The Classic Coronation UltraCreamy Shrimp Salad with a Hint of Dill

Dill Shrimp Salad Classic

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:5 Mins

Servings:4 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450 g) Cooked Shrimp (medium size, peeled, deveined)
• 3 medium Celery Stalks, finely diced
• 1/4 cup (30 g) Red Onion, very finely minced
• 2 Tbsp (5 g) Fresh Dill, finely chopped
• 1 Tbsp (2 g) Fresh Chives, finely snipped
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) Full-fat Mayonnaise
• 1 Tbsp (15 ml) Whole Grain Dijon Mustard
• 1 Tbsp (15 ml) Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
• 1 tsp (5 ml) Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1/2 tsp Fine Sea Salt (or to taste)
• 1/4 tsp Freshly Ground Black Pepper (or to taste)
• Pinch of Smoked Paprika (optional)

Instructions:

• If using raw shrimp, briefly poach them in simmering, salted water with a squeeze of lemon until pink and just opaque (about 2-3 minutes). Immediately drain and plunge into ice water to stop cooking. Drain well and pat completely dry. Roughly chop the cooked shrimp into bite-sized pieces, reserving some smaller pieces for texture.
• Finely dice the celery stalks and mince the red onion. Place these diced vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
• In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika (if using) until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning.
• Add the prepared shrimp, fresh dill, and chives to the bowl containing the dressing and vegetables.
• Using a rubber spatula, gently fold all ingredients together until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to prevent crushing the shrimp.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This crucial step allows the flavours to marry and the salad to firm up slightly.
• Before serving, give the salad a final gentle stir and taste one last time for salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts

Calories	693 kcal
Protein	8.3 g
Fat	4.5 g
Carbs	46.1 g
Fiber	17.2 g
Sodium	10663 mg

Recipe Info

Category	Main Course, Salad, Seafood
Cuisine	American Deli Style

Elevating Lunchtime: Why This Creamy Shrimp Salad Reigns Supreme

There’s something deeply satisfying about a truly well-made deli-style salad. It’s nostalgic, comforting, and versatile. However, many versions fall flat—either too wet, too bland, or dominated by one ingredient. Our take on the Creamy Shrimp Salad aims to be the benchmark; the version you remember from coastal holidays or the one that makes even a Tuesday lunch feel like a small celebration. This recipe, which balances succulent protein with a luxurious, tangy dressing, is designed not just to fill you up, but to delight your palate. Forget everything you thought you knew about sad desk lunches; this is elevated comfort food ready in minutes.

The Secret to That 'Just Right' Tangy Base

The magic in this Seafood Salad Recipe With Crab Shrimp —or rather, shrimp-focused salad—lies in achieving perfect harmony between the rich binder and the bright, sharp counterpoints. It’s a balancing act, ensuring the mayonnaise base supports the seafood without drowning its delicate flavour.

Setting the Standard for Classic Seafood Salads

When we look at classic American-style salads—tuna, chicken, or indeed, shrimp—they share a foundation: a creamy emuon punctuated by crunch and acid. This creamy shrimp salad recipe adheres closely to that tried-and-true formula. We use high-quality, full-fat mayonnaise because its texture is critical to achieving that luxurious mouthfeel, which many lighter versions simply cannot replicate. We are aiming for a substantial, satisfying bite.

A Nod to Tradition: Unpacking the Flavour Profile

While inspired by deli traditions, we infuse this recipe with nuances that elevate it beyond the ordinary. Think of the subtle depth you might find in a sophisticated creamy shrimp salad food and wine pairing suggestion—it requires layers. We achieve this through the sharpness of Dijon mustard and a splash of apple cider vinegar, which cuts through the richness of the mayo beautifully. If you enjoy a hint of smokiness, a tiny pinch of smoked paprika adds warmth without leaning too heavily into barbecue territory.

What Makes Our Shrimp Salad Truly Unforgettable

What truly sets this preparation apart is the integration of fresh herbs. We lean heavily on fresh dill and chives. The dill provides an anise-like, slightly herbaceous lift that pairs exquisitely with shellfish, making this recipe a standout creamy shrimp salad with dill . When these aromatics are folded in right at the end, their freshness truly sings against the rich dressing. This attention to fresh aromatics is what turns a simple mixture into a superior Homemade Shrimp Salad .

Sourcing the Stars: Premium Components for Perfect Texture

Texture is just as vital as flavour in any great salad. We need softness from the shrimp, but plenty of clean, audible crunch from the vegetables.

For the protein, aim for medium-sized, fully cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined. If you start with raw shrimp, briefly poach them in simmering, lightly salted water with a squeeze of fresh lemon until they turn pink and opaque—about two to three minutes—then shock them immediately in ice water. The most crucial step here is drying: once cooled, the shrimp must be patted absolutely bone-dry with paper towels. Any residual moisture will dilute the creamy shrimp salad dressing into a watery mess. Once dry, coarsely chop the shrimp into manageable, bite-sized pieces, ensuring some smaller bits remain to fill in the gaps.

The Essential Dressing Alchemy: Mixing Your Creamy Shrimp Salad Binder

The binder is where the flavour profiles of the salad truly merge. This is the heart of our creamy shrimp salad dressing , designed for maximum richness and tang.

Must-Have Produce and Protein Ratios

For 1 lb (450g) of prepared shrimp, we balance this weight with sufficient crunch agents. Three medium celery stalks, diced very finely, provide that necessary snap without becoming fibrous distractions. We also introduce just 1/4 cup of finely minced red onion.

It’s important that this onion is finely minced; we want its sharp flavour distributed evenly, not delivered in large, overwhelming bites.

Aromatic Enhancements: Herbs and Seasonings Checklist

Beyond the foundational salt and freshly ground black pepper, the herbs are your secret weapon. You'll need about 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh dill and 1 tablespoon of snipped fresh chives. The zestiness from 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice is also mandatory, acting as the primary acid to lift the heavy mayonnaise.

A tiny splash of apple cider vinegar complements the lemon beautifully, rounding out the acidity.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Preparation Success

While this recipe is fundamentally easy, the right tools ensure the best results. A sharp chef’s knife and cutting board are essential for achieving that fine dice on the celery and onion—precision here prevents textural clashes.

A large mixing bowl accommodates everything, and a rubber spatula is key for the final, gentle folding process that protects the structure of the shrimp.

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Mastering the Prep: From Raw to Ready-to-Mix Components

Successful assembly hinges on preparing each component correctly before they ever meet the bowl.

Perfectly Poaching Shrimp for Tenderness

If you are cooking your shrimp from raw, remember that overcooked shrimp are rubbery and tough. The moment they curl into a 'C' shape and turn opaque, they are done. Immediate transfer to an ice bath halts the cooking process instantly, preserving that tender, yielding texture we desire for the perfect creamy shrimp salad . After chilling, dry them thoroughly.

Achieving the Ideal Dice Consistency for Crunch

When dicing your celery and onion, aim for pieces no larger than a grain of rice, or certainly no larger than a small piece of chopped shrimp. Large, raw vegetables will disrupt the smooth, creamy texture you are striving for in this creamy shrimp salad sandwich recipe filling. Uniformity of dice ensures every forkful is balanced.

The Gentle Art of Dressing and Marination

It is best practice to whisk the dressing components—mayonnaise, Dijon, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and pepper—together in a small bowl first . Taste and adjust the seasoning here before it meets the bulk of the salad. You want the dressing to taste slightly bright and salty on its own, as it will mellow once mixed with the protein and vegetables.

The Final Fold: Integrating Ingredients for Optimal Creaminess

This is the moment of truth, requiring restraint and care.

Add the prepared shrimp, diced celery, and minced red onion into the large bowl containing your perfectly seasoned dressing. Now, sprinkle in your freshly chopped dill and chives. Using your rubber spatula, employ a gentle folding motion . Do not stir vigorously, as if you were making scrambled eggs. The goal is to coat every ingredient evenly without crushing the shrimp or bruising the delicate herbs. Stop folding the moment everything is just combined.

Maximising Flavour: Resting Times and Storage Secrets

Resist the urge to serve immediately! While you can eat this creamy shrimp salad right away, it truly shines after a brief rest. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for a minimum of 30 minutes, though an hour is ideal. This chilling time allows the acid from the dressing to marry with the richness of the mayo and the savouriness of the shrimp, resulting in deeper, more integrated flavours. When stored in an airtight container, this salad remains excellent for up to three days.

Creative Serving Vessels and Presentation Ideas

How you present this salad significantly impacts the dining experience. For a luxurious creamy shrimp salad appetizer , serve small scoops atop crostini, perhaps garnished with a single caper berry or a sprig of fresh parsley. If you are making sandwiches, use high-quality, slightly sweet bread like brioche; lightly toast the bread first to prevent sogginess. Another elegant option is serving it in chilled avocado halves or lining crisp butter lettuce cups for a lighter presentation.

Adapting This Recipe: Customising Your Seafood Mix

While this is a stellar standalone recipe, adaptability is part of its charm. Think of this as a template.

Nutritional Insights: A Quick Glance at the Calories

On average, a generous serving of this rich, mayonnaise-based salad will clock in around 350 to 400 calories, primarily derived from the fat in the mayonnaise. However, this serving size delivers an impressive 25 grams or more of high-quality protein, making it substantially more filling than carb-heavy alternatives.

Elevating the Experience: Next-Level Serving Suggestions

To truly push this into gourmet territory, consider adding toasted pecans or slivered almonds for an extra textural layer. A drizzle of high-quality Old Bay seasoning over the finished salad is also a fantastic addition for those who love that specific maritime spice blend—it works beautifully in this context, echoing the complexity often sought in a great creamy shrimp salad recipe old bay variation.

Making it Lighter: Healthy Swaps for the Dressing

If you are aiming for a significantly lighter profile, you can substitute half of the standard mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. This adds a pleasant tanginess and significantly reduces the fat content without sacrificing too much creaminess. Alternatively, using avocado oil-based mayonnaise is a good step toward healthier fats while retaining that essential smooth consistency needed for a satisfying creamy shrimp salad .