients to the salad?
The more the merrier! Feel free to mix in diced avocados for extra creaminess or add colorful veggies like bell peppers or radishes for an additional crunch. Just adjust the dressing accordingly to accommodate any new ingredients for perfect balance.