Creamy Mediterranean Cucumber Shrimp Salad

Ingredients

Salad

  • 400 g (14 oz) shrimp, peeled & deveined

  • 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced (English or Persian preferred)

  • ¼ small red onion, very thinly sliced

  • 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • Salt & black pepper, to taste

Creamy Mediterranean Dressing

  • ¾ cup Greek yogurt (full-fat for best flavor)

  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

  • 1 tsp lemon zest

  • 1 small garlic clove, finely grated

  • ½ tsp Dijon mustard (optional)

  • Salt & black pepper, to taste


Instructions

1. Cook the Shrimp

  • Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a gentle boil.

  • Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes until pink and opaque.

  • Drain immediately and transfer to ice water to stop cooking.

  • Pat dry and cut into bite-sized pieces if large.

(You can also sauté shrimp in olive oil with garlic for extra flavor.)


2. Prepare the Cucumbers

  • Lightly salt sliced cucumbers and let sit 10 minutes.

  • Gently squeeze out excess moisture (prevents watery salad).


3. Make the Dressing

  • In a bowl, whisk Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, Dijon, salt, and pepper until smooth.


4. Assemble the Salad

  • In a large bowl, combine shrimp, cucumbers, red onion, dill, and parsley.

  • Pour dressing over and gently toss until well coated.


Chill & Serve

  • Refrigerate 20–30 minutes for flavors to meld.

  • Drizzle with olive oil and extra herbs before serving.


Serving Suggestions

  • Serve over arugula or mixed greens

  • Spoon into pita pockets or wraps

  • Pair with grilled bread or mezze platter


Mediterranean Tips

  • Add capers or Kalamata olives for briny depth

  • Swap half the yogurt with labneh for extra creaminess

  • Sprinkle with sumac or Aleppo pepper for authentic flair

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