Description
Cucumber Shrimp Salad is a refreshing, healthy meal featuring tender shrimp, crisp cucumber, red onion, and a zesty olive oil-based dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, this dish is full of nutrients and takes just a few minutes to prepare, making it the ideal go-to for a light meal or appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (cooked or raw)
- 2 medium cucumbers, sliced thinly
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup avocado, diced (optional)
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (or lime juice for a citrusy twist)
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season shrimp with salt and pepper and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Set aside.
- Prepare the vegetables: Slice the cucumbers, red onion, and chop the cilantro. If using, dice the avocado and crumble the feta cheese.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasonings as needed.
- Assemble the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, cucumbers, red onion, cilantro, and dressing. Toss gently to coat.
- Serve and enjoy: Top the salad with avocado and feta cheese (if using). Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes for a cool, refreshing salad.
Notes
- Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp will provide the best flavor and texture. If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly. Be careful not to overcook them as they can become tough and rubbery.
- Customize the dressing: Swap Dijon mustard with yellow mustard or add lime juice for a tangier twist. Adjust the honey for more sweetness if needed.
- Make it a full meal: Add quinoa, brown rice, or roasted vegetables to the salad for a more filling dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Sautéed
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: Cucumber Shrimp Salad, Healthy Shrimp Salad, Shrimp Salad Recipes, Mediterranean Shrimp Salad