This refreshing cucumber shrimp salad is light and tasty! With crunchy cucumbers, juicy shrimp, and zesty dressing, it’s perfect for a warm day or a quick lunch.
If you’re like me and love a salad that doesn’t weigh you down, this one is a winner. Mix it up in minutes and enjoy a healthy, yummy dish that makes you feel great!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Shrimp: Use peeled and deveined shrimp for ease. If you’re not a fan of shrimp, cooked chicken or chickpeas can be excellent alternatives.
Cucumbers: English cucumbers are great for their sweetness and crunch. If you don’t have them, you can use regular cucumbers. Just peel and deseed if they’re too watery.
Fresh Herbs: Dill and mint give a refreshing flavor. If you don’t have these, basil or parsley can add a different yet tasty twist. Fresh herbs are a must for brightness!
Avocado: Adds creaminess and healthy fats. If you’re not a fan or it’s not ripe, consider substituting with diced bell peppers for crunch.
Vinegar: Rice vinegar is mild and perfect for this salad. If you can’t find it, apple cider vinegar can work too, just use a little less since it’s stronger.
How Can I Make Sure the Salad Stays Fresh?
To keep your cucumber shrimp salad fresh, try these tips:
- Make the dressing separately and add it just before serving to avoid sogginess.
- If using avocado, add it last to keep it from browning. You can also squeeze a bit of lemon on it for extra protection.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. This salad is best eaten within a day for great texture and flavor!
Enjoy your refreshing salad, and don’t hesitate to get creative with the ingredients!
Refreshing Cucumber Shrimp Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb (450g) cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1 avocado, diced (optional)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional for color and taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 1 tsp honey or agave syrup
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes, optional for a slight kick
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an additional 20 minutes in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld. So, in total, you’ll need around 35 minutes to enjoy this delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Base Ingredients:
In a large bowl, mix the cooked shrimp, thinly sliced cucumbers, red onion, and any cherry tomatoes if you’re using them. This will form the colorful base of your salad.
2. Add Fresh Herbs:
Next, sprinkle in the chopped fresh dill, mint, and cilantro. These herbs will add a wonderful freshness to your salad that really brightens the flavors!
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, vinegar, and honey until everything is well combined. Don’t forget to season with salt, pepper, and, if you like a bit of heat, some red pepper flakes!
4. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over your shrimp and cucumber mixture. Gently toss everything together to make sure all the ingredients are well coated with the yummy dressing.
5. Add the Avocado:
If you’re using avocado, add it in last. Fold it gently into the salad to prevent mashing it, keeping those lovely chunks intact!
6. Chill and Serve:
Cover the salad and refrigerate it for at least 20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled as a light lunch or appetizer, and feel free to garnish with extra herbs if desired.
Enjoy this bright, cooling shrimp and cucumber salad that highlights fresh, clean flavors!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Salad?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before adding them to the salad. You can thaw shrimp overnight in the refrigerator or quickly by placing them in a bag and submerging them in cold water for about 20-30 minutes.
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Your cucumber shrimp salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, for the best texture and flavor, it’s recommended to enjoy it fresh since the cucumbers can become slightly soggy over time.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain the crispness of the cucumbers and avoid sogginess. Mix everything together right before serving.
What Can I Substitute for Shrimp?
If you’re not a fan of shrimp or need a different protein, cooked chicken or chickpeas are great alternatives. Both will work well with the other flavors in the salad!
