Salads

Shrimp Salad (Creamy, High-Protein, and So Easy)

By Samira Kazan

published September 19, 2025

When I need something quick, creamy, and actually satisfying, this shrimp salad never disappoints. It’s the kind of recipe I make when I want lunch on the table in under 10 minutes, with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

top view photo of a glass bowl filled with shrimp salad on top of wooden board - 1

Everything comes together in one bowl — no boiling, blending, or extra steps. Just tender cooked shrimp, crisp celery and onion, a tangy lemon-mayo dressing, and plenty of fresh dill. That’s it. It’s refreshing, simple, and surprisingly filling — especially if you’re into high-protein sandwiches like my chicken salad or tuna salad sandwich .

You can enjoy it on its own, tucked into a sandwich or wrap, or even spooned onto crackers for a quick bite. Once you try it, you’ll probably find yourself making it on repeat too.

And if you’re a shrimp fan like me, you might also love my classic shrimp cocktail — another quick and crowd-pleasing favorite.

  • What you’ll need
  • How to make shrimp salad
  • Alphafoodie tips
  • More high-protein salad recipes
  • Shrimp Salad Recipe

What you’ll need

top view of the ingredients for making shrimp salad - 2
  • Shrimp : Cooked, peeled shrimp with the tails removed. You can use fresh or frozen — just make sure they’re thawed and patted dry.
  • Red onion : Finely chopped for color and a mild kick. You can use green onion if you prefer something lighter.
  • Celery : Adds crunch and freshness. I used two stalks, finely chopped.
  • Mayonnaise : This creamy base pulls everything together. Use a good-quality store-bought mayo or homemade if you have some ready.
  • Lemon juice and zest : Fresh lemon makes a big difference here — it brightens up the whole mix.
  • Fresh dill : I love the fresh, herby flavor dill brings to seafood dishes. You can use parsley if you’re not a dill fan.
  • Salt and black pepper : Just enough to season it well — taste and adjust right at the end.

See printable recipe card below for the full ingredients list and quantities.

How to make shrimp salad

Add the cooked shrimp, red onion, celery, mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, salt, and black pepper to a large mixing bowl. Stir gently until everything is well combined and the shrimp are nicely coated in the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Steps of how to make shrimp salad. - 3

You can serve it right away or chill it for 20–30 minutes to let the flavors mingle. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Alphafoodie tips

  • Use good-quality shrimp : Since shrimp is the main ingredient, quality really matters. Use fresh if you can, or buy frozen shrimp that’s peeled, deveined, and tail-off for convenience.
  • Dry the shrimp well: If your shrimp are wet, the dressing can get watery. Pat them dry before mixing.
  • Chop evenly : Keep the celery and onion finely chopped so they mix well with the shrimp — no big bites of any one ingredient.
  • Let it chill (if you have time) : While it’s great served immediately, the flavors deepen if you let it sit for 20–30 minutes in the fridge.
  • Customize it : Add-ins like a touch of Dijon mustard, chopped pickles, or a sprinkle of paprika can give it a little twist if you’re making it more than once.

More high-protein salad recipes

If you love easy, creamy salads like this one, you’ll probably enjoy these too. They’re perfect for quick lunches, sandwiches, or meal prep.

Chicken salad sandwich - 4 Chicken salad sandwich - 5 Tuna fish salad on a piece of bread - 6 Tuna fish salad on a piece of bread - 7 creamy turkey salad served with bread and lettuce leaves. - 8 creamy turkey salad served with bread and lettuce leaves. - 9

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Lemon zester

Ingredients1x2x3x

  • ▢ 1 pound shrimp cooked peeled and tails removed
  • ▢ ½ cup red onion finely chopped
  • ▢ 2 celery stalks finely chopped (about ½ cup)
  • ▢ ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ▢ 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • ▢ 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • ▢ ¼ cup dill chopped
  • ▢ Salt to taste
  • ▢ ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to a large bowl. Stir gently until well combined and the shrimp are evenly coated in the creamy dressing.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

square photo of shrimp salad on a white plate showing the texture and the creamy dressing - 10

Shrimp Salad

Equipment

  • Large bowl
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Lemon zester

Ingredients

  • 1 pound shrimp cooked peeled and tails removed
  • ½ cup red onion finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks finely chopped (about ½ cup)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • ¼ cup dill chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to a large bowl. Stir gently until well combined and the shrimp are evenly coated in the creamy dressing.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Recipe on Alphafoodie: https://www.alphafoodie.com/shrimp-salad/