Cold Shrimp Salad with Dill Recipe
If you’re searching for a quick and refreshing meal, look no further than this Cold Shrimp Salad with Dill. This colorful salad combines sweet, succulent shrimp with a creamy dill dressing, crisp celery, and tangy citrus, all coming together for a light yet satisfying dish. Whether served at a summer picnic, brunch, or light weekday lunch, Cold Shrimp Salad with Dill always steals the show with its lively flavors and irresistible texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cold Shrimp Salad with Dill lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is chosen for a purpose, whether it’s adding crunch, a burst of color, or that unmistakable herbal pop from dill. Together, they create a salad that’s both harmonious and full of character.
- Shrimp and Crab Boil Seasoning: Packs a punch of flavor into the shrimp, infusing them with perfectly balanced spices.
- Old Bay Seasoning (optional): Adds a classic seafood kick; try Cajun or Creole seasoning if you want a spicier twist.
- Fresh Shrimp (1 lb.): Choose the freshest shrimp you can find for sweetness and tender texture—tail and shell on keeps the shrimp juicier while cooking.
- Celery (2 stalks, finely chopped): Offers refreshing crunch that contrasts perfectly with the tender shrimp.
- Red Onion (2 tablespoons, finely chopped): Brings a gentle spicy bite and a hint of color.
- Dill (1 ½ tablespoons dried or 3 tablespoons fresh): The star herb, whether you choose dried or fresh, dill delivers vibrant, aromatic flavor.
- Mayonnaise (2 tablespoons): Creates the creamy dressing that holds all the ingredients together.
- Citrus Juice (1 tablespoon, lemon or lime): Lifts the salad with a pop of zesty brightness; choose whichever you love best.
- Salt and Ground White Pepper: Lets you fine-tune the savory and peppery notes at the end.
How to Make Cold Shrimp Salad with Dill
Step 1: Prepare the Boiling Water
Fill a large stockpot with enough water to fully submerge your shrimp, add the entire package of shrimp and crab boil seasoning, and bring it to a rolling boil. You can skip this step if your shrimp are already pre-cooked!
Step 2: Boil and Chill Your Shrimp
Once your seasoned water is bubbling, turn the heat down just a little to medium-high, then gently add your shrimp with their shell and tail still intact; this helps them stay juicy. Boil the shrimp for about 5 to 8 minutes, or until pink and just cooked through. Use a strainer to scoop them out and immediately transfer them to an ice bath—this locks in that delightful tenderness and stops the cooking.
Step 3: Peel, Devein, and Prep the Shrimp
Once your shrimp are cool enough to handle, peel away the shells and tails, then remove any veins for a perfectly clean finish. Chop the shrimp up finely and sprinkle over a little Old Bay, Cajun, or Creole seasoning for an extra layer of flavor. Set aside while you mix your salad base.
Step 4: Make the Dill Dressing
In a large salad bowl, combine the mayonnaise, finely chopped celery, red onion, dill (either fresh or dried—it’s all delicious), and bright lemon or lime juice. Stir everything together until well blended; the dill should be fragrant and evenly distributed.
Step 5: Add the Shrimp and Chill
Toss the seasoned, chopped shrimp into the bowl of creamy veggies and herbs, making sure each shrimp is coated well. Cover your bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, allowing all those fresh flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 6: Season and Serve
Once your Cold Shrimp Salad with Dill is thoroughly chilled, taste and add salt and ground white pepper as needed. Sometimes flavors become more pronounced after chilling, so this final adjustment makes all the difference.
How to Serve Cold Shrimp Salad with Dill

Garnishes
Give your Cold Shrimp Salad with Dill a final flourish: sprinkle extra chopped fresh dill across the top for a vibrant pop of green and a burst of herby aroma. You can also add a few thin lemon slices or a scatter of microgreens to take the presentation up a notch.
Side Dishes
This salad plays well with a wide array of sides—think toasted baguette slices, butter crackers, or crisp lettuce leaves for scooping. For a fuller meal, serve it alongside a summery gazpacho or a colorful fruit salad to keep things light and lively.
Creative Ways to Present
Cold Shrimp Salad with Dill really shines when you let your creativity loose! Spoon it into avocado halves, stuff it in hollowed-out tomatoes, or mound it onto cucumber rounds for attractive appetizers. For a classic touch, pile it high inside a toasted brioche roll for a feast reminiscent of a lobster roll—just a little more approachable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, simply cover the salad tightly or transfer it into an airtight container. Cold Shrimp Salad with Dill will stay fresh and tasty in the refrigerator for up to two days. Give it a gentle stir before serving again to revive its creamy texture.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for shrimp salads made with mayonnaise, as the dressing can separate and the texture of the shrimp can become rubbery after thawing. For the best quality and flavor, enjoy your salad fresh from the fridge.
Reheating
Since Cold Shrimp Salad with Dill is best served chilled, there’s no need to reheat it. Instead, just let it sit on the counter for a couple of minutes to take the chill off before enjoying, especially if you’re serving guests.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Absolutely! If you’re short on time, pre-cooked shrimp work perfectly for Cold Shrimp Salad with Dill. Just chop, season lightly, and follow the recipe as written.
Is fresh dill better than dried in this recipe?
Both work beautifully, but fresh dill will deliver a brighter, more aromatic flavor. If you’re using dried, just remember it’s more concentrated—so scale back slightly as noted in the recipe.
What if I don’t have white pepper?
No worries at all. Black pepper makes a fine substitute, though it will add a tiny bit more earthy heat and some speckles to the salad. Adjust to your preference.
Can I substitute the mayo for something lighter?
Definitely. Greek yogurt is a popular swap and makes for a tangier, lighter dressing, while still keeping your Cold Shrimp Salad with Dill wonderfully creamy.
How long can this salad sit out before serving?
It’s best to keep seafood salads chilled until right before serving. At room temperature, try to serve within two hours to keep everything safe and delicious.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something about Cold Shrimp Salad with Dill that feels special every single time you make it. It’s the ultimate answer to easy entertaining, and the zippy flavor keeps everyone coming back for another scoop. If you haven’t tried making it yet, I hope you’ll give this one a go—you might just find it becomes a new favorite at your table.
PrintCold Shrimp Salad with Dill Recipe
This refreshing Cold Shrimp Salad with Dill is a delightful and easy-to-make dish perfect for warm weather. The combination of fresh shrimp, aromatic dill, and zesty citrus flavors creates a light and flavorful salad that is ideal for a quick lunch or a light dinner.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 package Shrimp and Crab Boil seasoning
- Old Bay Seasoning (optional)
- 1 lb. fresh shrimp
- 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons red onion, finely chopped
- 1 ½ tablespoons dried dill or 3 tablespoons fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon citrus juice (lemon or lime)
- Salt and ground white pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Add: In a large stockpot, add one package of shrimp/crab boil seasoning and fill the pot with water. Bring to a boil (skip this step if using cooked shrimp).
- Boil: Once water is boiling, reduce heat to medium-high and add shrimp with shell and tail on.
- Cook shrimp: Boil for 5-8 minutes, then remove with a strainer and chill on ice until cool.
- Peel and devein shrimp: Chop finely, sprinkle with seasoning mix of choice, and set aside.
- Combine: In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, celery, red onion, dill, and lemon or lime juice thoroughly.
- Chill: Add the seasoned chopped shrimp to the mixture, coat well, cover, and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Season: Taste for salt and pepper after chilling and adjust seasonings as needed.
Notes
- For the shrimp, you can also use pre-cooked shrimp and skip the boiling step.
- Adjust the amount of seasoning according to your preference for spiciness.
- This salad can be served on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, or with crackers for a light meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: Cold Shrimp Salad, Shrimp Salad with Dill, Seafood Salad Recipe