Shrimp 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.
