Hey there! I’m Thomas, and today I’m super excited to share some amazing recipes that’ll help you turn those tiny salad shrimp into mouthwatering dishes Y’know, I used to think salad shrimp were just, well, for salads But boy, was I wrong! These little guys are crazy versatile and can make your meals go from boring to brilliant in no time.
Why You’ll Love These Recipes
Before we dive in, here’s why these recipes are gonna be your new favorites:
- Quick & easy (most take under 30 minutes)
- Budget-friendly
- Perfect for meal prep
- Super versatile
- Healthy protein option
1. Classic Shrimp Salad Lettuce Wraps
This is my go-to when I’m trying to eat healthy but still want something that tastes amazing. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients
- Salad shrimp
- Mayonnaise
- Greek yogurt (to make it lighter!)
- Diced celery
- Red onion
- Fresh dill
- Lemon juice
- Butter lettuce or romaine leaves
Just mix everything together and scoop into those crispy lettuce leaves. chef’s kiss Perfect for lunch!
2. Creamy Shrimp Salad Sandwiches
OMG, these are to die for! I love making these for picnics or quick lunches. Pro tip: try them on croissants for an extra fancy touch!
3. Power-Packed Shrimp Salad Bowls
These bowls are literally my favorite meal prep option, Here’s how I make them
-
Start with a base:
- Quinoa
- Brown rice
- Mixed greens
-
Add toppings:
- Cucumber
- Cherry tomatoes
- Shredded carrots
- Sautéed peppers
-
Top with shrimp salad and drizzle with ginger-lime vinaigrette
4. Avocado Boats with Shrimp Salad
This is such a pretty dish! Plus, it’s keto-friendly if you’re into that. Simply:
- Cut avocados in half
- Remove pit
- Fill with shrimp salad
- Top with feta and microgreens
5. Grab-and-Go Shrimp Salad Wraps
Perfect for busy days! Layer these ingredients in a tortilla:
- Hummus (spread it first)
- Shrimp salad
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced tomatoes
- Sliced avocado
6. Mediterranean Shrimp Pasta Salad
This one’s a crowd-pleaser at potlucks! Mix together:
- Cooked farfalle or rotini
- Shrimp salad
- Bell peppers
- Cucumber
- Cherry tomatoes
- Feta cheese
- Greek dressing
7. Fiesta Shrimp Salad Tacos
Taco Tuesday just got an upgrade! Fill corn or flour tortillas with:
- Shrimp salad
- Shredded cabbage
- Sliced avocado
- Fresh salsa
- Lime wedges
8. Party-Perfect Shrimp Salad Appetizers
These are great for parties! Serve on:
- Crackers
- Crostini
- Cucumber slices
- Cherry tomatoes
- Mini bell peppers
9. Cheesy Shrimp Salad Quesadillas
This fusion dish is surprisingly amazing! Layer between tortillas:
- Shrimp salad
- Shredded cheese
- Diced peppers
- Pan-fry until golden
How to Choose the Right Shrimp
Here’s a little secret – both fresh and frozen shrimp work great! But here’s what I’ve learned:
Fresh Shrimp:
- Best if you live near the coast
- Ask your fishmonger when they got them in
- Should smell like the ocean, not fishy
Frozen Shrimp:
- Often fresher than “fresh” shrimp
- Usually cleaned and deveined
- More convenient
- Generally cheaper
Pro Tips for Perfect Shrimp Salad
- Don’t overcook your shrimp! They should be pink and opaque
- Always have an ice bath ready to stop the cooking
- Season as you go
- Let flavors meld for at least 30 minutes before serving
- Drain well to avoid watery salad
Storage Tips
Your shrimp salad will stay fresh in the fridge for:
- 2-3 days in an airtight container
- Don’t freeze (mayo doesn’t freeze well)
- Keep chilled when serving at parties
Final Thoughts
These recipes have seriously changed my lunch game, and I bet they’ll change yours too! The best part? You can mix and match ingredients based on what you’ve got in your fridge. No stress, just yummy food!
Got questions? Need more tips? Drop me a comment below! I’d love to hear how these recipes work out for you. Happy cooking, friends!
Remember: The key to great shrimp salad is fresh ingredients and not overcooking those little guys. Trust me on this one!
Tips To Make Shrimp Avocado Salad
- Use ripe but firm avocados. The avocado should give a little when you press it, but not soft. If it is overipe it will be difficult to cut and not ripe enough and it will be hard to peel.
- Make this recipe in less time by buying pre-cooked shrimp. You can also make it with fresh shrimp that aren’t frozen.
- Cut the red onion into small pieces. If the pieces are too large they can over power the other ingredients. If you are not a fan of red onion you can substitute them with green onions.
You can make this salad up to two days ahead of time and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best not to pour over the dressing until just before serving or the lettuce can become soggy. The dressing will keep in the fridge for up to two weeks.
This salad is low carb and high protein. One serving is around 360 calories so it’s a great option for lunch. I love to serve this in lettuce leafs as an appetizer when we have guests.
This shrimp avocado salad is one of my favorite easy salads to make when I’m having company because I’ve got lots of fans of the shrimp and avocado combo! The mix of the lime juice, cumin and the cilantro give it a Mexican vibe, but the taste is not too potent for any picky eaters. The salad is low-carb, high-protein and totally medium in effort…actually it’s quite possibly my easiest effortless salad!
Ingredients to make shrimp avocado salad
- Shrimp: Use large shrimp if possible, either raw or pre-cooked. I share the steaming method below if you bought it raw. You can leave the shrimp whole or chop it up into thirds to make them more bite-sized pieces.
- Avocado: Make sure they are ripe but firm for best consistency with the salad. Add them right before serving.
- Red onions: They give great flavor to the shrimp avocado salad without overpowering it.
- Dressing: The homemade dressing is made with extra virgin olive oil and fresh squeezed lime juice, along with some cumin, salt and pepper. If you don’t like the taste of cumin, you can definitely skip that. The dressing really brings the salad together wonderfully!
The Best Shrimp Salad Recipe
FAQ
What is the difference between salad shrimp and regular shrimp?
The primary difference between salad shrimp and regular shrimp lies in their size. Salad shrimp, also known as tiny or baby shrimp, are small, often under 1 inch in length, and are typically sold pre-cooked and peeled.
What is a good side dish with shrimp?
- Coleslaw. Creamy and cool, coleslaw is a perfect for any time of year. …
- Grits. This Southern staple is quick and easy to prepare. …
- French Fries. …
- Fresh Vegetables. …
- Rice Pilaf. …
- Build Your Menu Around Gulf Shrimp.
Are salad shrimp already cooked?
Salad shrimp generally is sold already cooked ( At least it is here in the US), so very little cooking is required. I would suggest adding them to a bisque or chowder just at the last minute, or add to Tuna or Chicken Salad and use as a sandwich spread.
What goes well with shrimp salad rolls?
I like serving these with some classic potato chips but you could also have them with french fries, potato salad or pasta salad. Can you make the filling for the shrimp rolls in advance? You shouldn’t make seafood recipes too far in advance.