If you’ve been craving a sandwich that feels like a breath of fresh, coastal air wrapped in soft bread, you need to try this Creamy Shrimp Salad Sandwich Recipe. It combines tender, perfectly seasoned shrimp with a luscious, tangy dressing that dances on your taste buds. This sandwich offers delightful textures from the crisp celery and red onion alongside fresh herbs, making it a quick yet indulgent lunch or light dinner that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
It’s amazing how a handful of simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients can come together to create such a vibrant and satisfying dish. Each element in this recipe plays a crucial role, from the creamy mayonnaise that binds everything to the bright acidity of lemon juice, creating layers of flavor and texture in every bite.
- 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped: The star of the show, tender shrimp bring a sweet and subtly briny flavor.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Provides the creamy base that gives the salad its rich texture.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle tang and slight kick for depth.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Brightens the salad with refreshing citrus notes.
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional): A classic spice blend that infuses warmth and complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances savory undertones without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and rounds out the flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or parsley): Brings in an herbal freshness that’s simply irresistible.
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped: Offers a crisp bite and freshness to contrast the creamy base.
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped: Introduces a mild pungency and color.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that elevate every bite.
- 4 sandwich rolls, brioche buns, or bread of your choice: Choose your favorite bread to make it uniquely yours.
- Lettuce leaves (optional): Adds crunch and a pop of green for freshness.
How to Make Creamy Shrimp Salad Sandwich Recipe
Step 1: Combine the shrimp and dressing
In a large bowl, start by mixing the chopped shrimp with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and the fresh dill or parsley. This mixture forms the creamy, flavorful heart of the salad, so make sure everything is evenly coated to get that perfect balance in every forkful.
Step 2: Add crunchy veggies
Next, fold in the finely chopped celery and red onion. Their crisp textures add a refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender shrimp and smooth dressing, making the salad not just tasty but exciting to eat.
Step 3: Season and taste
Give your salad a good stir and taste for seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. This step is key because it lets you tailor the flavors exactly how you like, whether you want a little more tang, spice, or saltiness.
Step 4: Prepare the bread
While the salad rests, toast the sandwich rolls or bread lightly if you prefer a bit of warmth and crunch. Toasting helps prevent sogginess once you add the shrimp salad, and adds a lovely texture that complements the softness inside.
Step 5: Assemble your sandwich
Spoon a generous portion of the shrimp salad onto the bottom half of each sandwich roll. If you like, add a few crisp lettuce leaves on top for extra freshness and crunch before closing the sandwich with the other half of the roll.
How to Serve Creamy Shrimp Salad Sandwich Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a small sprig of fresh dill or a thin lemon wedge on the side can elevate the presentation and hint at the fresh flavors within. Some thinly sliced cucumber or radish on top also adds a pretty and crisp touch that makes each bite even more delightful.
Side Dishes
This sandwich pairs wonderfully with simple yet complementary sides like kettle-cooked chips, a crisp garden salad, or even a light tomato basil soup. These sides keep the meal balanced without overpowering your creamy shrimp star.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the shrimp salad in halved avocados as a low-carb alternative, or scoop it onto toasted crackers for a charming appetizer. Wrapping the salad in crisp lettuce leaves also makes for a refreshing handheld option that’s perfect for warm days.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any shrimp salad leftover, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the bread separate to maintain its freshness and texture, then assemble your sandwich just before serving.
Freezing
Because of the mayonnaise and fresh veggies, this shrimp salad doesn’t freeze well—it’s best enjoyed fresh. Freezing could affect the texture and flavor, so I recommend making only what you plan to eat within a couple of days.
Reheating
This sandwich is best served chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer warm bread, toast your rolls just before assembling the sandwich and keep the shrimp salad cool—it really brings out the creamy, refreshing quality that makes this recipe so special.
FAQs
Can I use raw shrimp for this Creamy Shrimp Salad Sandwich Recipe?
It’s best to use cooked shrimp for this recipe to ensure safety and optimal texture. If you have raw shrimp, simply boil or sauté until pink and opaque before chopping and mixing.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise in this recipe?
You can swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version, or try an avocado-based spread for a creamy texture with a little twist. Just remember it might change the overall flavor slightly.
Is Old Bay seasoning necessary?
Old Bay seasoning adds a classic, savory note that complements seafood beautifully, but it’s optional. You can leave it out or substitute with a pinch of paprika and celery salt if you prefer.
How long does the shrimp salad stay fresh?
Stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the shrimp salad will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Beyond that, the texture and flavor can start to decline.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
This recipe relies on shrimp for its flavor and texture, so making it fully vegan or vegetarian would require significant changes. However, you could try substituting cooked hearts of palm or chickpeas for a similar texture, and use vegan mayo to keep it creamy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably satisfying about a sandwich that feels both indulgent and fresh, and this Creamy Shrimp Salad Sandwich Recipe hits that perfect note every time. It’s quick, flavorful, and wonderfully versatile—whether for a casual lunch, a picnic treat, or an easy dinner. Trust me, once you give this recipe a try, it’s going to become a go-to favorite you’ll want to make again and again!
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Creamy Shrimp Salad Sandwich Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Shrimp Salad Sandwich recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to enjoy cooked shrimp combined with a creamy, tangy dressing and fresh herbs. Perfect for a light lunch or picnic, the salad is mixed with mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and subtle spices, then served on your choice of sandwich rolls or bread. The inclusion of celery and red onion provides a refreshing crunch, while optional lettuce adds extra texture. Ready in just 10 minutes, it is an easy yet delicious seafood sandwich option.
Ingredients
Shrimp Salad
- 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or parsley)
- 1/4 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Assembly
- 4 sandwich rolls, brioche buns, or bread of your choice
- Lettuce leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and chopped dill or parsley. Mix thoroughly to blend all ingredients.
- Add vegetables and season: Stir in the finely chopped celery and red onion to the shrimp mixture. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired to enhance the flavor.
- Toast bread: Toast the sandwich rolls or bread slices lightly, if preferred, to add a slight crunch and warmth to the sandwich.
- Assemble the sandwich: Spoon a generous amount of the shrimp salad onto the bottom half of each toasted sandwich roll or bread slice.
- Add lettuce (optional): Place fresh lettuce leaves over the shrimp salad for added crunch and freshness.
- Complete the sandwich: Cover with the top half of the sandwich roll or bread and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Using cooked shrimp saves time – you can use leftover shrimp or pre-cooked shrimp from the store.
- Old Bay seasoning is optional but adds a classic seafood flavor.
- For extra tang, add a bit more lemon juice or a splash of vinegar.
- Try different herbs like parsley or tarragon if dill is not available.
- Customize the sandwich with sliced avocado or tomatoes if desired.
- Keep the shrimp salad refrigerated if preparing ahead, and add lettuce just before serving to avoid sogginess.
