Cucumber Shrimp Salad

Posted on May 26, 2025

Looking for a quick and refreshing dish that’s packed with protein and crunch? This Cucumber Shrimp Salad is your new go-to! It’s the perfect balance of cool, crisp cucumbers, tender shrimp, and a zesty dressing that brings it all together. Whether you’re prepping for a summer picnic, a healthy lunch, or a light dinner, this recipe comes together in no time and tastes like something straight out of a seaside café.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cucumber Shrimp Salad is everything you want in a quick, healthy dish. It’s low-carb, high-protein, and super refreshing, making it perfect for warm-weather meals or light, guilt-free lunches. The shrimp adds a savory, slightly sweet bite, while the cucumbers bring that crisp, cooling crunch. Plus, the easy homemade dressing ties everything together in under 10 minutes. Whether you’re meal prepping or hosting a casual get-together, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and totally customizable!

Ingredients

This Cucumber Shrimp Salad comes together with just a few fresh, wholesome ingredients. You probably have most of these in your kitchen already!

You’ll Need:

1 lb cooked shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails removed)
1 large cucumber (sliced thin or diced)
½ small red onion (thinly sliced)
1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped) – or 1 tsp dried
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1 avocado (diced) for creaminess

Instructions

This salad is as easy to make as it is to eat! Just a bit of chopping and mixing, and you’re all set.

Step-by-Step:

Prep the shrimp:
If using frozen cooked shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry with a paper towel.
Slice the veggies:
Thinly slice the cucumber and red onion. If using avocado, dice it just before adding to avoid browning.
Mix the dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine ingredients:
In a large bowl, add shrimp, cucumber, red onion, dill, and avocado (if using). Pour the dressing over the top.
Toss and chill:
Gently toss everything together until evenly coated. Cover and chill for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors mingle.
Serve and enjoy!
Serve cold as a side or a light main dish.

Servings and Timing

This recipe is perfect for those busy days when you want something healthy and delicious—fast!

Makes:

2 main dish servings
or 4 side dish servings

Prep Time:

15 minutes total (no cooking needed!)

It’s ideal for a light lunch, a quick dinner, or even a meal prep option for the week. Just chop, toss, and chill!

Tips and Variations

Make this Cucumber Shrimp Salad your own with these easy swaps and add-ins:

Add creaminess: Mix in a spoonful of Greek yogurt or a dollop of mayo for a creamier dressing.
Go spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a few dashes of hot sauce for a kick.
Make it a meal: Serve over greens, quinoa, or rice for extra heartiness.
Switch the herbs: Try fresh parsley, cilantro, or mint if you’re not a fan of dill.
No shrimp? Use cooked chicken, imitation crab, or tofu for a pescatarian or vegetarian option.

Storage

Got leftovers? No problem! This salad stores well and even tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Here’s how to store it:

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Avoid sogginess: If adding avocado, wait to mix it in until just before serving.
No freezing: This salad doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh veggies and shrimp texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw completely, drain well, and pat dry before using.

2. Do I need to cook the shrimp?
Not if you’re using pre-cooked shrimp. If raw, cook in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until pink and opaque.

3. What kind of cucumber works best?
English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are great because they’re crisp and have fewer seeds.

4. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Make it a few hours in advance, but wait to add avocado until serving.

5. Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your mustard label to be safe.

6. What can I serve with it?
It pairs well with crusty bread, grilled corn, or a simple green salad.

7. Can I add cheese?
Sure! A sprinkle of feta or crumbled goat cheese adds a delicious tang.

Final Thoughts

This Cucumber Shrimp Salad is everything we love about easy, feel-good food—fresh, fast, and full of flavor. Whether you’re serving it at a picnic, prepping lunches for the week, or whipping it up on a busy weeknight, it’s guaranteed to please.