You’re about to be introduced to a salad that’s not just refreshing but also packed with flavor and texture. This Nordic Shrimp Salad has everything you want—light, crisp, and delicious. Whether you’re craving a dish to brighten up your lunch or need something elegant for a dinner party, this salad delivers it all in one bowl. Trust me, you’re going to love this!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salad isn’t just about tossing a few ingredients together; it’s about creating something fresh and vibrant with each bite. It’s versatile, quick, and just the right balance of healthy and indulgent. Here’s why this one is a keeper:
Versatile: Perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and elegant gatherings. Imagine serving this at a brunch with friends, or as a light lunch after a busy morning.
Budget-Friendly: With ingredients you likely already have, this salad proves that you don’t need anything fancy to make something special.
Quick and Easy: Even if you’re not the best at chopping veggies or handling seafood, this recipe is incredibly simple. It’ll take you no time to throw everything together, and the result? Nothing short of perfection.
Customizable: Not a fan of shrimp? Try it with chicken or even a mix of roasted vegetables! The salad’s fresh components make it easy to make swaps and adjust to your tastes.
Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone loves a good shrimp salad. It’s light, bright, and hits all the right flavor notes. This is the kind of dish that’ll have people asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Let’s talk about the beautiful ingredients that come together to make this salad a favorite. Fresh, light, and flavorful, these ingredients are simple yet magical:
Shrimp: These little guys are the stars of the dish, bringing a lovely sweetness and delicate texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy dressing.
Cucumbers: Crisp and refreshing, the cucumbers provide the perfect crunch and balance to the shrimp’s soft texture.
Avocado: Creamy and smooth, avocado adds a richness that elevates the entire salad. It’s that perfect contrast to the fresh veggies.
Red Onion: A bit of bite and color, the red onion brings an extra layer of flavor and a dash of vibrancy.
Dill: This herb is quintessentially Nordic, offering a light, fresh, and fragrant pop of flavor.
Lemon: The zest and juice of lemon bring in the acidity and freshness, making everything come together beautifully.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into how to create this beautiful salad:
Prepare the Shrimp: Start by cooking the shrimp. In a pot of boiling water, cook the shrimp until they’re pink and opaque—this should only take a couple of minutes. Once done, drain them and set aside to cool.
Chop the Veggies: While the shrimp is cooling, chop the cucumber, avocado, and red onion. You want them bite-sized, so everything is easy to eat in one go.
Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, cucumber, avocado, red onion, and dill. Gently toss everything together—be careful not to mash the avocado.
Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together some lemon juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. The dressing should be light but flavorful, letting the natural ingredients shine.
Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and give it a final gentle toss. You want all the flavors to blend, but you also want that crisp freshness to remain.
Serve and Enjoy: Divide the salad into bowls and serve right away. Enjoy the burst of fresh, satisfying flavors with every bite!
How to Serve Nordic Shrimp Salad
This dish pairs beautifully with:
Fresh Breads: A nice slice of crusty bread, maybe with a little butter, will soak up any extra dressing and make your meal even more satisfying.
Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad or roasted baby potatoes work as a wonderful side to add a hearty touch.
Wine Pairing: A light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complements the fresh flavors of the shrimp and veggies perfectly.
Presentation is key—serve your salad in a beautiful bowl or plate, garnished with a few extra sprigs of dill or a wedge of lemon for that added touch.
Additional Tips
Here are some tips to take this salad to the next level:
Prep Ahead: If you’re short on time, you can prep the shrimp and chop the veggies the night before. Store everything in the fridge, and just toss it together when you’re ready.
Mix It Up: If shrimp isn’t your thing, this salad works just as well with grilled chicken or even smoked salmon for that Nordic touch.
Add Crunch: Toss in some nuts or seeds, like sunflower seeds or chopped almonds, for a little extra crunch and texture.
Dietary Adjustments: Want to make it vegan? Simply skip the shrimp and add some chickpeas or tofu for that protein boost.
Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. However, for the best texture, it’s best enjoyed fresh.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute shrimp with another protein?
A1: Absolutely! If shrimp isn’t your thing, grilled chicken, smoked salmon, or even tofu can be delicious alternatives.
Q2: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can! Just be sure to keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. The avocado may brown a bit, but the flavors will still be great!
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: This salad is best enjoyed fresh, so I wouldn’t recommend freezing it. The texture of the shrimp and avocado wouldn’t hold up well in the freezer.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat the shrimp?
A5: If you need to reheat the shrimp, do it gently by sautéing them in a pan for just a minute to avoid overcooking.
Q6: Can I double the recipe?
A6: Of course! Just make sure you have a large enough bowl to combine everything, and it will serve even more guests!
Q7: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A7: Yes, just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. It’s an easy shortcut if you’re in a pinch!
Q8: Can I add more veggies to this salad?
A8: Definitely! You could toss in some cherry tomatoes, radishes, or even some leafy greens to add extra flavor and texture.
Q9: Is this salad gluten-free?
A9: Yes, this salad is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
Q10: What should I serve with this salad?
A10: It pairs well with crusty bread, a side of roasted vegetables, or even a light soup to make it a complete meal.
Conclusion
This Nordic Shrimp Salad is everything you want in a dish—fresh, flavorful, and so easy to make. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re making a light lunch or hosting a gathering. With its simple ingredients and quick steps, you’ll be enjoying this masterpiece in no time. Trust me, it’s a keeper! Happy cooking!
Print
Nordic Shrimp Salad
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Swedish
Description
This Nordic Shrimp Salad is a fresh and protein-rich dish inspired by Scandinavian flavors. Sweet, tender shrimp combine with crunchy vegetables and a creamy, tangy dressing for a refreshing meal. Serve it on a bed of lettuce, in lettuce cups, on toast, or even inside an avocado for a delicious twist!
Ingredients
Poached Shrimp:
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 2 lemons, halved
- 3 bay leaves
- 1 handful fresh thyme leaves
- 1 handful fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 3 tbsp seafood seasoning (Old Bay or Zatarain’s shrimp boil)
- 1 1/2 lbs large or jumbo shrimp (with shells, heads, and tails on)
Nordic Shrimp Salad:
- 1 1/2 lbs shrimp, poached and cooled, coarsely chopped if desired
- 1/2 cup finely diced cucumber (see Notes)
- 1/2 cup finely diced celery
- 1/3 cup finely diced radish
- 1/4 cup minced red onion (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp fresh chopped dill, plus more for garnish
- 2 handfuls fresh lettuces, chopped (for serving)
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup Skyr or Greek yogurt
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2–3 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Poached Shrimp:
- Fill a large pot with about 6 cups of water. Add the salt and squeeze in the lemon juice, then drop in the lemon halves. Add the herbs and seafood seasoning. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and let simmer for 5 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and add the shrimp. Simmer, uncovered, for 4-5 minutes, or until shrimp are bright pink and curled.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the shrimp to a bowl of ice water. Let them chill thoroughly before peeling.
Nordic Shrimp Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled, dry shrimp with the diced cucumber, celery, radish, red onion, and chopped dill.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Skyr (or Greek yogurt), and 2 tsp lemon juice. Add Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning and consistency with additional lemon juice if needed.
- Pour the dressing over the shrimp mixture and toss to coat. Garnish with extra fresh dill.
- Serve over chopped fresh lettuce, in lettuce cups, on toast, or inside an avocado.
Notes
- For extra crunch, use Persian or English cucumbers, which have thinner skins and fewer seeds.
- If you prefer a lighter dressing, you can substitute more Skyr or Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead and stored in the fridge to let the flavors meld.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 220mg