If you're craving a refreshing and light meal, this Cucumber Shrimp Salad is a perfect choice. It's ideal for summer days, offering a cool, crisp combination of tender shrimp, crunchy cucumber, and a zesty homemade dressing. The balance of fresh herbs and lemon makes this dish not only delicious but also incredibly refreshing. Whether you serve it as a main dish or as a light appetizer, it’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 large cucumbers, sliced thin
½ red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, cucumber slices, red onion, parsley, and dill.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Pour the dressing over the shrimp mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
Serve immediately, or chill the salad for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together for a more intense taste.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (since the shrimp is already cooked)
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Variations
Avocado: Add diced avocado for a creamy texture that pairs perfectly with the crunch of the cucumbers.
Spicy Kick: If I like a bit of heat, I can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
Other Veggies: Try adding halved cherry tomatoes or bell pepper for extra color and flavor.
Different Herbs: If I'm not a fan of dill, I could substitute with fresh basil or cilantro for a different herb profile.
Grilled Shrimp: For a smoky flavor, grilled shrimp could be used instead of the pre-cooked variety.
Storage/Reheating
I typically store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it stays fresh for up to 1-2 days. Since this dish is served cold, I don’t need to worry about reheating it. However, I would recommend enjoying it as soon as possible to keep the cucumbers crisp.
FAQs
How long can I keep the cucumber shrimp salad in the fridge?
I can keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this salad?
Yes! If I use frozen shrimp, I just need to make sure it's fully thawed and drained before adding it to the salad.
Can I make this salad in advance?
I can make the salad a few hours ahead of time, but I recommend waiting to add the dressing until just before serving to keep the cucumbers crisp and fresh.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, this cucumber shrimp salad is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t contain any gluten-based ingredients.
What’s a good alternative to Dijon mustard in the dressing?
If I don’t have Dijon mustard, I can use yellow mustard or even a bit of honey mustard for a slightly sweeter twist.
Conclusion
This Cucumber Shrimp Salad is the perfect dish for a light, refreshing meal. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a go-to option when I’m craving something healthy and satisfying. Whether I’m enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or as a starter, I know it will always be a crowd-pleaser. The blend of fresh shrimp, crisp cucumbers, and zesty dressing makes it a dish I turn to time and time again.
Recipe:

Cucumber Shrimp Salad
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- Author: Cheryl
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A light and refreshing Cucumber Shrimp Salad featuring tender shrimp, crunchy cucumber, and a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for summer days and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 large cucumbers, sliced thin
½ red onion, thinly sliced
¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
¼ cup fresh dill, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, cucumber slices, red onion, parsley, and dill.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the shrimp mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients.
- Serve immediately, or chill the salad for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together for a more intense taste.
Notes
If you want to add more flavor, refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving.
This salad can be customized with extra veggies like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers.
For a smoky twist, consider using grilled shrimp instead of pre-cooked shrimp.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 125mg