This bright and refreshing shrimp salad mixes tender shrimp with creamy yogurt. Toss in crunchy veggies for a tasty twist that’s perfect for lunch!
I love digging into this salad, especially on warm days. It’s light yet filling, and the yogurt makes it extra creamy. Who knew healthy could taste this good? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp both work well. I like using medium-sized shrimp for the right bite. If you’re looking for a substitute, cooked crab or chicken can also add great flavor.
Greek Yogurt: Plain Greek yogurt adds a creamy texture. If you want a lighter option, you could use low-fat yogurt or even sour cream. For a dairy-free version, try coconut yogurt or cashew cream!
Romaine Lettuce: Romaine gives a nice crunch, but feel free to switch it up! Spinach or mixed greens work beautifully too. Just pick what you enjoy most!
Dill: Fresh dill adds a wonderful flavor, but you could use parsley or chives as alternatives if you don’t have dill on hand.
How Do I Cook Shrimp Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky since they cook very quickly. Here’s how to get it right:
- Start by heating your skillet on medium heat. Make sure it’s hot before adding the shrimp.
- Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for that beautiful pink color and slight curl!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if you have a lot. This helps them cook evenly.
- Remove shrimp from the heat as soon as they are opaque. Overcooked shrimp can be rubbery.
With these tips, your shrimp should turn out flavorful and perfectly cooked every time! Enjoy your meal!
Refreshing Shrimp Salad With Yogurt
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Salad:
- 1 lb (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
For The Yogurt Dressing:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (reserve some for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This shrimp salad takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a few minutes cooking the shrimp and whisking up the dressing, making it a quick and healthy meal option!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure the shrimp are evenly coated with the seasoning.
2. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the seasoned shrimp. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the heat and set them aside to cool slightly.
3. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped dill, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed!
4. Assemble the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, or individual serving bowls, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, diced cucumber, and sliced red onion. Give it a little toss to mix the veggies.
5. Add Shrimp and Dressing:
Carefully place the cooked shrimp on top of the salads. Drizzle the yogurt dressing generously over the top. If you want, you can toss everything gently to combine or leave the shrimp sitting pretty on top for a nice presentation.
6. Garnish and Serve:
Finish by sprinkling some reserved dill over the salad for a touch of freshness. Serve immediately and dig in! Enjoy this light, creamy, and delicious shrimp salad!
This dish is perfect for lunch or a light dinner, combining the spiced shrimp with the fresh crunch of veggies and the creamy yogurt dressing. Enjoy every bite! 😊
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen shrimp completely before cooking. You can do this overnight in the fridge or quickly by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for about 30 minutes.
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply skip the shrimp and add more veggies, like avocado, bell peppers, or even chickpeas for protein. You could also include some grilled tofu for added texture!
What Other Veggies Can I Add to the Salad?
Get creative! You can add grated carrots, cherry tomatoes, or even corn. Just remember to cut everything into similar sizes for even distribution throughout the salad.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to maintain the salad’s freshness and crunch. Just mix the dressing in right before serving again!
