Name: Creamy Dill Shrimp Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 quarts water; 1 lemon, halved; 2 cloves garlic, lightly smashed; 1 bay leaf; 1 1/2 tablespoons salt; 1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (optional); 1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper; 1/2 cup finely diced celery; 1/2 cup thinly sliced green onion; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill; 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt; Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how quick and effortless this recipe feels while still delivering big flavor. The shrimp turn out tender thanks to gentle poaching, and the creamy dressing ties everything together without feeling too heavy. I also enjoy how versatile it is—I can serve it in sandwiches, wraps, or simply on its own. It’s refreshing, make-ahead friendly, and perfect for warm days.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 quarts water

1 lemon, halved

2 cloves garlic, lightly smashed

1 bay leaf

1 1/2 tablespoons salt

1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (optional)

1/2 cup finely diced red bell pepper

1/2 cup finely diced celery

1/2 cup thinly sliced green onion

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1/4 cup chopped fresh dill

1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt

freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions

I start by adding water to a large pot over high heat. I squeeze a bit of lemon juice into the pot, then drop in the lemon halves, garlic, bay leaf, salt, and Cajun seasoning if I want a little extra kick. I bring everything to a full boil.

Once boiling, I remove the pot from the heat and add the shrimp. I let them gently poach in the hot liquid for about 3 minutes until they turn pink and are fully cooked.

I transfer the shrimp to a plate and let them chill until completely cool. After that, I cut them into bite-sized pieces if I prefer a finer texture.

In a large bowl, I combine the shrimp with red bell pepper, celery, green onion, mayonnaise, lemon juice, dill, sea salt, and black pepper.

I gently stir everything together until evenly coated, being careful not to break up the shrimp too much.

I cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour so the flavors can blend nicely.

When ready, I serve it chilled with crackers, in sandwiches, wraps, or even lettuce cups.

Servings and timing

I prepare this recipe in about 20 minutes total, with 10 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cooking. It makes 4 servings, which I find perfect for a small family meal or a couple of lunches.

Variations

I sometimes swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt when I want a lighter version. I also like adding chopped cucumber for extra crunch or a pinch of paprika for a smoky touch. When I feel like changing things up, I serve it with avocado or stuff it into a toasted roll for a heartier meal.

Storage/Reheating

I store the shrimp salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I keep it chilled at all times since it’s mayonnaise-based. I don’t reheat it, as it tastes best cold, so I simply give it a quick stir before serving again.

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FAQs

How do I know when the shrimp are fully cooked?

I look for the shrimp to turn pink and opaque. This usually happens within about 3 minutes during poaching.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

I can use pre-cooked shrimp, but I skip the poaching step and go straight to mixing. I just make sure they are fresh and well-chilled.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

I often make it a few hours ahead. I find it tastes even better after chilling because the flavors blend more deeply.

What can I serve with shrimp salad?

I like serving it with crackers, bread, wraps, or even over greens. It also works well in lettuce cups for a lighter option.

Can I freeze shrimp salad?

I don’t recommend freezing it because the mayonnaise can separate and the texture of the shrimp may change.

Conclusion

I find this creamy dill shrimp salad to be one of those reliable recipes that always feels fresh and satisfying. It’s simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and incredibly versatile. Whether I’m making a quick lunch or preparing something ahead for later, this dish always delivers a refreshing and delicious result.

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