🍤🥒 Mediterranean Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad

A light, refreshing, and protein-packed salad inspired by coastal Mediterranean flavors. Juicy shrimp, crisp cucumbers, fresh herbs, and a creamy yogurt-lemon dressing come together in a dish that’s perfect for warm days, quick lunches, or elegant starters.

This salad is cool, creamy, zesty, and beautifully balanced — rich from Greek yogurt, bright from lemon, and fresh from herbs.

🌿 Description

Mediterranean cuisine is known for fresh seafood, olive oil, herbs, and simple preparation. In this salad:

Shrimp adds lean protein and a delicate sweetness
Cucumber provides crunch and hydration
Greek yogurt creates a creamy yet light dressing
Lemon & olive oil bring brightness and heart-healthy fats
Fresh dill & parsley add classic coastal flavor

It’s naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and meal-prep friendly.

🧾 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Salad:

450 g (1 lb) medium shrimp, peeled & deveined
2 large cucumbers, diced (or sliced into half-moons)
¼ small red onion, very thinly sliced
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Creamy Dressing:

¾ cup Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1–2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
¼ teaspoon sea salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Optional: pinch paprika or chili flakes

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Shrimp

Bring a pot of salted water to a gentle boil.
Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes until pink and opaque.
Drain and immediately transfer to ice water to stop cooking.
Pat dry and roughly chop if desired.

(Alternative: Sauté shrimp in olive oil with garlic for extra flavor.)

2️⃣ Prepare the Dressing

In a bowl, whisk Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Adjust lemon and seasoning to taste.

3️⃣ Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine cucumbers, red onion, herbs, and shrimp.
Pour dressing over and gently toss to coat.
Chill for 20–30 minutes for best flavor.

🥗 Serving Suggestions

Serve in lettuce cups
Spoon over toasted whole-grain bread
Pair with warm pita and olives
Serve alongside grilled vegetables
Add to a mezze platter

🥦 Nutrition Highlights

✔ High in lean protein
✔ Rich in probiotics (Greek yogurt)
✔ Hydrating & refreshing
✔ Mediterranean heart-healthy fats
✔ Low carb & gluten-free

❓ Q & A

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Q2: Can I make it dairy-free?

Replace Greek yogurt with dairy-free yogurt or mashed avocado with lemon.

Q3: How long does it keep?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Q4: Can I add other ingredients?

Absolutely! Try cherry tomatoes, avocado, capers, or crumbled feta.

Q5: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, just thaw (if frozen), dry well, and toss directly into the salad.