Name: Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined.; 1 English cucumber, diced small.; 3 green onions, thinly sliced.; 1/3 cup mayonnaise.; 1/3 cup sour cream.; 1 large lime, zested and juiced.; 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped.; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard.; 1 garlic clove, minced.; 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt.

A bowl of shrimp salad featuring chopped cucumbers, shrimp, and fresh herbs. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

I fell in love with this Cucumber Shrimp Salad during one hot summer afternoon when I needed something light yet satisfying. Now it's become my go-to recipe when I want a fresh, protein-rich meal that doesn't weigh me down. The combination of juicy shrimp, crisp cucumbers and that zesty lime dill dressing creates pure magic in every bite.

Why This Recipe Works

What I love most about this salad is how quickly it comes together. Whether I'm meal prepping for the week ahead or need a quick dinner, it never disappoints. The balance of creamy dressing, tender shrimp and crunchy vegetables makes every bite feel both indulgent and light.

What You'll Need

Shrimp: Fresh or frozen both work beautifully
English Cucumber: Its crisp texture is perfect here
Green Onions: Adds such lovely freshness
Mayo and Sour Cream: Creates our dreamy dressing base
Dijon: Just enough for zip
Fresh Limes: Both zest and juice work magic
Dill: Fresh brings the best flavor

Timing Is Everything

I love that this comes together in under 30 minutes. Most of that is just chopping and stirring while any stress from your day melts away. Each serving brings about 250 calories of pure satisfaction.

Let's Make Magic

Start With The Dressing:: Whisk those creamy ingredients with fresh herbs and citrus
Perfect Shrimp:: Watch for that beautiful pink color just 2-3 minutes
Ice Bath Magic:: This keeps our shrimp tender and juicy
Bring It Together:: Toss everything with love until perfectly combined

Ways To Serve

Sometimes I stuff this into avocado halves for an elegant lunch. Other times it's wrapped in lettuce leaves for a light dinner. Every version brings its own joy to the table.

A bowl of shrimp salad with cucumber, dill, and lime wedges. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Keeping It Fresh

This salad stays beautiful for several days in the fridge. I often make extra just to have quick protein-rich meals ready whenever hunger strikes.

Make It Your Own

Try those sweet little Persian cucumbers if you can find them. Sometimes I swap the dill for fresh tarragon. Cherry tomatoes add lovely color and extra freshness.

Meal Prep Heaven

Sunday prep makes weekday meals so much easier. I love having this ready in the fridge knowing good food is just moments away.

Playing With Flavors

The dressing welcomes your creativity. A touch of honey adds sweetness, extra lime brings zing. Trust your taste buds they know what you love.

Shrimp Success

That ice bath after cooking might seem fussy but trust me it makes all the difference. Your shrimp stay perfectly tender never rubbery.

Plant Based Options

My vegan friends love this with marinated tofu or chickpeas. Vegan mayo keeps everything creamy while plant based proteins make it satisfying.

Keeping It Light

Lettuce wraps make this naturally low carb. The crunch factor plus all that protein keeps you satisfied for hours.

A close-up of a colorful shrimp and cucumber salad garnished with fresh herbs. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Adding Color

Rainbow carrots, radishes, even celery bring extra crunch and nutrition. Each addition creates new flavors while keeping that fresh light feeling.

Party Perfect

This salad travels beautifully to potlucks and picnics. I love setting out little bowls of extra toppings letting everyone customize their portions.

Perfect Pairings

A glass of crisp white wine or cucumber infused sparkling water makes everything feel extra special. These fresh flavors complement each other perfectly.

Learning From Experience

Watch that shrimp cooking time, dry those cucumbers well, and always use fresh herbs when you can. These little details make good food great.

Feeding A Crowd

This recipe scales up beautifully for gatherings. Just taste and adjust seasonings as you go larger crowds need a little extra love.

Smart Storage

Sometimes I keep the dressing separate until serving especially if I'm making a big batch. Everything stays crisp and fresh just waiting to come together.

Why We Love This Dish

This cucumber shrimp salad has become more than just a recipe in my kitchen. It's my summer comfort food, my busy day solution, my proof that healthy food can be absolutely delicious. Simple ingredients treated with care create something truly special.

A bowl of shrimp salad mixed with cucumber and garnished with lime wedges and fresh dill. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?: Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp to save time. Just thaw them completely and skip the cooking step. You may want to give them a quick chill in ice water to ensure crispness.
→ How long does this salad keep?: The salad will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The cucumbers may release some water, so drain any excess liquid before serving leftovers.
→ Can I substitute the fresh dill?: While fresh dill provides the best flavor, you can use dried dill (use 1/3 the amount) or substitute with fresh parsley or chives for a different taste.
→ Why use English cucumber?: English cucumbers have fewer seeds and thinner skin than regular cucumbers. They're also less watery, which helps keep the salad crisp.
→ Can I make this lighter?: You can use light mayonnaise and light sour cream to reduce calories. Greek yogurt can also be substituted for the sour cream for a tangier, protein-rich option.

Conclusion

Create a refreshing summer salad combining chilled shrimp and cucumber with a tangy, creamy lime dressing. Ready in just 30 minutes.

Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad