Creamy, Fresh, and Flavorful Seafood Salad
This Shrimp Crab Dill Salad is a delicious combination of tender shrimp, sweet crab meat, crisp vegetables, and fresh dill tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s light enough for lunch but satisfying enough to serve as a main dish, and it also makes an elegant appetizer or filling for sandwiches.
The fresh lemon and dill brighten the rich seafood and creamy dressing, while celery, cucumber, and red onion add a refreshing crunch. Best of all, this seafood salad comes together quickly and tastes even better after chilling.
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5–7 minutes
- Chill Time: 30–60 minutes
- Total Time: About 1 hour
Ingredients
For the Seafood
- 250 g (about ½ lb) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 200 g (about ¾ cup) crab meat, fresh, canned, or imitation
For the Salad
- ½ cup finely diced celery
- ¼ cup very thinly sliced or minced red onion
- ½ cup diced cucumber, seeds removed if watery
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
For the Creamy Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic or garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
How to Make Shrimp Crab Dill Salad
1. Cook the Shrimp
Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the shrimp and cook for about 2–3 minutes, or until they are pink, opaque, and cooked through.
Avoid overcooking the shrimp, as they can quickly become tough and rubbery.
Immediately transfer the cooked shrimp to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once completely cooled, drain well and pat dry with paper towels. Cut the shrimp into bite-sized pieces if necessary.
2. Make the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice until smooth and creamy.
Add the garlic, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. The dressing should be creamy, slightly tangy, and well balanced.
3. Combine Everything
Add the cooked shrimp and crab meat to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together until the seafood is evenly coated.
Add the celery, red onion, cucumber, fresh dill, and lemon zest. Stir gently until all the ingredients are combined.
Try not to overmix so the shrimp and crab retain their texture.
4. Chill
Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, let it chill for up to 1 hour.
Chilling gives the ingredients time to blend together and allows the dill and lemon flavors to shine.
How to Serve
There are plenty of ways to enjoy this creamy seafood salad:
- Spoon it onto toasted bread or croissants for a delicious seafood sandwich.
- Serve it over fresh salad greens for a light lunch.
- Wrap it in crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing low-carb option.
- Spoon it into avocado halves for an elegant presentation.
- Serve it with crackers as an easy appetizer or party snack.
Helpful Tips
- Don’t overcook the shrimp. They only need a few minutes to become tender and opaque.
- Use fresh dill when possible. It gives the salad a brighter, fresher flavor.
- Drain watery ingredients well. Removing excess moisture from the cucumber helps keep the dressing creamy.
- Chill before serving. Even 30 minutes in the refrigerator makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Try Greek yogurt. Replace half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.
- Customize it. Chopped avocado, boiled eggs, or a pinch of paprika can add even more flavor and texture.
Storage
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
Because this salad contains seafood and mayonnaise, keep it refrigerated and avoid leaving it at room temperature for extended periods. Freezing is not recommended, as the seafood and creamy dressing can develop an unpleasant texture after thawing.
Why You’ll Love This Shrimp Crab Dill Salad
This creamy seafood salad is fresh, easy, versatile, and full of flavor. The tender shrimp and crab pair beautifully with crunchy vegetables, fragrant dill, and a bright lemony dressing. Whether you serve it in a sandwich, over greens, or as an appetizer, it’s an easy recipe that feels a little special without requiring much effort.
