Shrimp Salad is a quick and easy recipe with shrimp tossed with red onion in a creamy dressing with Old Bay seasoning. A light, fresh meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

Light, fresh, and full of flavor, Shrimp Salad is the kind of recipe that feels both refreshing and satisfying. Shrimp is tossed in a creamy, old-bay seasoned dressing with red onions and avocado for the perfect balance of texture and taste.

 

This shrimp salad recipe is about as easy and tasty as summer dishes get. It is also super versatile. You can serve it on a bed of greens, or on a roll for a sandwich. You can scoop it onto your favorite crackers. It makes the perfect easy lunch or light dinner.

Juicy cooked shrimp and crispy red onions get tossed in a simple mayo dressing that’s loaded with flavor thanks to Old Bay seasoning. It’s just begging to be spooned into a fluffy roll! This classic shrimp salad is one recipe you’ll have on repeat all summer long.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the post for the FULL PRINTABLE recipe card.

• Shrimp – Frozen salad shrimp (that is already cooked), thawed and drained well. You can use any size of shrimp you’d like.
• Red Onion.
• Mayonnaise – For a lighter option, substitute mayo with plain yogurt.
• Vinegar
• Seasoning – Old Bay seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

How to Make Shrimp Salad

• Prepare the shrimp. First, you’ll want to spread the thawed and drained shrimp out on a baking sheet and pat them dry with paper towels. 
• Make the dressing. Next, whisk together the mayo, vinegar, and seasonings for the dressing.
• Combine. Add your shrimp and red onion to the dressing, and toss to coat.

Recipe Tips & Tricks

• Dry the shrimp well. Make sure that you thoroughly pat dry the thawed shrimp using paper towels before combining it with the dressing. Otherwise, your salad will be watery.
• Can I use raw shrimp? If you’re making this recipe with raw shrimp, you’ll need to peel the shrimp, remove the tail, and cook it first. I recommend boiling the shrimp on the stove for 2-3 minutes.
• Serve right away. This salad is best enjoyed fresh after it’s made. The shrimp tends to get a little rubbery over time.

Easy Shrimp Salad Variations

Try these fun and flavorful ways to change up this classic recipe:

• Veggies. Bulk up your salad with diced celery, green peas, or shredded carrots.
• Fresh herbs. Build on the flavors in this salad by adding fresh herbs like chopped dill, basil, or parsley.
• Pasta. Toss your finished salad with cooked pasta for an easy shrimp pasta salad. Choose a short-cut pasta, like penne, shells, or fusilli, and cook it according to the package directions.
• Avocado. Stir in chopped avocado for a shrimp avocado salad. 
• Citrus. Add 1-2 spoonfuls of freshly squeezed lemon juice (or lime juice) to brighten the flavors. You can also sprinkle in lemon zest.

What to Serve With Shrimp Salad

Our favorite way to serve shrimp salad is in a shrimp salad sandwich. Spoon the shrimp into a fluffy sandwich roll, topped with diced avocado or sliced tomato. Enjoy it with a side of crispy potato chips and fresh fruit or green salad, and a tall glass of peach lemonade to wash it all down. It’s summer on a plate! This creamy shrimp is also great rolled into a wrap or served as a topping for crackers, tostadas, and bruschetta.

How to Store Leftovers

This salad tastes the best on the day it’s made. However, you can keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

More Shrimp Recipes

• Chipotle Shrimp Tacos 
• Air Fryer Shrimp 
• Lemon Garlic Shrimp
• Easy Shrimp Cakes
• Crispy Oven Fried Shrimp