Shrimp Crab Dill Salad (Creamy Seafood Salad Recipe)
This Shrimp Crab Dill Salad is a fresh, creamy, and flavorful dish that combines tender shrimp, delicate crab meat, and aromatic Dill with a rich, tangy dressing. It’s perfect for light lunches, elegant starters, sandwiches, or even meal prep. The balance between the sweetness of seafood and the brightness of herbs makes this salad refreshing yet satisfying.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5–7 minutes
- Chill Time: 30–60 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour
Ingredients
Seafood:
- 250g (about ½ lb) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 200g (about ¾ cup) crab meat (fresh, canned, or imitation)
Vegetables:
- ½ cup celery, finely diced
- ¼ cup red onion, very thinly sliced or minced
- ½ cup cucumber, diced (seeds removed if watery)
Herbs & Flavorings:
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional but recommended)
Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced or powdered)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1 Cook the Shrimp
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2–3 minutes, or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them, as shrimp can quickly become rubbery.
Immediately transfer the shrimp to a bowl of ice water. This stops the cooking process and helps maintain a tender texture. Once cooled, drain and pat dry. Cut into bite-sized pieces if needed.
2 Prepare the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Add the garlic, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. The dressing should be slightly tangy, well-balanced, and creamy.
3 Combine the Ingredients
Add the cooked shrimp and crab meat into the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold to coat the seafood evenly.
Next, add the celery, red onion, and cucumber. Sprinkle in the fresh dill and lemon zest.
Mix everything together carefully to avoid breaking up the shrimp or crab too much. The texture should remain chunky and appealing.
4 Chill the Salad
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For best results, chill for up to 1 hour.
This step allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste of the salad.
Serving Suggestions
This salad is extremely versatile. You can serve it in many delicious ways:
- On toasted bread or croissants for a seafood sandwich
- Over a bed of fresh greens for a light meal
- In lettuce wraps for a low-carb option
- Stuffed into avocado halves for a healthy presentation
Pro Tips
- Use fresh shrimp whenever possible for the best flavor and texture
- Do not overcook the shrimp — this is the most common mistake
- Fresh dill gives a brighter taste than dried dill
- Add avocado, boiled eggs, or even a pinch of paprika for variation
- Substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version
Storage
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Do not freeze, as the texture of the dressing and seafood may change.