Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe
If you’re craving something refreshingly light yet satisfyingly creamy, this Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe is about to become your new go-to dish. It’s a medley of tender shrimp, crisp cucumbers, vibrant tomatoes, and a dreamy, herby dressing that hugs every bite. Perfect for sunny lunches, potlucks, or an effortlessly elegant weeknight meal, this salad balances rich flavors with garden-fresh crunch—delivering a dish that always has friends asking for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering everything for this Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe is delightfully easy—each ingredient brings its own special color, flavor, or texture, making the whole dish sing. Here’s a deeper look at what makes this vibrant salad so irresistible:
- Cooked shrimp (1 lb/450g): The star of the show—tender, juicy, and protein-rich, make sure they’re peeled and deveined for easy eating.
- Cucumbers (2 large): Thinly sliced for maximum crunch and juicy freshness that keeps every bite light.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup, halved): They add sweetness, color, and a burst of flavor to the mix.
- Red onion (1/2, thinly sliced): Offers a subtle bite and beautiful purple hue—if you prefer milder onion flavor, soak slices in cold water first.
- Avocado (1, diced): Luscious and creamy, giving each forkful a luxurious texture.
- Fresh dill (2 tablespoons, chopped): Brings a punch of herbal brightness that’s classic with shrimp.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Adds freshness and a flash of green color—flat-leaf parsley works best.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and making all the flavors pop.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): This forms the base of that iconic creamy dressing you’ll keep dreaming about.
- Sour cream (1/4 cup): Adds tanginess and a light, fluffy texture to the dressing.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Brings zesty balance and keeps everything tasting bright and fresh.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Lends depth and a gentle bite without overpowering the delicate shrimp.
- Garlic clove (1, minced): Just a bit for warmth and savory complexity.
- Honey (1 teaspoon): A touch of sweetness smooths out the creamy dressing and enhances the natural flavors.
How to Make Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
First, let’s get all that vibrant produce ready. Give the cucumbers and red onion a good wash, then slice them as thinly as possible—the thinner, the crunchier. Halve your cherry tomatoes for juicy pockets of sweetness, and dice the creamy avocado. Pop everything in a large salad bowl to await the star ingredients. Prepping ahead like this means the final salad comes together in a flash!
Step 2: Add the Shrimp
Time for those beautiful shrimp to join the party. Toss them right in with the veggies, followed by a generous shower of freshly chopped dill and parsley. Add a hearty pinch of salt and a crack of pepper, then gently toss so the ingredients mingle but the avocado stays in glorious chunks. Fresh herbs make all the difference, so don’t be shy!
Step 3: Make the Creamy Dressing
You’ll love how this simple dressing transforms the Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, that fragrant minced garlic, and honey. Mix until smooth and creamy. Give it a little taste, and adjust salt and pepper as needed—the result should be zesty, tangy, and just a little sweet.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Now for the fun part: pour your luscious dressing over the shrimp and veggies, then toss gently to coat every bite in creamy goodness. Be gentle so you don’t mash the avocado or crush those tomatoes. Taste and tweak the seasoning if you want a bit more zip or punch from salt and pepper.
Step 5: Chill and Garnish
This salad really shines when the flavors have time to cozy up together. Cover the bowl and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. When you’re ready to serve, scatter extra herbs on top for an irresistible fresh touch. It not only looks gorgeous but adds that just-picked taste.
Step 6: For Extra Flavor
If you love a bold finish, try an extra squeeze of fresh lemon or a dusting of paprika right before serving. That little zing wakes up all the flavors and adds an inviting pop of color—perfect for impressing guests.
Step 7: Make It Vegan
Thinking of sharing this Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe with plant-based friends? Just swap in vegan mayo and sour cream, and use your favorite shrimp alternative or extra chickpeas for a completely vegan version!
How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe

Garnishes
When it comes to garnishing, fresh herbs are always a winner—think more dill, more parsley, or even a little sprinkle of chives. Add a wedge of lemon for squeezing at the table, or a few edible flowers for a special occasion. A sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of cracked black pepper also makes your Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe look and taste restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with crunchy toasted baguette slices or rustic sourdough—perfect for scooping up every last bit of creamy dressing. For something lighter, serve it alongside a platter of grilled asparagus, a simple green salad, or even fluffy quinoa for a bit of extra heartiness. It’s especially lovely with a glass of crisp white wine or iced tea on a hot day.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe into a showstopper by spooning it into avocado halves, juicy tomato cups, or mini lettuce boats for an elegant appetizer. For a crowd, pile it onto a big platter and let everyone dig in family-style, or layer it in a mason jar for a chic picnic option. However you serve it, this salad steals the spotlight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors deepen as they meld, but if you know you’ll be storing some, keep a little extra fresh parsley or dill handy to liven up the salad just before serving again.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for this Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe, since the creamy dressing and fresh vegetables tend to lose their texture and become watery when thawed. Enjoy it fresh for the very best results.
Reheating
No reheating needed—this salad is all about crisp, cold refreshment! If you’ve just taken it out of the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes so the flavors can unfold before digging in.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and drain frozen cooked shrimp thoroughly before adding them. Pat them dry so the salad doesn’t get watery, and you’ll have the perfect base for this Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe.
What type of cucumber works best?
English cucumbers or Persian cucumbers are ideal because they’re seedless and have delicate, thin skins. If you use regular cucumbers, consider peeling and seeding them for the best texture.
Is it possible to make the salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble most of it a few hours in advance—just wait to add the avocado and dressing until right before serving to keep everything looking fresh. That way, your Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe will always impress.
How can I adjust the dressing if I want it lighter?
Feel free to swap some or all of the mayonnaise and sour cream for Greek yogurt. This keeps the salad creamy but adds a lovely tang and reduces calories without compromising flavor.
Can I add other veggies or mix-ins?
Definitely! This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Try adding diced celery, sliced radishes, or even a scoop of cooked pasta for a heartier version. Let your creativity shine each time you make your Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason the Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe keeps making its way onto my table—it’s cheerful, effortless, and never fails to impress. If you’re ready for a summer salad that sparkles with flavor and freshness, give this recipe a try and watch it disappear!
PrintCreamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe
This Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish perfect for summer. With a creamy dressing that coats plump shrimp, crisp cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and creamy avocado, this salad is bursting with flavor. Enjoy it as a light meal or a side dish at any gathering.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Salad:
- 1 lb (450g) cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Creamy Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and thinly slice the cucumbers and red onion. Halve the cherry tomatoes and dice the avocado. Place all the vegetables in a large salad bowl.
- Add the Shrimp: Add the cooked shrimp to the bowl with the vegetables. Sprinkle the chopped fresh dill and parsley over the top. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then gently toss to combine all ingredients.
- Make the Creamy Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and honey until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the creamy dressing over the salad and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Chill and Garnish: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired.
- For Extra Flavor: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a sprinkle of paprika on top for an extra zing.
- Make It Vegan: Substitute the mayonnaise and sour cream with vegan alternatives to make this salad plant-based.
- Enjoy your refreshing Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad as a perfect summer dish or a light, satisfying meal!
Notes
- Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite herbs or additional vegetables.
- This salad is best served chilled for optimal flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 215mg
Keywords: Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad, Shrimp Salad, Summer Salad, Cucumber Salad, Seafood Salad