Best Creamy Shrimp Salad (Quick, Chilled & Packed with Flavor!)

Thank you so much for being here! If you’ve been craving something cool, creamy, and effortlessly elegant, this Creamy Shrimp Salad is going to hit all the right notes. 🦐💛 It’s fresh, flavorful, and surprisingly simple—with tender shrimp, crunchy veggies, and a dreamy dressing that pulls it all together.

Whether you’re prepping lunch for the week, planning a brunch, or just need a light dinner you can chill with—this recipe brings full-on flavor without the fuss. I’ve made it for family BBQs, showers, and solo lunches, and it never fails to impress.

Best Creamy Shrimp Salad

Author: iyma hernandes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

A refreshing, creamy shrimp salad with juicy shrimp, crisp veggies, and a tangy mayo-based dressing—perfect for sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or meal prep lunches.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sour cream (optional)
1 tablespoon lemon juice or white wine vinegar
½ cup celery, finely diced
¼ cup red onion or green onion, minced
1–2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: fresh dill, chopped parsley, or Old Bay seasoning

Instructions

If using frozen cooked shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry. If raw, cook until pink and firm, then chill.
Chop shrimp into bite-size pieces. In a bowl, mix mayo, sour cream (if using), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Fold in shrimp, celery, and onion. Stir until well combined.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors develop.

Notes

Serve in croissants, lettuce cups, or with crackers. For extra zing, add relish, hot sauce, or lime juice. Even better after chilling overnight!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salads
Method: No Cook
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 220
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 170mg

Keywords: shrimp salad, creamy salad, seafood, chilled, easy lunch, keto friendly

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What Is Creamy Shrimp Salad?

Creamy Shrimp Salad is a chilled seafood salad made with juicy cooked shrimp, a mayonnaise-based dressing, and crisp veggies like celery, red onion, and herbs. It’s a cousin of crab or tuna salad, but with that extra-delicious flavor and bounce that only shrimp brings. Whether served in lettuce cups, croissants, or by the spoonful—this salad is as refreshing as it is satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Shrimp Salad

🦐 Big shrimp flavor – Light, tender, and perfectly seasoned
🥬 Cool & refreshing – Ideal for hot days or meal prep
🥖 Super versatile – Serve it in sandwiches, wraps, or bowls
🧂 Flavorful & balanced – Creamy, tangy, a little sweet, a little crunch
🕐 Ready in 15 minutes – No-fuss, no heat (if using pre-cooked shrimp)

What Does Creamy Shrimp Salad Taste Like?

It’s creamy, savory, and just a little tangy—kind of like the best parts of shrimp cocktail and classic deli salad rolled into one. The shrimp is lightly sweet and tender, the mayo dressing adds richness, and the lemon juice or vinegar gives it that bright, fresh zing. You’ll also love the crunch of celery and a hint of sweetness from optional dill or sweet relish.

Benefits of This Recipe

High in protein
Low in carbs & keto-friendly
Make-ahead friendly – Even better the next day
Perfect for entertaining – Fancy and simple
Naturally gluten-free

Ingredients for Creamy Shrimp Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to make about 4 servings:

1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (or white wine vinegar)
½ cup celery, finely diced
¼ cup red onion or green onion, minced
1–2 teaspoons Dijon mustard (adds depth and tang)
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, balances flavors)
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: fresh dill, chopped parsley, or Old Bay seasoning

Ingredient Substitutions & Add-Ins

🍋 Use lime juice instead of lemon for a slightly different citrus kick
🥑 Add avocado chunks just before serving for creamy, buttery contrast
🥒 Include chopped pickles or relish for extra zing
🌶 Kick up the heat with diced jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce
🍤 Use small salad shrimp or large shrimp, chopped to bite size—your call!

Tools You’ll Need

Sharp knife & cutting board
Medium mixing bowl
Spoon or spatula
Citrus juicer (optional but helpful)

How to Make Creamy Shrimp Salad (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prepare the shrimp

If using frozen cooked shrimp, thaw completely and pat dry with paper towels. If raw, quickly boil or sauté until pink and firm, then chill.

Step 2: Chop and mix

Roughly chop the shrimp into bite-size pieces. In a bowl, mix the mayo, sour cream (if using), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, sugar, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Combine ingredients

Fold in the shrimp, celery, and onion. Stir until everything is evenly coated.

Step 4: Chill

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. (It’s even better after a few hours!)

What to Serve with Creamy Shrimp Salad

🥐 Croissants or soft rolls – For a deli-style shrimp salad sandwich
🥬 Lettuce cups – Crisp, cool, and low-carb
🍅 Stuffed in tomatoes or avocados – Elegant and fresh
🍘 With crackers or pita chips – Party-friendly appetizer
🥗 On top of a green salad – For a protein-packed lunch bowl
🥔 Next to pasta salad or potato salad – For a chilled picnic plate

Tips for the Best Shrimp Salad

✅ Use fresh or well-drained shrimp – Extra moisture waters down the dressing
✅ Chop finely for a more cohesive bite (especially good for sandwiches)
✅ Let it chill – The flavors really come together after some fridge time
✅ Taste as you go – Everyone’s perfect amount of salt or lemon is different
✅ Don’t overdo the mayo – Start with less, then add more if needed for creaminess

Storage Instructions

In the Refrigerator:

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Stir before serving if any separation occurs
Best served cold—do not reheat

Freezing:

Not recommended – The mayo base and shrimp texture don’t freeze well

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before using.

Can I make this ahead?

Absolutely. In fact, it tastes better after a few hours in the fridge.

Is this recipe keto?

Yes! It’s naturally low-carb and high-protein. Just skip the sugar or use a keto-friendly sweetener.

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayo?

You can! It’ll be tangier and lighter—great if you want a healthier version.

Can I make this spicy?

Definitely—add cayenne, jalapeño, or hot sauce to taste.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Shrimp Salad is one of those dreamy, chilled dishes that feels special without being fussy. It’s creamy, zesty, and full of shrimp flavor in every bite—plus it takes just minutes to throw together. Whether you’re meal prepping, party hosting, or just craving something fresh, this one always hits the spot.

I promised you easy, creamy, and crowd-pleasing—and this one delivers every time! 🦐💛

More Chilled & Creamy Recipes to Try:

Creamy Crab Salad
Classic Tuna Salad with Relish
Deviled Egg Salad
Greek Yogurt Chicken Salad with Grapes
Lobster Roll Salad (a luxe twist!)

Let’s Get Social!

Made this Creamy Shrimp Salad? I’d love to see it! Tag me in your photos on Pinterest or leave a comment below with your favorite add-ins. Did you go spicy? Add avocado? I’m here for it all!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 220
Protein: 20g
Fat: 14g
Carbs: 3g
Sugar: 1g
Fiber: 0g