This light and refreshing shrimp salad served on cucumber slices is a perfect choice for a healthy, satisfying appetizer or snack. This recipe blends the succulent taste of shrimp with the crunchy and hydrating quality of cucumber, finished off with a creamy mix of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt. The added crunch from celery and the kick from raw red onions make this dish a show-stopper at any gathering.
The ingredients for this recipe are quite common and should be readily available in your local supermarket. However, sourcing fresh shrimp is key for the best flavor. Frozen shrimp can also be used, but ensure it's thawed properly before use. Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative to mayonnaise, providing a creamy texture without the extra calories. If you can't find Greek yogurt, regular yogurt can be used as a substitute. Seasoning salt or adobo gives the salad a unique flavor, but you can use any seasoning of your preference.
Ingredients for Shrimp Salad on Cucumber Slices
Shrimp: The star ingredient, providing a succulent, seafood flavor.
Celery: Adds a nice crunch and freshness to the salad.
Red onion: Gives a sharp, spicy kick that complements the shrimp.
Light mayonnaise: Adds creaminess to the salad. Choose light mayonnaise for less calories.
Greek yogurt: Provides additional creaminess with fewer calories.
Seasoning salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the salad. Use sparingly to avoid over-salting.
Salt and fresh ground pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Cucumber: Provides a hydrating, crunchy base for the salad.
Chives: Used for garnish, adding a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
One reader, Darbee Richey says:
This shrimp salad on cucumber slices recipe is a game-changer! The combination of fresh shrimp, crunchy celery, and creamy dressing on crisp cucumber slices is simply divine. It's a refreshing and light appetizer that's perfect for any occasion. I highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Shrimp Salad on Cucumber Slices Recipe
How to prepare shrimp salad: Combine cooked shrimp, diced celery, minced red onion, light mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and season to taste with seasoning salt and pepper.
How to arrange cucumber slices: Place the cucumber slices on a platter and season them with salt.
How to assemble shrimp salad on cucumber slices: Top each cucumber slice with a heaping tablespoon of shrimp salad.
How to garnish: Sprinkle chopped chives over the assembled shrimp salad on cucumber slices.
How To Make Shrimp Salad on Cucumber Slices
Lightened up by the Greek yogurt, this shrimp salad served atop fresh cucumber slices is a great way to impress party guests with a bite-sized appetizer.
Serves:
Ingredients
- ¾lbshrimp,cooked and peeled
- 2stalkscelery,chopped
- 1tbspred onion,chopped
- 2tbsplight mayonnaise
- 1tbspGreek yogurt
- Seasoning salt,or adobo seasoning
- salt and fresh ground pepper
- 1large cucumber,sliced thinly
- chives,chopped for garnish
Instructions
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Combine shrimp, celery, onion, mayonnaise, yogurt, and season to taste with seasoning salt or adobo and pepper.
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Arrange cucumbers on a platter, season with salt and top each slice with a heaping tablespoon of shrimp salad.
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Top with chopped chives for garnish.
Nutrition
- Calories: 111.54kcal
- Fat: 3.81g
- Saturated Fat: 0.82g
- Trans Fat: 0.02g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.75g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.76g
- Carbohydrates: 6.62g
- Fiber: 1.11g
- Sugar: 2.12g
- Protein: 12.87g
- Cholesterol: 107.76mg
- Sodium: 555.23mg
- Calcium: 91.51mg
- Potassium: 288.33mg
- Iron: 1.18mg
- Vitamin A: 56.82µg
- Vitamin C: 3.15mg
Technique Tip for Perfecting Shrimp Salad on Cucumber Slices
When preparing the shrimp for this salad, ensure that they are properly cleaned and deveined. This not only improves the texture and flavor of the shrimp, but also makes it safer to eat. Additionally, you can lightly poach the shrimp in a mixture of water, lemon, and herbs for added flavor before adding them to the salad. This will give your shrimp salad on cucumber slices a gourmet touch.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Appetizer
Prep ahead: Prepare the shrimp salad a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This will save time on the day you plan to serve the shrimp salad on cucumber slices.
Use pre-cooked shrimp: Save time by using pre-cooked shrimp. This eliminates the need to cook and peel the shrimp, making the recipe quicker and more convenient.
Organize ingredients: Before starting the recipe, organize all the ingredients and utensils needed. This will help streamline the cooking process and save time.
Multi-task: While the shrimp is marinating, use that time to prepare the cucumber slices and garnishes. Multi-tasking can help save valuable time in the kitchen.
Efficient chopping: Practice efficient chopping techniques to speed up the preparation process. This includes chopping vegetables like celery and onions quickly and uniformly.
Quick assembly: Arrange the cucumber slices on the platter and top them with the pre-made shrimp salad just before serving. This quick assembly will save time and ensure the dish looks fresh and appetizing.
Substitute Ingredients For Shrimp Salad on Cucumber Slices Recipe
shrimp - Substitute with crab meat: Crab meat has a similar sweet and delicate flavor to shrimp, making it a great substitute in seafood salads.
mayonnaise - Substitute with plain yogurt: Plain yogurt can be used as a lighter and healthier alternative to mayonnaise, providing a creamy texture and tangy flavor.
cucumber - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini can be sliced and used as a substitute for cucumber, offering a similar crisp texture and mild flavor.
chives - Substitute with green onions: Green onions can be used as a substitute for chives, providing a mild onion flavor and a pop of color to the dish.
Presenting Shrimp Salad on Cucumber Slices
Elevate the cucumber slices: Thinly slice the cucumber using a mandoline for uniformity and delicacy. Arrange the slices in a circular pattern on the plate, slightly overlapping for an elegant presentation.
Garnish with fresh chives: Finely chop the chives and sprinkle them over the shrimp salad-topped cucumber slices. The vibrant green color will add a pop of freshness and visual appeal to the dish.
Create a symmetrical arrangement: Place the shrimp salad-topped cucumber slices in a circular or linear pattern on the plate, ensuring a visually pleasing and balanced presentation.
Incorporate negative space: Utilize the white space on the plate to allow the vibrant colors of the shrimp salad and cucumber slices to stand out, creating an aesthetically pleasing and sophisticated presentation.
Use high-quality serving ware: Select elegant and refined serving ware to complement the dish, such as minimalist white plates or glass platters, to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the shrimp salad on cucumber slices.
Essential Tools for Making Shrimp Salad on Cucumber Slices
- Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen tool used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It can be used to quickly and efficiently prepare the shrimp salad mixture.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the shrimp, celery, onion, mayonnaise, yogurt, and seasonings to create the shrimp salad.
- Cutting board: A cutting board is necessary for preparing the ingredients, such as chopping the celery and onion, and for slicing the cucumber.
- Knife: A sharp knife is needed for deveining and chopping the shrimp, as well as for cutting the celery, onion, and cucumber.
- Platter: A platter is used for arranging the cucumber slices and presenting the shrimp salad.
- Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are essential for accurately portioning the mayonnaise, yogurt, and seasonings for the shrimp salad.
- Chopping knife: A chopping knife is useful for finely chopping the chives for garnish.
How To Store and Freeze Shrimp Salad on Cucumber Slices
Refrigerate the shrimp salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The cucumber slices should be stored separately in a sealed plastic bag or container to prevent them from getting soggy.
If you want to make the shrimp salad ahead of time, you can prepare it up to 1 day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. However, wait to assemble the cucumber slices until just before serving to maintain their crispness.
Unfortunately, this recipe does not freeze well due to the high water content in the cucumbers and the delicate texture of the cooked shrimp. Freezing and thawing the assembled dish will result in a soggy and unappetizing appetizer.
If you have leftover shrimp salad, you can freeze it separately in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw the shrimp salad in the refrigerator overnight before using it. However, the texture of the shrimp may change slightly after freezing and thawing.
To maintain the best quality and texture, it is recommended to consume the shrimp salad on cucumber slices within 2 days of preparation and store the components separately in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and serve.
Random Fact About Shrimp Salad on Cucumber Slices
Shrimp salad on cucumber slices is a refreshing and low-calorie dish that is perfect for a light lunch or appetizer. The combination of shrimp, celery, and Greek yogurt provides a good source of protein and nutrients. Cucumbers are also a great source of hydration and add a satisfying crunch to the dish. This recipe is not only delicious but also a healthy option for those looking to incorporate more seafood and vegetables into their diet.
Is Making Shrimp Salad on Cucumber Slices Economical for Home Cooking?
The cost-effectiveness of this shrimp salad on cucumber slices recipe largely depends on the availability and price of the ingredients. Shrimp and fresh produce can be relatively expensive, but the recipe utilizes simple and affordable items like celery, onion, and mayonnaise. The overall verdict rating for this dish is 8/10, considering its nutritional value, flavor, and versatility. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20-$25, making it a reasonable option for a flavorful and light meal.
Is This Shrimp Salad Appetizer Healthy or Unhealthy?
This shrimp salad on cucumber slices recipe is a relatively healthy option, offering a balance of lean protein, vegetables, and low-fat condiments. Here's a breakdown of the recipe's healthiness:
- Shrimp is a lean protein source, low in calories and rich in nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids
- Cucumbers are low in calories and high in water content, providing hydration and fiber
- Celery adds a crunchy texture and is a good source of vitamins and minerals
- Light mayonnaise and Greek yogurt are used sparingly, reducing the overall calorie and fat content compared to regular mayonnaise
- Seasoning with salt, pepper, and chives adds flavor without significantly increasing the calorie count
While this recipe is generally healthy, there are a few ways to make it even more nutritious:
- Opt for wild-caught shrimp, as they tend to have a better omega-3 to omega-6 ratio compared to farm-raised shrimp
- Increase the amount of vegetables by adding more celery or other low-calorie options like bell peppers or radishes
- Replace the light mayonnaise with mashed avocado for a healthier fat source and a creamy texture
- Use a reduced-sodium seasoning blend to lower the overall sodium content
- Serve the shrimp salad on a bed of mixed greens or wrapped in lettuce leaves for an extra serving of vegetables and fiber
Editor's Thoughts on This Refreshing Shrimp Salad Recipe
This shrimp salad on cucumber slices recipe is a delightful and refreshing appetizer. The combination of tender shrimp, crunchy celery, and zesty red onion mixed with light mayonnaise and Greek yogurt creates a flavorful and creamy salad. The crisp cucumber slices provide a perfect base for the shrimp salad, adding a refreshing and hydrating element to the dish. The addition of chives adds a pop of color and a hint of mild onion flavor. Overall, this recipe is a light and elegant option for a summer gathering or a light lunch.
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Why trust this Shrimp Salad on Cucumber Slices Recipe:
This recipe guarantees a delightful experience with its fresh and high-quality ingredients. The succulent shrimp is paired with crisp celery and zesty red onion, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The creamy combination of light mayonnaise and Greek yogurt adds a luscious touch, while the seasoning salt and fresh ground pepper elevate the dish. The refreshing cucumber slices serve as a perfect base, offering a light and hydrating element. This recipe is a testament to its reliability, ensuring a delectable and trustworthy culinary adventure.
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