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Quick Shrimp Salad

This shrimp salad combines tender, smoky shrimp with crisp vegetables and a bright, tangy dressing for a fast and satisfying meal. It's made with simple ingredients like shrimp, cucumbers, radishes, and herbs, tossed together in minutes for a fresh, vibrant dish with a crisp texture and appealing appearance. Perfect for hot days or busy weeknights, it showcases flavor and simplicity without any fuss.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Seafood
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb pound shrimp (peeled and deveined) marinate briefly in lemon juice and spices
  • 1 cucumber chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 4 radishes sliced thin
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice for marinade and dressing
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil for dressing and cooking
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard adds tang and emulsifies dressing
  • 1 teaspoon honey balances acidity of lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • 1/4 cup toasted almonds for crunch

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Grill pan or skillet
  • Small whisk
  • Toasting pan or dry skillet
  • Sharp Knife

Method
 

  1. Start by marinating the shrimp: toss them in half of the lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and smoked paprika. Let sit for 10 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.
  2. Chop the cucumber into small, bite-sized pieces and thinly slice the radishes. Keep them chilled until ready to toss to maintain their crunch.
  3. Heat your grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat until it's hot and slightly smoky. Place the marinated shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn opaque and develop a slight char.
  4. While the shrimp cook, toast the almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3-4 minutes, shaking the pan often until they turn golden and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
  5. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until the dressing is silky and emulsified.
  6. Combine the chopped vegetables and cooled toasted almonds in a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked shrimp, then pour the dressing over everything.
  7. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated and well mixed. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more lemon or herbs for brightness.
  8. Let the salad rest for 5-10 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with chopped dill and parsley for a fresh finish.