The Art of Ultimate Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad Perfection

Perfect Shrimp Cooking Mastery

Master the technique of cooking shrimp to ideal tenderness without overcooking.

Cucumber Preparation Excellence

Learn the skill of preparing cucumbers to maintain maximum crispness and flavor.

Creamy Dressing Perfection

Perfect the method of creating balanced, herb-infused creamy dressing.

Flavor Layering Technique

Master the art of combining fresh herbs, vegetables, and seafood harmoniously.

Assembly Timing Strategy

Learn optimal timing for combining ingredients to maintain freshness and texture.

Seafood Salad Mastery Secrets for Perfect Cucumber Shrimp Combination

Shrimp Cooking: Don't overcook shrimp - they should be just pink and tender, not rubbery.

Cucumber Prep: Salt cucumbers and drain to remove excess water and maintain crispness.

Dressing Balance: Adjust herbs and lemon to taste - some prefer more dill, others more chives.

Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare components separately and combine just before serving for best texture.

Temperature Control: Keep salad well-chilled until serving for food safety and optimal freshness.

Avocado Addition: Add avocado last to prevent browning and maintain beautiful green color.

Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad with Creamy Herb Dressing and Crisp Vegetables

Name: Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad with Creamy Herb Dressing and Crisp Vegetables
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 33 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the Perfect Shrimp:; 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; For the Crisp Cucumbers:; 3 large English cucumbers; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; For the Creamy Herb Dressing:; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup Greek yogurt; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped; 1 tablespoon fresh chives, minced; For the Fresh Vegetables:; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1 bell pepper, julienned; 2 stalks celery, diced; For the Flavor Enhancers:; 2 tablespoons capers, drained; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1 avocado, sliced; For the Texture Elements:; 1/4 cup toasted almonds, sliced; 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds; 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese; For the Seasoning:

The ultimate seafood salad featuring perfectly cooked shrimp, crisp cucumber ribbons, and fresh seasonal vegetables tossed in a creamy herb dressing. This light and refreshing dish combines the delicate sweetness of premium shrimp with the cool crunch of fresh cucumbers, creating a sophisticated salad that's perfect for summer entertaining, light dinners, or elegant lunch gatherings that celebrate fresh, clean flavors with every bite.

Prep Time

25 Minutes

Cook Time

8 Minutes

Total Time

33 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For the Perfect Shrimp:

2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Crisp Cucumbers:

3 large English cucumbers

2 teaspoons salt

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

For the Creamy Herb Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon lemon zest

2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh chives, minced

For the Fresh Vegetables:

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1 bell pepper, julienned

2 stalks celery, diced

For the Flavor Enhancers:

2 tablespoons capers, drained

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

1 avocado, sliced

For the Texture Elements:

1/4 cup toasted almonds, sliced

2 tablespoons sunflower seeds

1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

For the Seasoning:

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon white pepper

Coarse sea salt

Freshly ground black pepper

For the Optional Garnish:

Lemon wedges

Fresh herb sprigs

Paprika for dusting

For the Cooking Liquid:

6 cups water

2 bay leaves

1 lemon, sliced

1 tablespoon salt

For Perfect Assembly:

Large serving platter

Salad servers

For Special Equipment:

Large saucepan

Vegetable peeler

Mandoline slicer

Colander

Instructions

Bring water with bay leaves, lemon slices, and salt to boil.

Add shrimp to boiling water and cook for 2-3 minutes until pink.

Immediately transfer cooked shrimp to ice bath to stop cooking process.

Drain shrimp thoroughly and pat completely dry with paper towels.

Season cooked shrimp with Old Bay and garlic powder, tossing gently.

Using vegetable peeler, create long cucumber ribbons from whole cucumbers.

Alternatively, slice cucumbers into thin rounds or half-moons as preferred.

Sprinkle cucumber pieces with salt and let drain for 15 minutes.

Rinse salted cucumbers with cold water and pat completely dry.

Toss drained cucumbers with rice vinegar for extra crispness enhancement.

Whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and fresh lemon juice.

Add lemon zest, dill, chives, and Dijon mustard to dressing base.

Season creamy dressing with white pepper and salt to taste.

Combine prepared shrimp with cucumber ribbons in large mixing bowl.

Add cherry tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, and celery pieces.

Fold in capers and fresh parsley for additional flavor bursts.

Pour creamy herb dressing over salad and toss gently to combine.

Let salad chill in refrigerator for 20 minutes to meld flavors.

Just before serving, add sliced avocado and fold in carefully.

Sprinkle toasted almonds, sunflower seeds, and feta cheese over top.

Season with additional salt and pepper if needed for balance.

Arrange on serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs.

Serve immediately while cucumbers are still crisp and fresh.

Accompany with crusty bread or crackers for complete light meal.

Store leftovers covered in refrigerator for up to 2 days maximum.

Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad with Creamy Herb Dressing and Crisp Vegetables

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Ultimate Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad Perfection

Fresh Cucumber Shrimp Salad with Creamy Herb Dressing and Crisp Vegetables

Ingredients

Instructions