Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad

🍤 Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad (Mediterranean Style)

📖 Description

This Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad is a refreshing Mediterranean-style dish that combines tender shrimp, crisp cucumbers, fresh herbs, and a light creamy dressing. It’s cool, tangy, and packed with protein, making it perfect for summer lunches, light dinners, or healthy meal prep. The balance of creamy yogurt, lemon, and herbs gives the salad a bright and satisfying flavor.

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🧾 Ingredients

• 400 g (about 14 oz) cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 medium cucumbers, sliced or diced

• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt

• 2 tbsp mayonnaise (optional for extra creaminess)

• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp fresh dill or parsley, chopped

• ½ tsp black pepper

• Salt to taste

Optional additions

• ½ avocado, diced

• 1 tbsp capers

• Cherry tomatoes, halved

• Crumbled feta cheese

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the shrimp
   If using frozen shrimp, thaw and pat dry. Ensure shrimp are fully cooked.

2. Slice the vegetables
   Chop cucumbers and thinly slice the red onion.

3. Make the dressing
   In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, dill, salt, and black pepper.

4. Combine the salad
   Add shrimp, cucumbers, and onion to a large bowl. Pour the creamy dressing over the top.

5. Mix gently
   Toss everything together until evenly coated.

6. Chill before serving
   Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

7. Serve
   Garnish with extra herbs, feta, or lemon slices.

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🍽 Serving Suggestions

• Serve in lettuce cups for a low-carb meal.

• Enjoy with whole-grain pita bread.

• Pair with Mediterranean quinoa salad for a complete lunch.

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❓ Q & A

Q: Can I use fresh shrimp instead of cooked?
Yes. Simply sauté or boil the shrimp for 2–3 minutes until pink, then cool before adding.

Q: How long does this salad last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for up to 2 days.

Q: Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes. Replace the Greek yogurt with dairy-free yogurt or mashed avocado.

Q: What cucumbers work best?
English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are ideal because they have fewer seeds and thinner skins.

Q: Can I add more Mediterranean flavor?
Yes! Add olives, feta cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil for extra richness.