This light and zesty cucumber shrimp salad is a perfect dish for warm days. Juicy shrimp and crisp cucumbers come together with a tangy dressing that tickles your taste buds!
I love how quick this salad is to whip up—just mix the ingredients and it’s ready to serve. Plus, it’s great for impressing guests without the fuss. Who doesn’t love that? 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: I recommend using cooked shrimp for convenience. Frozen shrimp is a great option—you can thaw it in cold water quickly. If you’re avoiding shrimp, try diced avocado or chickpeas for protein.
Cucumbers: English cucumbers are best for their thin skin and fewer seeds. If they aren’t available, regular cucumbers work fine—just peel them to avoid bitterness!
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a bright flavor. If you’re not a fan, parsley is a good substitute, or try a few mint leaves for a refreshing twist!
Lime Juice: Fresh lime juice is essential for acidity. Bottled lime juice is okay in a pinch but fresh makes a big difference in flavor.
How Do You Make Sure the Salad is Extra Flavorful?
Allowing your salad to chill for at least 15 minutes gives the flavors time to mingle and develop. The lime juice and vinegar will soften the veggies while enhancing the taste.
- Mix your dressing separately and whisk it well so the honey dissolves completely.
- Toss gently to coat the salad, but be careful not to mush the cucumbers.
- Adjust seasoning just before serving. Sometimes a pinch more salt or lime juice can elevate the dish!
Refreshing Cucumber Shrimp Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional, for a bit of heat)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 15 minutes of chilling time. Overall, you’ll have a fresh and delicious dish ready in 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Salad Ingredients:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked shrimp, thinly sliced cucumbers, red onion, chopped cilantro, and the jalapeño if you like some heat. Gently mix everything together so it’s well combined.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the fresh lime juice, rice vinegar, honey or agave syrup, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined and the honey is dissolved.
3. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the shrimp and cucumber mixture. Toss gently with a spoon to ensure everything is evenly coated in the dressing.
4. Chill for Flavor:
Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 15 minutes. This chilling time allows the flavors to mix and enhances the overall taste!
5. Serve Your Salad:
Once chilled, give the salad a quick stir, taste, and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve it in bowls, garnished with extra cilantro or lime wedges for a beautiful presentation!
This refreshing cucumber shrimp salad is crisp, tangy, and perfect for light lunches or as a side dish at your next gathering! Enjoy!
FAQ for Refreshing Cucumber Shrimp Salad
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the shrimp before using it. You can thaw frozen shrimp overnight in the fridge or quickly in a sealed bag submerged in cold water. Once thawed, peel and devein if necessary.
How Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the salad ingredients and the dressing separately up to a day in advance. Just combine them just before serving to keep the cucumbers crisp and fresh!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To maintain the salad’s freshness, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat.
Can I Add Other Vegetables or Proteins?
Definitely! Feel free to add other crunchy veggies like bell peppers or radishes. If you want more protein, consider adding diced avocado, cooked crab meat, or even chickpeas to make it heartier!
