If you’re craving something fresh, vibrant, and irresistibly tasty, this Nordic Shrimp Salad Recipe is about to become your new favorite. It’s a delightful mix of tender cooked shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, tangy dressing that perfectly balances all the flavors. This salad is light enough for a quick lunch but elegant enough to impress guests at dinner, capturing the cool, clean essence of Nordic cuisine in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Nordic Shrimp Salad Recipe lies in its simple, fresh ingredients. Each one adds a distinct texture, flavor, or color that makes this salad pop with personality and freshness. Here’s what you’ll need to make this beautiful dish come together effortlessly.
- Cooked shrimp (1 lb): The star of the salad, peeled and deveined for easy eating and tender bites.
- Medium cucumber (1): Thinly sliced to add a refreshing crunch and subtle sweetness.
- Red onion (1/2): Thinly sliced for a sharp, slightly sweet bite that wakes up the palate.
- Fresh dill (1/4 cup, chopped): Adds a fragrant, herbaceous note that’s signature to Nordic flavors.
- Capers (1/4 cup, drained): Tiny bursts of briny goodness that elevate the salad’s complexity.
- Mixed greens (1/2 cup): Such as arugula or spinach, bringing vivid color and a mild peppery flavor.
- Cherry tomatoes (1/2 cup, halved): Sweet and juicy, they brighten the dish visually and taste-wise.
- Cooked potatoes (1/4 cup, optional): Adds a subtle earthiness and heartiness if you want a more filling salad.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used in the dressing for smoothness and richness.
- White wine vinegar (1 tablespoon): Gives a gentle tang that lifts the dressing’s flavor.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon + 1 tablespoon): Adds just the right amount of piquancy in dressing and salad.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors into harmony.
- Lemon zest (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For a bright aroma that enhances the seafood.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon + 1 tablespoon for garnish): Provides fresh acidity to balance the richness.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): The creamy base of the dressing ensuring it clings beautifully to every ingredient.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (2 tablespoons): Adds tang and creaminess, plus a lighter texture.
How to Make Nordic Shrimp Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by making the luscious dressing that will tie all the ingredients together. Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, and chopped fresh dill. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste – this simple mix chills in the fridge and develops flavor while you prep the salad.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, gently toss the cooked shrimp with cucumber slices, red onion, capers, mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and if you’re using them, the cooked potatoes. This combination brings a beautiful variety of textures and colors that make the salad so inviting.
Step 3: Dress the Salad
Pour your chilled dressing over the salad and toss delicately so everything is coated evenly. Taste your salad at this point – adjust with more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice depending on your preference. This step is key to balancing the vibrant Nordic flavors in every forkful.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
Plate your Nordic Shrimp Salad Recipe carefully, then add your finishing touches with sprigs of fresh dill, a sprinkle of lemon zest, and a final squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Serve it immediately while it’s fresh and crisp, and enjoy the crisp, tangy, and creamy magic of this Nordic classic.
How to Serve Nordic Shrimp Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh dill and a little lemon zest are perfect garnishes that both look beautiful and enhance the flavors. A touch of lemon juice just before serving also adds that extra pop of citrusy freshness every shrimp salad deserves.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with crusty rye bread or crisp flatbreads, offering a satisfying crunch alongside the creamy textures. For a heartier meal, serve it with boiled new potatoes or a light soup on the side to complement the fresh seafood flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the salad in chilled glass bowls or on individual plates layered with larger leafy greens underneath. You can also place the salad in butter lettuce cups for a delightful finger-food option that’s fun and elegant. Adding edible flowers can make the dish pop at any gathering.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers of this Nordic Shrimp Salad Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep in mind that it’s best enjoyed within 1-2 days to maintain the freshness of the shrimp and crisp veggies.
Freezing
Because this salad is made with fresh shrimp and crisp vegetables in a creamy dressing, freezing is not recommended. Freezing would compromise the texture and flavor of both the shrimp and vegetables, making the salad less enjoyable once thawed.
Reheating
This is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is unnecessary. If you prefer, you can let the salad sit out for a few minutes to lose its chill and let the flavors meld a bit before serving again.
FAQs
Can I use fresh shrimp instead of cooked shrimp?
While you can certainly cook fresh shrimp for this salad, using pre-cooked shrimp saves time and ensures the shrimp are tender and perfectly cooked. If using fresh, simply boil or sauté them until pink and cooked through, then cool before adding to the salad.
What can I substitute for capers if I don’t have any?
If you don’t have capers on hand, a small amount of chopped green olives or even a splash of brine can provide the briny kick that capers bring to the salad.
Is this salad suitable for a low-calorie diet?
This Nordic Shrimp Salad Recipe is quite light and fresh with low-calorie ingredients, but you can reduce calories further by using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayonnaise, or reducing the quantities of creamy dressings.
Can I add other seafood to this salad?
Absolutely! Smoked salmon or crab meat can be lovely additions or substitutions, each adding their own unique Nordic flair to the salad.
How long does this salad keep its freshness?
For the best taste and texture, enjoy the salad fresh within 1-2 days. Over time, the vegetables can become soggy and the shrimp may lose their tenderness.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Nordic Shrimp Salad Recipe—a dish that feels like a breath of fresh sea air with every bite. It’s easy to make, full of vibrant flavors, and always leaves you wanting more. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this salad is a simple yet impressive way to celebrate fresh, wholesome ingredients. Give it a try and I promise it will quickly find a permanent spot on your recipe rotation!
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Nordic Shrimp Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Nordic
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A refreshing and light Nordic Shrimp Salad combining succulent cooked shrimp with crisp cucumber, red onion, capers, and mixed greens, all tossed in a creamy dill and lemon dressing. Perfect for a quick, healthy meal or appetizer with fresh, bright flavors and optional potatoes for added texture.
Ingredients
Salad
- 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup capers, drained
- 1/2 cup mixed greens (such as arugula or spinach)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup cooked potatoes, sliced or diced (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for garnish)
Dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1/2 teaspoon dried dill)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, and fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set the dressing aside in the refrigerator to chill while you assemble the salad.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, thinly sliced cucumber, red onion, chopped fresh dill, drained capers, mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, and the optional cooked potatoes. Gently toss the ingredients to mix them evenly without bruising the greens.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the chilled dressing over the shrimp and vegetable mixture. Toss gently again to coat all the ingredients evenly with the creamy dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
- Serve: Transfer the dressed salad onto serving plates. Garnish each serving with extra fresh dill, a sprinkle of lemon zest if using, and a final squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. Serve immediately for best freshness and enjoy your Nordic Shrimp Salad.
Notes
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.
- Cooked potatoes add a nice texture and make the salad more filling but are optional.
- Use fresh dill for best flavor, but dried dill may be used in a pinch.
- Serve the salad chilled or at room temperature, never warm.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice and mustard to suit your taste preferences.
