This Shrimp Salad Recipe is the true definition of lunch redefined. It features succulent shrimp, crisp veggies, and a delightful blend of fresh herbs, all wrapped up in a crisp lettuce cup—it's like a delightful gift for your taste buds.
Pre-cooked shrimp mixed with fresh herbs and veggies wrapped up in a lettuce cup creates a delicious gift for your taste buds. A squeeze of lime juice, salt, and black pepper makes it a more refreshing, light dish perfect for a hot summer day. Enjoy it as a light supper or an ideal lunch option, it's hand down the best recipe! Best of all? It comes together in just five minutes. So, let's make this classic shrimp salad!
This recipe is: Low Carb, Gluten Free, Keto, Paleo and Dairy Free
Table of Contents
5 Reasons to Love This Recipe
Here are five reasons why you'll love this keto shrimp salad:
- Perfect for those following keto or low-carb diets!
- Ready in just about five minutes—ideal for busy days!
- Packed delicious homemade dressing!
- Enjoy it in lettuce cups or as a standalone dish!
- Prep in advance and chill for an easy grab-and-go meal!
Is Shrimp Salad Low-Carb?
Yes, shrimp salad is generally low-carb, especially if you use low-carb ingredients for the dressing and avoid high-carb additions like croutons or sweetened dressings. With 1 cup of mayonnaise used in this recipe, you might be wondering Is Mayo Low Carb or not but I have used a low carb version of mayo and ensured all ingredients align with the low carb diet, making this recipe an excellent choice for all low carb dieters.
This recipe only has 2.5 g net carbs. It is remarkably low in carbs because it only contains shrimp, a zero-carb star ingredient, and a few complementary low-carb ingredients.
Shrimp Salad Ingredient List
You'll need the following ingredients to make this keto shrimp salad recipe:
- 1 pound pre-cooked shrimp, diced
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 stalks of celery, diced
- 1 cucumber, seeded and diced
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons chives, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
Don't worry if you're missing a few ingredients for this low-carb seafood salad! Here are some keto-friendly substitutions you can use:
- Lime juice: Substitute with fresh lemon juice for a similar citrusy flavor.
- Celery seed: To add a herby twist, replace with 1 tablespoon of fresh dill or ½ teaspoons of dried dill.
Additional Ingredients
You can customize this keto seafood salad recipe with these fantastic ingredients to elevate its flavor and presentation:
- Red Pepper Flakes: Add a touch of heat with red pepper flakes to make spicy shrimp salad.
- Cayenne Pepper: To liven up your dish with a spicy kick, sprinkle in a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Bell pepper: Dice up some bell pepper for added crunch and sweetness.
- Worcestershire sauce: Enhance the savory notes with a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
- Romaine lettuce: For a refreshing and light presentation, serve your shrimp salad in crisp romaine lettuce cups. You can also use butter lettuce!
Note: These additional ingredients are optional and are not a part of the original recipe.
Cooking Tools Required
You'll need the following cooking tools for this keto shrimp salad recipe:
- Large bowl
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Spoon or spatula
- Plastic wrap or airtight container
How to Make Shrimp Salad: Complete Cooking Guide
Cooking Method
- No-cook recipe
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the tools and ingredients for this recipe.
- Seed and dice the cucumber. Dice the celery and finely chop the chives and cilantro. Add all to a large bowl.
- Dice the cooked shrimp into bite-sized pieces and add to the bowl. If opting for smaller shrimp and skipping the dicing, consider reducing the mayonnaise quantity due to the lesser surface area to coat.
- Add the mayonnaise, lime juice, and celery seed to the bowl. Gently mix until all ingredients are well-coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add chili flakes or a couple of dashes of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Keto shrimp salad with mayo is ready. Serve chilled, in lettuce cups or directly from the bowl.
Step 1: Chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Chop the celery and cucumber into small dice.
Step 3: Add in the herbs and aromatics... yum.
Step 4: Squeeze in the fresh lime. This is really important!
Step 5: Add the mayo. Start a little light on the mayo, add more if needed.
Step 6: Mix well and chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
💡 My Pro Tip
For this shrimp salad recipe, choosing the right shrimp is the key. Instead of buying medium to large shrimp, which would require peeling, deveining, sautéing—and finally chopping into bite-sized pieces—save yourself time and effort by opting for small pre-cooked shrimp, often sold as cocktail shrimp. These shrimp are already peeled and deveined, so all you need to do is give them a quick chop and mix them with the other ingredients. It's a quick, delicious, and hassle-free way to prepare this salad.
More Tips To Ace Shrimp Salad Recipe
- Mayo Moderation: Too much mayo will drown out your flavors. Start with a small amount and adjust. The worst bite has too much mayo and too few shrimp.
- Season Generously: Don't hold back on the lime, salt, or pepper. Nothing is more satisfying than a well-seasoned dish
- Choose your lettuce wisely: Go for a lettuce that can hold its own—like romaine. Wimpy lettuce can't bear the weight. Remember, the lettuce is simply a delivery vehicle that adds some nice crunch to the shrimp salad.
- Chill Before Serving: Let the salad sit in the fridge for 30 minutes to meld those flavors together.
- Avoid Direct Sunlight: If you're taking this salad to a BBQ or summer party, place it out of direct sunlight in a cool spot. Shrimp and mayo are naturally aversed to warmth. Leaving your salad in direct sunlight will result in an unpleasant experience.
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
- Make the salad in advance; it holds well in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
- Prepare the dressing ahead by combining the ingredients and storing them in the fridge.
- Chop the cucumber, celery, chives, and cilantro in advance and store them in the fridge.
- Mix all the salad ingredients right before serving to keep it fresh and flavorful.
What to Serve With the Shrimp Salad Recipe?
Shrimp salad with mayo is a superb dish. It is well enjoyable on its own, but you can pair it with other foods for maximum enjoyment. Some of my favorite combinations include:
- Amazing Loaded Cauliflower Bake: The hearty, comforting, loaded cauliflower bake tastes amazing with the creamy shrimp salad. Pair them for a light, comforting meal.
- Creamy Coleslaw: The crunchy cabbage and its flavor-packed creamy dressing in this delightful coleslaw contrasts beautifully with the shrimp salad.
- Broccoli Cheddar Frittata: The savory and slightly crispy frittata complements the fantastic shrimp salad well.
- Grilled Artichokes: Introduce a pop of color and a good crunch with these flavorsome grilled artichokes when paired with the cold summer salad with creamy salad dressing.
Storage Instructions
- Cold shrimp salad will hold in the fridge for a couple of days, but be aware that the shrimp and vegetables may release liquid due to the salt. If serving again, drain excess liquid, add more mayo to thicken, taste, adjust seasoning, and enjoy!
Note: Shrimp salad is best enjoyed cold and should not be reheated to preserve its texture and freshness.
Recipe Conclusion
And that's how you make a delicious low-carb shrimp salad—bursting with summer flavors. With its crisp veggies, zesty lime dressing, and juicy shrimp, this dish is a summertime sensation and truly the best shrimp salad recipe.
The combination of flavors and textures creates a refreshing and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're enjoying it as a light lunch or serving it as part of a larger spread, this low carb shrimp salad is sure to impress.
I'm passionate about sharing easy, flavorful dishes that fit into a healthy lifestyle. Whether you're looking for keto-friendly meals or gluten-free options or simply want to explore new flavors, my recipes are here to inspire your kitchen creativity. Join my community, and let's cook something delicious together! Please write in the comments any questions or suggestions you may have. You can also find us on Facebook or Instagram.
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FAQs
Yes, shrimp is keto-friendly because it is low in carbohydrates and high in protein.
You can add flavor to fresh shrimp by marinating it in herbs, spices, garlic, lemon juice, or chili flakes before cooking.
Eating slightly undercooked or raw shrimp is not recommended due to potential health risks associated with consuming raw or undercooked seafood.
Shrimp Salad Recipe (Keto & Low-Carb) 🍤
Ingredients
Shrimp Salad Ingredient List
- 1 pound pre-cooked shrimp diced
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 stalks of celery diced
- 1 cucumber seeded and diced
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons chives finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons cilantro finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- Salt to taste
- Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the tools and ingredients for this recipe.
- Seed and dice the cucumber. Dice the celery and finely chop the chives and cilantro. Add all to a large bowl.
- Dice the cooked shrimp into bite-sized pieces and add to the bowl. If opting for smaller shrimp and skipping the dicing, consider reducing the mayonnaise quantity due to the lesser surface area to coat.
- Add the mayonnaise, lime juice, and celery seed to the bowl. Gently mix until all ingredients are well-coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add chili flakes or a couple of dashes of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Keto shrimp salad with mayo is ready. Serve chilled, in lettuce cups or directly from the bowl.
Notes
Nutrition
“This website provides approximate nutrition data and information for convenience and as a courtesy only.”
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