If you are craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that perfectly balances refreshing herbs with a classic seafood twist, then you have to try this Shrimp Salad with Old Bay and Dill Recipe. It brings together succulent shrimp tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing infused with the zing of fresh lemon, the warmth of Old Bay seasoning, and the delicate brightness of dill. Every bite offers a delightful medley of textures and tastes that’s just as charming served on its own as it is piled high in a sandwich or atop leafy greens. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself, this salad is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels both special and surprisingly simple to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of this Shrimp Salad with Old Bay and Dill Recipe lies in its simplicity, with each ingredient playing a pivotal role in layering flavor and texture. Fresh shrimp gives you that tender seafood base, while crisp celery adds crunch and dill brings an herbal brightness that lifts the whole dish.
- 1 pound raw shrimp: Choose peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience and the best texture.
- 1 lemon (halved): Provides fresh acidity both for poaching the shrimp and for the dressing.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning the shrimp water and balancing flavors.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Adds bright, zesty flavor to the dressing.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Brings subtle tanginess and depth to the creamy dressing.
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning: This iconic spice blend introduces warmth and a slightly spicy kick.
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise: Creates the rich, creamy base that coats every ingredient perfectly.
- ¼ cup finely chopped celery: Adds a crisp texture and fresh bite.
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh dill: Offers a fragrant, slightly grassy note to brighten the salad.
- 3 tablespoons minced red onion: Introduces a mild pungency and subtle sweetness.
- salt and pepper to taste: To season the salad just right according to your palate.
How to Make Shrimp Salad with Old Bay and Dill Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
First things first, make sure your shrimp are fully defrosted if frozen. You can do this quickly by running them under cold water or letting them thaw gently in the refrigerator for a few hours. Once ready, peel off the shells and carefully remove the vein running along the back—this simple step elevates the freshness and appearance of your shrimp dramatically.
Step 2: Poach the Shrimp
Bring a pot of water to a boil with a pinch of salt, then add half a lemon both for juice and to flavor the poaching liquid. Lower the heat to a simmer and add the shrimp, cooking them briefly for about 2 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. The method keeps the shrimp tender and juicy, the perfect foundation for your salad.
Step 3: Chill and Dry the Shrimp
To stop the cooking process and keep the shrimp firm but juicy, transfer them immediately into a bowl of ice water. Let them cool completely, approximately 15 minutes, then pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. This step ensures the dressing won’t get watery and maintains the salad’s perfect texture.
Step 4: Whisk the Dressing
In a large bowl, mix fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Old Bay seasoning, and mayonnaise together. This dressing is the heart of the Shrimp Salad with Old Bay and Dill Recipe—it brings creaminess, tang, and a warm spice combination that complements the shrimp beautifully.
Step 5: Combine All Ingredients
Gently fold the cooled shrimp along with finely chopped celery, dill, and red onion into the dressing. Adjust the creaminess by adding more mayonnaise if desired. Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix everything carefully to ensure every bite gets a perfect coating of flavor.
Step 6: Let Flavors Meld
Pop the salad into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to let all those wonderful flavors marry into one sensational dish. This resting step really heightens the vibrancy of the lemon, freshness of the dill, and warmth from the Old Bay seasoning.
How to Serve Shrimp Salad with Old Bay and Dill Recipe
Garnishes
To really make your Shrimp Salad with Old Bay and Dill Recipe shine, consider garnishing with fresh dill sprigs or a thin lemon wheel for a splash of color and extra aroma. A sprinkle of paprika or a few crunchy microgreens can also add beautiful contrast in both look and texture.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with light, crisp sides like butter lettuce, cucumber slices, or a simple arugula salad. For something heartier, serve it alongside crusty bread or buttery crackers which soak up every bit of the luscious dressing.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with your presentation by serving this salad in avocado halves, atop toasted baguette slices, or even spooned into colorful bell pepper boats. It’s equally lovely in a sandwich, turning any lunch into a fresh, satisfying treat that’s bound to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover Shrimp Salad with Old Bay and Dill Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, but the shrimp is best enjoyed fresh to keep that perfect texture.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended because mayonnaise and fresh herbs can separate or lose their bright flavor once thawed. For best results, make it fresh or consume leftovers within a couple of days.
Reheating
This shrimp salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you do prefer it slightly warmed, let it sit out of the fridge for about 20 minutes before serving to take the chill off.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, pre-cooked shrimp can be substituted. Just be sure to thaw them fully and pat them dry before mixing into the salad to avoid excess moisture.
What is Old Bay seasoning, and can I substitute it?
Old Bay is a classic American spice blend with celery salt, paprika, and other spices designed to enhance seafood dishes. If you don’t have any, try a mix of paprika, celery salt, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne for a similar effect.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
For a plant-based twist, swap the shrimp for chickpeas or hearts of palm and use vegan mayonnaise. The Old Bay and dill still bring wonderful flavor to keep it fresh and inviting.
How long can this shrimp salad stay in the fridge?
For the best texture and flavor, enjoy this salad within 2 days of making it. After that, the shrimp can start to lose freshness and the dressing may separate slightly.
Can I add other herbs to this salad?
Cilantro or parsley can be good additions if you want to experiment, but dill is the signature flavor that really makes the Shrimp Salad with Old Bay and Dill Recipe stand out. Use herbs sparingly to keep the balance.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Salad with Old Bay and Dill Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a joyful celebration in every bite. Easy enough for a weeknight, yet charming and special enough for guests, it combines fresh, hearty ingredients with a dressing that bursts with brightness and warmth. Give it a try and you just might find it becoming a new favorite to turn to whenever you want something deliciously satisfying and effortlessly elegant.
PrintShrimp Salad with Old Bay and Dill Recipe
This refreshing Shrimp Salad with Old Bay and Dill is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a light lunch or a summer gathering. Featuring tender boiled shrimp tossed in a zesty dressing made from lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and Old Bay Seasoning, combined with crunchy celery, fresh dill, and red onion, this salad is both creamy and vibrant with a perfect balance of flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lemon (halved)
- 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)
Dressing
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning (original flavor)
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
Salad Mix-ins
- ¼ cup finely chopped celery (about 1 rib)
- 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh dill
- 3 tablespoons minced red onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Defrost the Shrimp: Defrost the shrimp under cold running water or place frozen shrimp in the refrigerator for a few hours until thawed. Peel off the shells, including tails.
- Devein the Shrimp: Using a sharp paring knife, make a shallow cut along the back of each shrimp to remove the dark vein. Rinse each shrimp under cold water and repeat until all are cleaned.
- Prepare Boiling Water: Bring a medium-sized pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add a generous pinch of salt, squeeze the juice of one lemon half into the water, and toss the lemon halves into the pot for extra flavor.
- Cook the Shrimp: Reduce heat to a simmer and add shrimp to the pot. Cook them for 2 minutes until opaque and just cooked through.
- Ice Bath Cool Down: Using a slotted spoon, remove shrimp from the boiling water and transfer to a bowl of ice water. Let them cool completely, about 15 minutes, then pat dry with paper towels.
- Mix the Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Old Bay Seasoning, and 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Fold the cooled shrimp, chopped celery, fresh dill, and minced red onion gently into the dressing until everything is evenly coated. Add more mayonnaise as needed for desired creaminess. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill the Salad: Refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and develop.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp salad on a bed of lettuce with fresh vegetables or use it as a filling for sandwiches.
Notes
- For best flavor, use fresh lemon and fresh dill.
- Adjust mayonnaise quantity to reach your preferred creaminess level.
- This salad can be prepared a few hours ahead and kept refrigerated.
- Serve chilled for optimal taste and texture.
- Use peeled and deveined shrimp to save prep time.
