Refreshing Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe

A Light and Protein-Packed Salad You’ll Want on Repeat

Looking for a delicious way to enjoy shrimp and keep things light, fresh, and satisfying? Say hello to your new favorite healthy lunch or dinner idea—Cucumber Shrimp Salad. It’s the ultimate blend of tender shrimp, crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and a vibrant herby citrus dressing that pulls it all together.

Whether you’re trying to eat clean, boost your protein intake, or simply enjoy more flavorful, fresh meals, this salad checks every box. It’s easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or impressing guests with something colorful and nutritious.

This recipe also fits right into categories like Mini Shrimp Salad, Shrimp Dill Saladet Cucumber Protein Salad, making it a versatile choice for seafood lovers and health-conscious foodies alike.

🥗 Why Cucumber Shrimp Salad Works

There’s something magical about combining cold, crunchy vegetables with perfectly cooked shrimp and a zesty citrus-based dressing. Here’s why this salad deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation:

• Quick and easy: You can make it in 20–30 minutes from start to finish.
• Healthy and low-calorie: It’s naturally low in carbs and high in lean protein.
• Personnalisable: Add grains, cheese, nuts, or other herbs based on what you have.
• Refreshing: Thanks to cucumber and lime, it’s the ideal warm-weather salad.
• Great for meal prep: Lasts a few days in the fridge and gets better as flavors meld.

It also fits beautifully into recipes centered around healthy seafood salad, cucumber cilantro saladou recipes with salad shrimp—especially if you’re working with pre-cooked or mini shrimp.

🛒 Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at what makes this salad shine:

Main Ingredients:

• Cooked mini shrimp: These small, tender shrimp soak up the dressing and evenly distribute throughout the salad.
• English cucumber: Crunchy, hydrating, and mild—these cucumbers hold up well and add texture.
• Red onion: Thinly sliced for just the right amount of sharpness and color.
• Cherry tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they brighten every bite.
• Avocado (optional): Adds creaminess and healthy fats for a more satisfying bite.
• Fresh dill & cilantro: The secret to that signature herby punch. Dill pairs beautifully with seafood, while cilantro adds freshness.
• Jalapeño (optional): For a kick of heat—completely adjustable to your taste.

Zesty Lime Dressing:

• L'huile d'Olive: Smooth, heart-healthy base.
• Lime juice: Adds zing and helps mellow the onion.
• De la moutarde de Dijon: Binds everything together with a little tang.
• Honey or maple syrup: A touch of sweetness to balance the acid.
• Minced garlic: For depth and aroma.
• Salt & pepper: To taste.

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp

If using pre-cooked frozen shrimp, make sure they are thawed, drained, and patted dry. If using raw shrimp, sauté them in olive oil until pink and cooked through (about 2–3 minutes per side). Chill before mixing.

🧠 Tip: Mini shrimp (also labeled salad shrimp) are great because they don’t require chopping and are easy to blend into the salad.

2. Chop the Veggies

Dice cucumber into small chunks or half-moons. Thinly slice the red onion and halve the cherry tomatoes. Dice avocado just before mixing to prevent browning. Finely chop dill and cilantro.

3. Make the Dressing

In a small jar, combine olive oil, lime juice, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, salt, and pepper. Shake well or whisk in a bowl until emulsified.

4. Toss the Salad

In a large bowl, add shrimp, cucumber, onion, tomatoes, avocado, dill, and cilantro. Pour dressing over the mixture and toss gently until fully coated.

✅ Conseil Du Pro: Let the salad chill for at least 15–20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. It also gives the red onion time to mellow.

5. Serve

Serve cold, spooned into cucumber boats, lettuce cups, or simply in a large serving bowl garnished with more dill and lime wedges.

🥒 How to Serve in Cucumber Bowls

For a stunning and fun presentation, serve the salad in cucumber cups or bowls. Perfect for entertaining!

How-To:

1. Slice cucumber into thick 2–3 inch rounds.
2. Use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out the center, creating a well.
3. Spoon in shrimp salad and top with a sprig of dill or cilantro.

This works beautifully for Cucumber Bowl Recipes, finger food appetizersou light party bites.

🧠 Nutritional Benefits

This salad is packed with nutrients and balanced macros:

It’s an ideal recipe for those on low-carb, paleo, Mediterraneanou nettoyer manger meal plans.

🥄 Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• De stockage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The avocado may brown slightly, but the flavor will still be great.
• Prenez De L'Avance: You can prepare the dressing and chopped veggies ahead of time. Mix everything just before serving for maximum freshness.

Avoid freezing—fresh herbs, cucumbers, and shrimp don’t hold their texture after thawing.

🔄 Variations and Substitutions

Want to switch it up or adapt based on ingredients? Try these:

Flavor Variations:

• Add feta or goat cheese for a tangy bite.
• Use lemon juice instead of lime for a different citrus note.
• Spice it up with chili flakes or hot sauce.

Ingredient Swaps:

• Crab meat or scallops for a different seafood option.
• Chopped parsley or basil instead of dill/cilantro.
• Add quinoa or farro to make it a full meal.

This salad is incredibly flexible and can work with any healthy seafood salad blueprint.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

This salad pairs well with:

• Grilled flatbreads or pita
• Light white wines (Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio)
• Iced tea or cucumber mint lemonade
• Coconut rice or cauliflower rice bowls
• Crusty sourdough toast

Or serve it solo in lettuce wraps for a low-carb lunch or snack.

🌿 Make it Mediterranean Style

Want a Mediterranean twist?

• Swap cilantro for parsley
• Add kalamata olives
• Toss in feta cheese and capers
• Use lemon juice in the dressing

This version would also fit beautifully into a mezze platter ou light summer buffet.

⭐ Reader’s Tip:

“I love scooping this into endive leaves for a pretty party tray. The combination of crisp endive and juicy shrimp is unbeatable!”
— Lena, Home Cook & Pinterest User

💬 Final Thoughts

L' Cucumber Shrimp Salad is more than just a salad—it’s a flavorful, texture-packed dish that can shine as a main course, side, or party starter. With simple ingredients and a fresh citrus dressing, it’s the kind of recipe that proves healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or bland.

Whether you enjoy it in a cucumber bowl, tucked into lettuce wraps, or straight from the mixing bowl, this is one recipe you’ll keep coming back to—especially on hot summer days when you want something cool, clean, and craveable.