Simple Summer Shrimp Salad to Beat the Heat

Who wants to cook when it’s in the mid-90’s?  Not me!  On the hottest of days I much prefer to make a big batch of salad to live off of for a couple of dinners.  A favorite in my rotation is this simple summer shrimp salad.

Simple Summer Shrimp Salad Recipe

Using pre-cooked and cleaned shrimp makes this about a 5-10 minute recipe, tops!  If you have access to fresh-off-the-dock seafood and prefer to cook your own, poaching is my favorite method.  See details below.

• 2 lbs. chopped cooked shrimp
• 2 diced celery ribs
• 4 sliced green onions
• 3/4 cup light mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1/4-1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper; NOTE: 1/2 teaspoon will give this salad a distinct heat and spice.  If you are sensitive to spicy food, I recommend starting out with a 1/4 teaspoon and adding more to taste once mixed.
• salt & pepper to taste

To poach shrimp:

Add water to a large pot.  Stir in any seasonings you like: lemon, bay leaves, etc.  Bring water to a boil.  Remove from heat.   Add 2 pounds thawed, unpeeled raw shrimp.  Cover and let stand about 5 minutes (depends upon size of shrimp) until shrimp turn fully pink.  Drain and plunge into ice bath.

Serving Suggestions

I love this salad for it’s versatility.  Serve it on a croissant or top split brioche a la lobster roll-style.  Or on a bed of bib lettuce leaves.  With a muffin or slice of sweet bread, if that’s your jam!

At Casa Ramsey we try to keep carbs to a minimum during the work week so I often opt to serve this salad with fruit.  Grilled stone fruit in season is an especially nice accompaniment.  I used nectarines in the photo below.

Grilled Stone Fruit

Brush halved stone fruit of your choice (peaches, nectarines, plums, apricots) with a mixture of:

• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/4 balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Oil and then pre-heat grill until it fully reaches a medium-high temperature.  Set fruit on grill cut side down for about 4-5 minutes.  To use as a dessert, serve with freshly whipped cream or ice cream.

Bon Appetit!

Check out this post for another one of my warm weather favorite salads!  Next week we talk #NSale!  If you’re not a Nordstrom credit card holder, sign up now so you can get early access to this fabulous event.

Note: This post may contain affiliate links.  For full disclosure policy, click here.

Subscribe here.