Learn How to Make the Best Southern Shrimp Salad at Home
Picture this: You’re sitting on a sunny porch, the southern breeze blowing through your hair. Now imagine yourself digging into a delicious, flavorful bowl of Southern Shrimp Salad Recipe – the creamy mayonnaise, fresh tomatoes, green olives, and perfectly cooked shrimp all mingling together in your mouth. Doesn’t that sound like the perfect summer day?
Well, I’m here to tell you that it can be a reality. My recipe for Southern Shrimp Salad is not only easy to make but will transport you straight to the coast with just one bite.
Using fresh shrimp and a blend of spices including Old Bay seasoning and paprika, this salad packs a punch of flavor that’s hard to beat. And with the addition of chopped celery, red onion, and lemon wedges, each bite is full of refreshing crunch and tangy goodness.
Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or need something healthy and quick for lunch, this dish is perfect for any occasion. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Listen up folks, if you are a seafood fanatic like me, then let me tell you, this Southern Shrimp Salad Recipe will have your taste buds dancin’ with delight!
Oh boy, where do I even begin? Let’s start with the star of the show, the juicy shrimp. These shrimp are peeled and deveined to perfection – nothing else needed to make those little crustaceans shine. Cooked in a blend of old bay seasoning and hot boiling water, these shrimp will make your mouth water even before they hit the salad.
But wait, there’s more! The salad ingredients are just as tantalizing; juicy tomatoes and chopped green onions add a freshness that perfectly balances out the smoky old bay seasoning. And don’t get me started on the crunchy celery and onions that give this salad some major texture.
But the real secret ingredient here is the creamy mayo dressing that brings everything together like a warm hug from your granny on Thanksgiving. Tossed together with Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and paprika – this tangy dressing is so good that you might wanna drink it straight up (I know I would!).
And if that’s not enough to convince you – this recipe can be made in advance and stored for later enjoyment which means you can always have a refreshing meal ready to go when you’re ready to dig in.
Trust me folks, once you’ve had a spoonful of this Southern Shrimp Salad Recipe, you’ll never look back – it’s just too darn delicious!
Ingredient List
Now, let’s talk about the ingredients that will bring this Southern Shrimp Salad to life. Keep in mind that the following ingredient list serves about six people.
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb of medium shrimp, cleaned and peeled
- 1 tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning
- 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons of shrimp boil
- 2 teaspoons of paprika
For the Salad:
- 1 cup of finely chopped celery
- ¼ cup of chopped red onion
- ½ cup of mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 cup of uncooked white rice
- 2 cups of water
- ½ cup of chopped green olives
- Lemon wedges, for serving
The Recipe How-To
Let’s get cooking, y’all! This Southern Shrimp Salad recipe is the perfect addition to any summertime menu. Here’s how to make it:
Ingredients
- 1 pound peeled, deveined fresh medium-size shrimp
- 2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons chopped green olives
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
Directions
- Fill a large pot with 2 quarts of water and add the Old Bay seasoning. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- Add the shrimp and cook for about 5 minutes, until pink and cooked through.
- Drain and rinse the shrimp under cold running water. Remove the tails and chop into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, celery, red onion, green olives, lemon juice, paprika, and black pepper.
- Add the cooked and chopped shrimp to the bowl and stir until well combined.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Serve this delicious Southern Shrimp Salad chilled on a bed of lettuce or with some crackers as a light lunch or dinner option. Enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
Ah, the beauty of cooking – the ability to make it your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with substitutions and variations in this Southern shrimp salad recipe. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
– Mix up the protein: If you’re not a fan of shrimp or have an allergy, then try substituting cooked chicken or even canned tuna. You might just stumble upon a new favorite recipe!
– Swap out the veggies: If you don’t care for green olives or onions, then switch them out for bell peppers, cucumbers, or whatever veggies you happen to have on hand.
– Give it some spice: If you want to give your salad a kick of heat, then try adding some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Cajun seasoning can also add a nice touch.
– Dress it up: While mayonnaise is the classic choice for dressing in this recipe, feel free to swap it out for Greek yogurt or sour cream. Dijon mustard can also add a nice tanginess.
– Make it a pasta salad: Want to switch things up even more? Cook up some pasta instead of rice and turn this shrimp salad into a delicious seafood pasta salad.
Remember, cooking is all about experimentation and making it your own; don’t be afraid to mix things up!
Serving and Pairing
Serving up this southern shrimp salad recipe is a real crowd-pleaser. It has such a fresh, zesty taste that perfectly complements many types of dishes. I like to serve it on a bed of lettuce or spinach with some sliced tomatoes and lemon wedges for added flavor. A sprinkle of paprika over the top adds a nice touch of color as well.
If you’re looking for something more substantial, try pairing this salad with white rice or pasta salad as a side dish. The flavors mix together so well and create a truly wonderful experience for your taste buds. You could also swap out the shrimp for cajun shrimp or add some capers for an extra tangy sensation.
If you’re in the mood for something lighter, simply stuff it into some shrimp rolls or prawn salad with avocado salad rolls. The shrimp pairs perfectly with creamy dressing and soft bread, creating a perfect sandwich that won’t leave you feeling weighed down.
For appetizers, try making some grilled shrimp skewers or seafood-inspired crostini with creamy shrimp salad topping for that perfect bite-sized option. Whatever way you eat it, this southern-style shrimp salad recipe is sure to please everyone at the table!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
I don’t know about you, but when I make a dish that I love, I want to be able to enjoy it for days to come. That’s why I’m happy to report that this Southern Shrimp Salad Recipe is the perfect make-ahead dish. You can prepare the salad up to 24 hours in advance of serving time.
To store the salad, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in your refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. In fact, the flavors will only deepen as the salad sits, making it even more delicious.
When it comes time to reheat the shrimp salad, I prefer not to because I think the texture and flavor are better when served cold. However, if you’d like to reheat it, simply pop it in the microwave for a few seconds or heat it up in a skillet over medium-high heat. Just make sure that you don’t overcook the shrimp or they’ll become rubbery.
Another option for storing and serving this Southern Shrimp Salad Recipe is as lettuce wraps. Simply spoon some of the salad onto a large leaf of lettuce and wrap it up like a burrito. It makes for an easy and healthy lunch on-the-go or a delicious appetizer for dinner parties.
No matter how you choose to serve this tasty dish, reheating it or enjoying it cold, you’re sure to fall in love with its delightful southern charm all over again.
Tips for Perfect Results
As a southern-style chef, I have spent years perfecting my recipes to achieve the best taste and texture possible. Here are some tips to ensure your Southern Shrimp Salad Recipe is as delicious as can be:
1. Use high-quality shrimp
The star ingredient in this recipe is undoubtedly the shrimp. To ensure the best flavor and texture, use fresh or frozen raw shrimp. Look for wild-caught shrimp that is peeled and deveined.
2. Cook the shrimp just right
If you overcook the shrimp, it will turn rubbery and lose its flavor. Cook cleaned, peeled deveined shrimp in boiling water for no more than 2 minutes or until they turn pink.
3. Use fresh ingredients
Southern cuisine is all about fresh, bold flavors, so make sure to use fresh ingredients whenever possible. The tomatoes, onion, and green olives should be crisp and flavorful while the lemon wedge should be juicy.
4. Don’t forget the Old Bay seasoning
Old Bay seasoning is a staple in Southern cuisine! Don’t be afraid to use it in generous amounts – it adds depth and complexity to the dish.
5. Combine ingredients carefully
When mixing the salad ingredients together, combine them gently to avoid breaking up the cooked shrimp. You want to keep those juicy layers intact for optimum flavor!
By following these simple tips, you’ll have a delicious Southern Shrimp Salad that will transport your taste buds straight to Louisiana!
Bottom Line
The Southern Shrimp Salad recipe is a classic dish that captures the essence of southern cuisine with its bold flavors and ingredients. By using fresh, quality ingredients and following the simple instructions in this recipe, you can easily whip up a delicious dish that will impress your friends and family.
From the succulent shrimp to the tangy mayonnaise, every ingredient in this recipe has its own unique essence of flavor. This makes it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a light lunch, snack or dinner option for any occasion.
Whether you are hosting a get together or just looking for something to enjoy on your own, this salad recipe will not disappoint. The variations and substitutions available in this recipe provide great flexibility to accommodate different preferences and dietary restrictions.
So go ahead, give it a try and let the Southern Shrimp Salad do all the talking at your next gathering. With this recipe in hand, you can never go wrong!
Southern Shrimp Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons shrimp boil seasoning
- 2 lbs shrimp, cleaned, peeled, and deveined
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1/2 cup onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup green olives, chopped
- fresh ground black pepper
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- paprika, for garnish
- lemon wedge, for garnish
- tomatoes, wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Bring 4 cups of water to a boil.Tie shrimp boil in a cheesecloth and add shrimp boil sachet to boiling water. Add shrimp and boil for 4 minutes.
- Drain shrimp and reserve shrimp boil water. Chop shrimp into bite size chunks and place on paper towels to cool.
- In the reserved shrimp boil water, add the rice, and cook until tender for 15 to 20 minutes.
- Drain rice in colander and allow to cool. Add onion, olives, and pepper to rice, and stir in the mayonnaise.
- Add the cooled dry shrimp to the mixture and blend well.
- Sprinkle with paprika and garnish with lemon and tomato wedges.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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