(Cool, Crunchy, and Surprisingly Addictive)
Okay, if you’re looking for a light and refreshing dish that feels fancy but is secretly stupid easy to throw together, this Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad is calling your name. It’s creamy, it’s crunchy, and it’s got just enough shrimp to make it feel special — like the kind of thing you’d serve at a brunch, but also totally fine to eat in sweats on the couch. Balance, right?
What You’ll Need:
- 1 lb cooked shrimp (peeled & deveined — save yourself the drama)
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced or chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (or leave it out if you’re not an onion person)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill (trust me, don’t skip this!)
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (or a mix!)
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional, but makes it extra creamy)
- 1–2 teaspoons lemon juice
- Salt & pepper, to taste
💡 Pro tip: Chill your shrimp and cucumber before mixing for max crunch and coolness.
How to Make It (Spoiler: It’s Easy)
1. Get Prepped
Slice that cucumber nice and thin, chop your onion, and pat your shrimp dry. We’re avoiding sogginess here.
2. Mix the Creamy Stuff
In a big bowl, mix sour cream (or yogurt), mayo, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and dill. Give it a taste — it should be bright and herby.
3. Toss It Together
Add the shrimp, cucumber, and onion to the bowl and gently mix it all up until everything’s coated in creamy deliciousness.
4. Chill & Serve
Pop it in the fridge for 15–30 minutes if you’ve got the time. The flavors get even better when they hang out.
Why You’ll Love It:
✔️ Takes less than 20 minutes
✔️ No oven or stove needed if shrimp is pre-cooked
✔️ Low-carb, high-protein, and actually satisfying
✔️ Looks impressive, tastes even better
✔️ Perfect for BBQs, picnics, or lunch with zero effort
Easy Swaps & Add-Ons:
| Want to Make It… | Try This 👇 |
|---|---|
| Dairy-Free? | Use dairy-free yogurt or mayo |
| Extra Flavor? | Add a dash of garlic powder or Old Bay |
| More Veggies? | Throw in cherry tomatoes or chopped celery |
| Low-Cal Option? | Use all Greek yogurt instead of mayo |
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yep! It actually gets better after a few hours in the fridge. Just give it a stir before serving.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely — just thaw and pat them dry before using.
What kind of cucumber is best?
English cucumber is ideal since it’s less watery and doesn’t need peeling. But any cucumber works if you scoop out the seeds.
Can I add pasta to make it a full meal?
Yes! It turns into a light, creamy shrimp pasta salad. Just don’t overdo it or the dressing gets lost.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad is one of those sneaky recipes that looks fancy but takes zero effort. It’s cool, crunchy, creamy, and basically made for hot days when turning on the stove is not an option. Serve it solo, stuff it in a lettuce wrap, or pile it on toast — either way, it’s a win.
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