Ingredients
Shrimp and Poaching Liquid
- 1 lb shrimp (preferably red Argentine wild shrimp, medium size)
- 1 lemon, halved
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp black peppercorns
- 1 tbsp salt
- 2 tsp pickling spice (optional, can substitute with 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning)
- 3-4 quarts water
Salad Ingredients
- 1 lb poached shrimp (from above)
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise (good quality or homemade, e.g., Kewpie Mayo)
- 1/4 cup full-fat sour cream
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 3 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning (optional)
- 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
- 1/3 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/4 cup green onion, finely diced
Instructions
- Poach the shrimp and chill: Fill a large pot with 3-4 quarts of water and add the halved lemon, garlic cloves, bay leaf, black peppercorns, salt, and pickling spice. Bring the water to a full boil over high heat. Once boiling, remove the pot from heat and immediately add the raw shrimp. Let them cook in the hot water for 3–4 minutes until pink, opaque, and just cooked through. Transfer shrimp with a slotted spoon to a plate in a single layer and cool completely. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes before proceeding.
- Prepare vegetables: While shrimp cool, finely dice celery, red bell pepper, and green onions. Place them in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
- Make the dressing: In a small to medium bowl, combine fresh lemon juice and crushed garlic and let sit for 5 minutes to infuse flavors. Then add mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, chopped fresh dill, and Old Bay seasoning. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the salad: Add the chilled poached shrimp to the bowl with diced vegetables. Pour the dressing over and gently toss everything together until evenly coated. Serve cold and enjoy your flavorful shrimp salad!
Notes
- Using fresh lemon juice and fresh dill brightens the flavor of this salad.
- Old Bay seasoning is optional but adds a classic seafood spice note.
- Chilling the poached shrimp enhances the texture and melds the flavors better.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt.
- Serve as a light meal, appetizer, or in lettuce wraps.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American