If you’re craving something that’s bright, refreshing, and just a tad bit indulgent, you’re in for a treat with this Fresh and Zesty Cucumber Shrimp Salad. Packed with crunchy cucumbers, perfectly cooked shrimp, and a creamy, herby lime dressing, this salad is such a celebration of contrasts—light, rich, and always full of flavor. It’s the kind of dish that’s effortlessly impressive for guests, yet comforting enough to become your new weeknight favorite. Each bite is zippy and fresh, with a touch of dill and citrus that keeps you coming back for more.

Fresh and Zesty Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This colorful Fresh and Zesty Cucumber Shrimp Salad relies on a handful of gorgeous, vibrant ingredients that each play an essential role. Every component brings its own note in taste, crunch, or creaminess, making the whole salad sing with flavor.

Shrimp (2 pounds, shelled and deveined): Plump and sweet, shrimp are the star here, bringing protein and a touch of briny richness that soaks up the dressing perfectly.
English cucumber (1, diced): Extra crisp and nearly seedless, English cucumbers add a delightful crunch and coolness to every bite.
Green onions (3, sliced thinly): These add a gentle oniony kick and a pop of green color throughout the salad.
Mayonnaise (⅓ cup): Its silky, creamy texture creates the lush base for our dressing that clings to the shrimp and veggies.
Sour cream (⅓ cup): Adds a tangy, rich undertone that balances the mayonnaise and keeps the dressing light on the palate.
Lime (1, zested and juiced): Both zest and juice brighten everything up, making the whole salad taste even fresher.
Fresh dill (2 tablespoons, chopped): This herb gives our salad an aromatic layer that pairs beautifully with shrimp and cucumber.
Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): A spoonful of Dijon lends a zippy complexity to the dressing, tying all the flavors together.
Garlic (1 clove, minced): Just the right amount for gentle savory warmth that stays in the background.
Kosher salt (¼ teaspoon): A pinch of salt draws out the natural qualities of every ingredient and balances the whole dish.

How to Make Fresh and Zesty Cucumber Shrimp Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Before you do anything else, you’ll want to get your shrimp ready. Start by peeling and deveining them, making sure to remove those shells for ultimate tenderness. Bring a big pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Drop in your shrimp and let them cook—watch carefully, because as soon as they turn that telltale pink, they’re done! Quickly rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking and lock in their juiciness. This little step makes your shrimp delightfully plump and never rubbery, setting the tone for the entire Fresh and Zesty Cucumber Shrimp Salad.

Step 2: Slice the Cucumbers

Next up: cucumbers! Grab your English cucumber and dice it into small, uniform cubes for the ultimate fresh crunch. If you’re a fan of extra crunch, leave the skin on—it’s thin and tender. The cucumber’s coolness is truly the backbone of this salad, keeping things crisp and palate-cleansing with every forkful.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Lime Dressing

Time for the dressing that makes this whole dish explode with flavor. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lime zest, lime juice, Dijon mustard, chopped dill, garlic, and kosher salt. This mix should be smooth, creamy, and absolutely fragrant. The citrusy zing, touch of mustard heat, and herbaceous dill meld into a sauce that is downright craveable—and it’s what gives your Fresh and Zesty Cucumber Shrimp Salad its irresistible personality.

Step 4: Toss the Ingredients

Now, the magic happens. In a roomy salad bowl, combine your chilled shrimp, crisp diced cucumber, and sliced green onions. Pour the creamy lime dressing over the top and gently toss everything together, making sure every bite is coated in that luscious dressing. Don’t over-mix—you want the shrimp and veggies to keep their lovely shapes.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving

Patience pays off! Cover the salad and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This key move lets all the flavors mingle and meld together, while also serving your Fresh and Zesty Cucumber Shrimp Salad at its crisp, cool peak. The chill time truly brings out the best of every ingredient.

How to Serve Fresh and Zesty Cucumber Shrimp Salad

Garnishes

When it comes to garnishing your Fresh and Zesty Cucumber Shrimp Salad, a sprinkle of extra fresh dill or even a shower of additional lime zest works wonders. If you want a little color, a few thinly sliced radishes or a scattering of microgreens make every plate look chef-worthy and add a touch of earthy crunch.

Side Dishes

Pairing this salad with the right side brings even more joy to your meal. Warm, crusty baguette slices are perfect for scooping up creamy bites, while a side of fluffy jasmine rice turns it into a hearty lunch. For something lighter, serve alongside a simple arugula salad tossed with olive oil and lemon—these combinations let your Fresh and Zesty Cucumber Shrimp Salad shine!

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with presentation! Try piling your salad onto crisp butter lettuce leaves for easy wraps, or scoop it into halved avocados for an elegant appetizer. Layer it into small glass jars for portable picnics or stack it atop toasted sourdough for an open-faced sandwich that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with any leftover Fresh and Zesty Cucumber Shrimp Salad, transfer it promptly to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for up to two days, although keep in mind the cucumber may release a bit of water. Just give it a light toss before serving again—it’s still delightfully flavorful!

Freezing

Unfortunately, this isn’t a freezer-friendly salad. The creamy dressing doesn’t respond well to freezing, and the cucumbers lose their signature crunch. For best results, enjoy your Fresh and Zesty Cucumber Shrimp Salad fresh from the fridge.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this dish—it’s best served cool or at chilled room temperature for that refreshing bite! If you prefer it slightly less cold, just let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before boiling. Frozen shrimp are super convenient and taste just as great when prepared for Fresh and Zesty Cucumber Shrimp Salad.

What other herbs can I use besides dill?

If you’re not a dill fan, try fresh parsley, basil, or tarragon for a slightly different herbal twist. Each gives your Fresh and Zesty Cucumber Shrimp Salad its own unique flair.

Is there a good substitute for sour cream?

Plain Greek yogurt is a wonderful stand-in for sour cream, making your dressing just as creamy but with a subtle tang. It also pairs perfectly with the shrimp and cucumber in this salad.

How do I make this dish lighter?

You can swap out the mayonnaise for light mayo and use low-fat or Greek yogurt in place of sour cream. The flavors and textures of Fresh and Zesty Cucumber Shrimp Salad still shine through beautifully.

Can I prepare the salad a day in advance?

Yes! You can assemble the salad up to a day ahead and keep it tightly covered in the fridge. Just wait to add any final garnishes until right before serving so everything looks and tastes its freshest.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to make this Fresh and Zesty Cucumber Shrimp Salad as I am to share it! It’s the kind of dish that perks up your palate, brings a splash of color to your table, and never goes out of style. Dive in, enjoy every fresh, creamy, herby bite—and get ready for this to become a recurring favorite in your kitchen.