The Ultimate Easy Creamy Shrimp Salad Recipe: Your Go-To Summer Delight

Prepare to discover your new favorite summer obsession: this incredibly easy and utterly delicious creamy shrimp salad! Crafted with perfectly chilled, succulent shrimp and crisp, finely diced red onion, all coated in a rich, tangy dressing infused with the iconic flavor of Old Bay seasoning, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s an effortlessly simple dish that delivers an irresistibly fresh and satisfying taste experience, ideal for warm weather gatherings, light lunches, or quick dinners.

If you’re a fan of simple, flavorful, and creamy salad recipes, you might also love my avocado chicken salad for another delicious option!

This classic shrimp salad isn’t just easy; it’s a culinary celebration of summer’s best flavors. Imagine plump, juicy cooked shrimp, delicately sweet, combined with the refreshing crunch of red onions. These star ingredients are then generously tossed in a simple yet profoundly flavorful mayonnaise-based dressing. The secret weapon here is Old Bay seasoning, a blend that imparts a distinct, savory depth that perfectly complements seafood. This salad is practically begging to be spooned into a soft, fluffy roll for the ultimate shrimp salad sandwich, or enjoyed in countless other ways. Once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself making it on repeat throughout the entire summer season.

Why You’ll Adore This Easy Creamy Shrimp Salad Recipe

Beyond its incredible flavor, there are so many reasons why this homemade shrimp salad will become a staple in your kitchen:

• Bursting with Fresh Flavors: Every bite offers a delightful medley of tastes and textures. The cool, tender cocktail shrimp provides a delicate seafood essence, beautifully contrasted by the sharp, crispy bite of fresh red onions. A hint of tangy vinegar in the dressing brightens the entire profile, making it incredibly refreshing and addictive. It’s a symphony of fresh ingredients that truly tastes like summer.
• Effortlessly Simple Ingredients: You won’t need an extensive shopping list for this culinary masterpiece. With just a handful of readily available ingredients, this classic shrimp salad with mayonnaise comes together in a flash. Most items are likely already in your pantry or easily found at any grocery store, ensuring a hassle-free preparation.
• Incredibly Versatile: One of the best qualities of this shrimp salad is its adaptability. Serve it traditionally in fluffy sandwiches or buttery rolls for a satisfying lunch. Roll it up in crisp lettuce leaves or a tortilla for a lighter wrap option. Spoon it over crunchy crackers or cucumber slices for an elegant appetizer or a quick, healthy snack. It’s also fantastic as a topping for baked potatoes or even mixed into a pasta salad.
• Lightning-Fast Preparation: Forget complicated cooking! This shrimp salad can be prepared and ready for serving in mere minutes, especially when using pre-cooked shrimp. It’s the perfect solution for those busy days when you crave something delicious and homemade without spending hours in the kitchen.
• A Taste of the Coast: The inclusion of Old Bay seasoning instantly transports you to seaside dining. This iconic spice blend is synonymous with seafood, bringing a distinctive, savory, and slightly spicy note that elevates the shrimp’s natural sweetness and gives the salad an authentic, cherished flavor.

Essential Ingredients for Your Shrimp Salad

Making this delightful seafood salad requires only 5 core ingredients, plus your standard seasonings. Each component plays a crucial role in building the perfect flavor and texture profile. For a convenient, printable list of all ingredients with precise measurements, please scroll down to the recipe card below the post.

• Shrimp: The star of our show! I recommend using frozen salad shrimp (also known as cocktail shrimp or cold water shrimp), thawed completely and drained very well. These typically come pre-cooked and cleaned, making your prep even quicker. While salad shrimp is convenient, feel free to use any size of cooked shrimp you prefer. If using larger shrimp, you might want to chop them into bite-sized pieces for easier mixing and eating.
• Red Onion: Finely chopped red onion adds a wonderful crisp texture and a pungent, slightly sweet bite that cuts through the creaminess of the dressing. Its vibrant color also adds visual appeal. If red onion is too strong for your palate, you can opt for milder alternatives like white onion, green onion (scallions), or delicate chives for a more subtle onion flavor.
• Mayonnaise: This forms the creamy base of our dressing, binding all the ingredients together and providing a rich, satisfying mouthfeel. Use your favorite brand of full-fat mayonnaise for the best flavor and texture. For a lighter option or a different flavor profile, you can substitute a portion or all of the mayo with plain Greek yogurt or a light sour cream, which will add a pleasant tanginess.
• Vinegar: A splash of vinegar is essential for balancing the richness of the mayonnaise and brightening the overall flavor of the salad. I typically use white wine vinegar for its mild, slightly fruity acidity that pairs beautifully with seafood. However, nearly any variety will work well. Red wine vinegar will add a deeper, more robust flavor, apple cider vinegar offers a fruity and slightly sour note, and distilled white vinegar provides a clean, sharp tang. Choose based on your preference!
• Seasoning: This is where the magic happens!
  • Old Bay Seasoning: This iconic seasoning blend is non-negotiable for an authentic, classic shrimp salad. It’s a proprietary mix, primarily featuring celery salt, paprika, and a secret blend of various other herbs and spices that are absolutely delicious with seafood. It imparts a unique, savory, and subtly spicy flavor.
  • Salt and Black Pepper: These fundamental seasonings enhance all the other flavors. Always taste and adjust to your preference.

  If Old Bay seasoning is not available in your region, Cajun seasoning can serve as a suitable, albeit spicier, substitute, offering a similar depth of flavor with a kick.

Is Salad Shrimp Already Cooked?

Yes, typically! Salad shrimp, often labeled as cocktail shrimp or cold water shrimp, is indeed sold pre-cooked and pre-cleaned. This is why it’s such a fantastic ingredient for quick recipes like this salad. All the hard work of peeling, deveining, and cooking has already been done for you. All you need to do is thaw the frozen shrimp, drain any excess water, and they’re ready to be incorporated into your recipe! Salad shrimp is incredibly versatile, making it excellent not only for salads but also for sandwiches, dips, tacos, and many other dishes where convenience and flavor are key.

Crafting Your Delicious Shrimp Salad: A Simple Guide

Making this juicy and flavorful shrimp salad couldn’t be simpler, even for novice cooks. The entire process takes just a few easy steps. Here’s a concise step-by-step guide to help you create this perfect summer dish. For detailed, printable recipe instructions, scroll further down to the dedicated recipe card.

• Prepare the Shrimp: The first crucial step is to ensure your shrimp are properly prepared. If using frozen salad shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed. Once thawed, spread the shrimp out on a clean baking sheet lined with paper towels. Gently but thoroughly pat them dry with additional paper towels. This step is vital to prevent a watery salad and ensure the dressing adheres beautifully to the shrimp.
• Craft the Creamy Dressing: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, chosen vinegar, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Whisk all these ingredients together until they are completely smooth and well-combined. The dressing should have a creamy, consistent texture and a wonderfully aromatic scent from the Old Bay.
• Combine and Toss: Add your dried shrimp and the finely chopped red onion into the bowl with the prepared dressing. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently toss all the ingredients together until every piece of shrimp and onion is thoroughly coated in the creamy dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as this can break down the shrimp.
• Serve Immediately or Chill: While best served fresh, a short chill in the refrigerator (about 15-30 minutes) can allow the flavors to meld even further. However, this salad is perfectly delicious right after mixing!

Expert Tips for the Best Shrimp Salad

The true beauty of this shrimp salad recipe lies in its straightforward nature, making it accessible and enjoyable for both seasoned chefs and kitchen novices. To ensure your salad is nothing short of perfect every time, here are my top tips and tricks:

• Thoroughly Dry the Shrimp: This is arguably the most critical step for a successful, non-watery shrimp salad. After thawing and draining your shrimp, spread them out on a clean baking sheet and use multiple layers of paper towels to pat them as dry as possible. Any residual moisture will dilute your delicious creamy dressing, leading to a less flavorful and unappetizingly soggy salad. Don’t rush this step!
• Using Raw Shrimp? Cook it First: While pre-cooked salad shrimp offers ultimate convenience, you can certainly use raw shrimp if preferred. If starting with raw shrimp, you’ll need to peel them (if not already peeled) and remove the tails and veins. Then, cook them until they are opaque and pink. A simple method is to boil them in salted water for 2-3 minutes, or until just cooked through. Immediately transfer them to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and maintain their tender texture. Once cooled, drain them thoroughly and pat them dry before adding to the dressing.
• Serve Fresh for Optimal Texture: This salad is truly at its best when enjoyed shortly after it’s made. While leftovers are still tasty, shrimp has a tendency to become a little rubbery or firm in texture over time, especially when sitting in a cold dressing. For the most tender and pleasing consistency, aim to serve it within a few hours of preparation.
• Chill for Enhanced Flavor: While you can serve this salad immediately, allowing it to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to a few hours) before serving can significantly enhance its flavor. This resting period allows the shrimp to absorb the delicious notes of the dressing and Old Bay seasoning, making for a more cohesive and deeply flavored salad.
• Don’t Overmix: When combining the shrimp and red onion with the dressing, mix gently. Overmixing can break down the tender shrimp, resulting in a mushy texture. A light fold until everything is just coated is all you need.
• Adjust Seasoning to Your Taste: The amounts for Old Bay, salt, and pepper in the recipe are a great starting point, but always taste and adjust. Depending on the saltiness of your mayonnaise and your personal preference, you might want a little more or less. Don’t be shy to sample a small amount before serving!

Exciting & Easy Shrimp Salad Variations

One of the joys of cooking is customization, and this classic shrimp salad is an excellent canvas for creativity. Try these fun and flavorful ideas to personalize your recipe and keep things interesting:

• Add Extra Veggies for Crunch: Bulk up your salad and add more texture with additional finely diced vegetables. Consider crisp celery, sweet green peas, shredded carrots, or even diced bell peppers (red or yellow for color and sweetness). These additions provide extra nutrients and a satisfying crunch.
• Infuse with Fresh Herbs: Elevate the aromatic profile by stirring in fresh herbs. Chopped fresh dill is a classic pairing with seafood and adds a bright, slightly anise-like flavor. Fresh basil offers a sweet, peppery note, while parsley brings a clean, herbaceous freshness. Chives can also add a delicate onion flavor.
• Turn it into a Pasta Salad: For a more substantial meal, toss your finished shrimp salad with cooked pasta. Short-cut pasta shapes like penne, shells, fusilli, or rotini work best as they hold the dressing well. Cook the pasta al dente according to package directions, rinse with cold water, and drain thoroughly before combining with the shrimp salad.
• Creamy Avocado Boost: For an extra layer of creaminess and healthy fats, stir in diced ripe avocado just before serving. The avocado adds a beautiful green hue and a rich, buttery texture, transforming it into a luxurious shrimp avocado salad.
• Zesty Citrus Kick: Brighten all the flavors with a squeeze of fresh citrus. Add 1-2 spoonfuls of freshly squeezed lemon juice or lime juice to the dressing. For an even more intense citrus aroma, finely grate some lemon or lime zest into the mix. This adds a vibrant tang that really makes the seafood pop.
• Spice It Up: If you love a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce (like Tabasco or Sriracha) to the dressing. Finely diced jalapeños can also provide a fresh, spicy crunch.
• Mediterranean Inspired: Introduce a Mediterranean flair by adding chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese. You might also swap some of the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for an even tangier base.
• Crunchy Nuts or Seeds: For an unexpected textural contrast, try adding a handful of toasted slivered almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds. This gives a pleasant nuttiness and extra crunch.

Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Your Creamy Shrimp Salad

This versatile creamy shrimp salad is delicious on its own, but it truly shines when paired with the right accompaniments. It’s an ideal choice for a variety of meals, from casual lunches to elegant appetizers.

Our absolute favorite way to enjoy shrimp salad is nestled within a fluffy sandwich roll, creating a classic shrimp salad sandwich. For an extra layer of flavor and texture, top it with fresh diced avocado or thinly sliced ripe tomatoes. Serve this delightful sandwich alongside a generous helping of crispy potato chips for that satisfying crunch, and a side of fresh seasonal fruit or a light, refreshing green salad. To complete this quintessential summer meal, a tall glass of cool peach lemonade makes the perfect beverage. It’s truly like summer on a plate!

Beyond sandwiches, here are more fantastic ways to serve your creamy shrimp salad:

• In Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb and refreshing option, spoon the shrimp salad into crisp lettuce cups (like butter lettuce or romaine hearts).
• As a Topping: It makes an excellent topping for sturdy crackers, crisp cucumber slices, or even small bell pepper halves. It’s also superb on tostadas or elegant bruschetta.
• Stuffed in Vegetables: Hollow out tomatoes, avocados, or bell peppers and fill them with the shrimp salad for a beautiful and delicious presentation.
• With Croissants or Pitas: Serve it in flaky croissants for a gourmet touch, or stuff it into warm pita bread pockets for a quick and satisfying meal.
• Alongside Other Dishes: Pair it as a side dish with grilled chicken, a simple soup, or a light gazpacho. It’s also a wonderful addition to a brunch spread or a picnic basket.
• On a Bed of Greens: For a truly light meal, simply serve a generous scoop of shrimp salad over a bed of mixed greens, perhaps with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon.

Storing Your Shrimp Salad Leftovers

While this shrimp salad truly tastes its absolute best when freshly made and served, you can certainly store any leftovers to enjoy later. Proper storage is key to maintaining its quality and safety.

Transfer any remaining shrimp salad to an airtight container. This helps to prevent oxidation and keeps other refrigerator odors from affecting its flavor. Store the sealed container in the coldest part of your refrigerator. When stored correctly, your shrimp salad will remain fresh and delicious for up to 3 days. Beyond this timeframe, the texture of the shrimp may begin to degrade, becoming rubbery, and the dressing might start to separate. Always trust your senses: if the salad develops an off odor, appearance, or taste, it’s best to discard it.

For best results, if you anticipate having leftovers, consider mixing only the amount of shrimp salad you expect to eat immediately and store the cooked shrimp and dressing components separately until ready to combine for the freshest experience.

More Irresistible Shrimp Recipes to Try

If you’re a seafood lover, especially a fan of shrimp, you’ll be thrilled to explore these other fantastic shrimp-centric dishes that are sure to become new favorites:

• Spicy Chipotle Shrimp Tacos: A vibrant and flavorful taco recipe featuring zesty chipotle-marinated shrimp.
• Crispy Air Fryer Shrimp: Achieve perfectly crispy shrimp with minimal oil, thanks to the magic of the air fryer.
• Bright Lemon Garlic Shrimp: A simple yet elegant dish where tender shrimp are sautéed with fragrant garlic and fresh lemon.
• Easy Homemade Shrimp Cakes: Delicious, savory cakes made with fresh shrimp, perfect as an appetizer or light meal.
• Golden Crispy Oven Fried Shrimp: Enjoy the satisfying crunch of fried shrimp without the deep-frying, all made conveniently in your oven.

Creamy Old Bay Shrimp Salad

By

Erin Sellin

This easy shrimp salad recipe combines chilled, succulent shrimp, crisp red onion, and the irresistible flavor of Old Bay seasoning in a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing. It’s absolutely perfect for delicious shrimp salad sandwiches or a light meal!

Prep Time:
10 mins

Total Time:
10 mins

Yields:
4 servings

Ingredients

• 1 pound salad shrimp, thawed and drained well
• 1 Tablespoon finely chopped red onion
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar (or your preferred vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Lay the thawed and drained salad shrimp out on a baking sheet. Use paper towels to thoroughly pat the shrimp dry, removing as much moisture as possible.
2. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, white wine vinegar, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix until all ingredients are well combined and the dressing is smooth.
3. Add the dried shrimp and the finely chopped red onion to a larger bowl. Pour the creamy mayo mixture over the shrimp and onion. Gently toss everything together until the shrimp and onion are fully coated in the dressing.
4. For best flavor, chill the salad for at least 15-30 minutes before serving. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For an extra layer of creaminess and flavor, I often like to serve this shrimp salad with diced avocado.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size: 1g |
Calories: 411kcal |
Carbohydrates: 4g |
Protein: 14g |
Fat: 37g |
Saturated Fat: 6g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 30g |
Cholesterol: 175mg |
Sodium: 1280mg |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 2g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Recipe Information

Author:
Erin Sellin

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Total Time:
10 minutes

Course:
Salad Recipes, Appetizer, Lunch

Cuisine:
American

Servings:
4 servings

Calories:
411

Keywords:
shrimp salad, shrimp salad recipe, easy shrimp salad, creamy shrimp salad, summer recipe, seafood salad

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