If you are looking for a refreshing and vibrant dish that tastes like a celebration of the sea and garden in one bite, this Nordic Shrimp Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining succulent cooked shrimp with crisp cucumber, bright cherry tomatoes, and a tangy, creamy dill dressing, this salad is a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you want a light lunch, a stunning starter for guests, or a dish to elevate your weeknight dinner, this Nordic Shrimp Salad Recipe brings the best of Scandinavian culinary simplicity right to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this salad plays a crucial role in layering flavors and providing a rainbow of textures. From the briny burst of capers to the freshness of dill and the creaminess of the dressing, these simple essentials come together effortlessly to create something truly special.
- Cooked shrimp (1 lb): The star of the dish, offering a tender, sweet seafood base.
- Cucumber (1 medium, thinly sliced): Adds crunch and a cooling freshness.
- Red onion (1/2, thinly sliced): Brings a sharp, slightly sweet bite that contrasts beautifully with the shrimp.
- Fresh dill (1/4 cup, chopped): Infuses the salad with a classic Nordic herbal brightness.
- Capers (1/4 cup, drained): Provide a salty tang that lifts the entire flavor profile.
- Mixed greens (1/2 cup): Such as arugula or spinach, for a peppery or earthy background.
- Cherry tomatoes (1/2 cup, halved): Sweet and juicy, adding color and freshness.
- Cooked potatoes (1/4 cup, optional): A subtle starch that can make the salad more filling.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds smoothness and richness.
- White wine vinegar (1 tablespoon): A gentle acidity that balances flavors.
- Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): Provides a mild pungency and depth.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings to bring all ingredients forward.
- Lemon zest (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Brightens the salad with a citrus aroma.
- Lemon juice (1 tablespoon for garnish): A finishing squeeze for a fresh, zesty hit.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Forms the creamy base of the dressing.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (2 tablespoons): Adds tang and smooth texture.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon for dressing): Boosts the dressing’s flavor complexity.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon for dressing): Lifts the creaminess with bright acidity.
- Fresh dill (1 teaspoon, chopped for dressing): Swirls its fresh herbal notes throughout the dressing.
How to Make Nordic Shrimp Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. This dressing is the magic that ties the entire salad together with its tangy, herbaceous, and creamy personality. Chill it in the refrigerator while you get the salad ingredients ready to keep it refreshingly cool at serving time.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss the peeled, cooked shrimp with crisp cucumber slices, thinly sliced red onion, capers, fresh mixed greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, and optionally, cooked potatoes. Each component offers a different texture and flavor, from the firmness of shrimp to the mellow softness of the potatoes. Gently mix to make sure everything is well distributed but not bruised.
Step 3: Dress the Salad
Drizzle the chilled dressing generously over your shrimp and vegetable mixture. Toss the salad softly so every bite will be coated in that creamy, zesty dill dressing. Taste at this stage—adjust with a pinch more salt, freshly cracked pepper, or an extra squeeze of lemon juice if you want to brighten it further. This step is all about balancing the flavors to your personal preference.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
Plate the salad with care, perhaps on chilled plates for a delightful serving experience. Garnish with extra fresh dill sprigs, a teasing zest of lemon for fragrance, and a final splash of lemon juice to awaken all the flavors. Serve immediately to enjoy the salad at its freshest, with every ingredient shining in harmony.
How to Serve Nordic Shrimp Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like extra dill, thin lemon wedges, or a few capers on top not only enhances the appearance but also adds bursts of freshness with each bite. They invite your guests to experience layers of flavor that elevate this simple salad to something truly special.
Side Dishes
Nordic Shrimp Salad pairs beautifully with hearty rye bread, crisp crackers, or even a light bowl of soup on the side. If you want to keep it light, serve with a sparkling mineral water or a chilled white wine that can highlight the seafood notes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in attractive glass bowls to showcase the vibrant colors or arrange it artfully atop butter lettuce leaves as elegant, bite-sized cups. Another fun idea is to layer it in mason jars for picnics or casual lunches, making it practical yet impressive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad is best enjoyed fresh but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dressing might loosen the salad a bit over time, so it’s best to consume within 1-2 days to maintain optimal texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this Nordic Shrimp Salad Recipe since fresh vegetables and creamy dressing can lose their texture and become watery or grainy. Shrimp might also become rubbery after freezing and thawing.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating is unnecessary and would detract from its fresh, crisp appeal. If you prefer a warmer dish, consider setting the shrimp aside and heating them gently for a different meal or serving.
FAQs
Can I use fresh shrimp instead of cooked shrimp?
Absolutely! If you buy fresh shrimp, just make sure to cook them through—boiling or sautéing until pink and opaque—before using them in the salad. Cooling them completely before mixing is key to keeping the salad crisp and fresh.
Is there a good substitute for sour cream in the dressing?
Yes, Greek yogurt makes a wonderful substitute, offering similar creaminess and tanginess but with a lighter texture and higher protein content.
Can I make this salad vegan or vegetarian?
For a plant-based twist, swap shrimp for cooked chickpeas or marinated tofu, and use vegan mayonnaise for the dressing. The fresh veggies and dressing will still create a delightful Nordic-inspired salad experience.
What can I add to make this salad more filling?
Adding boiled, diced potatoes is traditional and adds heartiness — you could also toss in some boiled eggs or slices of avocado for extra protein and creaminess.
How do I keep my salad from getting soggy?
To prevent sogginess, dress the salad just before serving and keep any wet ingredients separate until the last moment. Also, pat dry your vegetables and shrimp thoroughly before assembling.
Final Thoughts
This Nordic Shrimp Salad Recipe is a gorgeous example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly memorable. Its refreshing flavors, satisfying textures, and ease of preparation make it an absolute winner in any season. I can’t wait for you to try it and add your personal favorite touches — it’s a dish that always delights and feels like a little taste of the Nordic coast right in your kitchen.
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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: Gluten Free
Description
A light and refreshing Nordic Shrimp Salad combining succulent cooked shrimp with fresh vegetables, herbs, and a creamy dill dressing. Perfect as a healthy lunch or appetizer, this salad features crisp cucumber, tangy capers, and optional boiled potatoes, all tossed in a zesty lemon and dill-infused dressing.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 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 (optional, sliced or diced)
Dressing Ingredients
- 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 tsp dried dill)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- Extra fresh dill (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, and chopped fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill the dressing in the refrigerator while preparing the salad to enhance the flavors.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the peeled and deveined cooked shrimp with thinly sliced cucumber, red onion, drained capers, mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, and optional cooked potatoes. Toss these ingredients gently to distribute them evenly without bruising the vegetables.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the chilled dressing over the shrimp and vegetable mixture. Toss gently again to coat all ingredients evenly with the creamy dressing. Taste the salad and adjust seasoning by adding more salt, pepper, or lemon juice according to your preference.
- Serve: Transfer the dressed salad to individual serving plates or a large serving bowl. Garnish with additional fresh dill, lemon zest if using, and a final squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors. Serve immediately for the freshest taste.
Notes
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.
- Boiled potatoes are optional but add a nice texture and make the salad more filling.
- For additional crunch, consider adding chopped celery or radishes.
- This salad is best eaten fresh but can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Adjust the amount of dill and lemon juice according to your taste preferences for more brightness.
