If you’re craving something that bursts with bold, tangy flavor and creamy texture, you’ll absolutely adore this Creamy Shrimp Remoulade Salad Recipe. It combines tender shrimp with a zesty remoulade sauce that’s bursting with spices and a hint of heat, all tossed with crunchy vegetables and fresh greens. This salad strikes the perfect balance between fresh and indulgent, making it an ideal dish for a quick lunch, light dinner, or even an impressive appetizer when guests come over. Trust me, once you try this, it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients just right is truly what makes this salad shine. Each one is simple but essential, bringing a beautiful mix of crunch, creaminess, tang, and spice that perfectly complements the sweetness of the shrimp.
- 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the dish, offering juicy seafood goodness with minimal prep since they’re already cooked.
- 2 cups mixed salad greens: These create a fresh, leafy base that provides a subtle earthiness and vibrant color contrast.
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped: Adds a refreshing crunch and a slight peppery note to balance the creaminess.
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced: Brings a sweet, crisp pop of red that brightens both flavor and appearance.
- 2 green onions, sliced: Offers a mild oniony bite that ties the veggies and shrimp together.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: The creamy canvas for the remoulade sauce, binding all the flavors with richness.
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard: Adds a smooth, tangy depth that elevates the dressing’s complexity.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Injects fresh acidity that lifts the whole salad and balances out the richness.
- 1 tbsp Creole or spicy brown mustard: Provides a little kick and authentic remoulade flavor that’s slightly spicy and tangy.
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional): If you like a mild heat, this enhances the overall zing without overwhelming the palate.
- 1 garlic clove, minced: Infuses a pungent warmth that pairs beautifully with the other spices.
- 1/2 tsp paprika: Adds smoky aroma and a subtle earthiness to the remoulade dressing.
- Salt and pepper to taste: The finishing touch that perfectly seasons the dish.
How to Make Creamy Shrimp Remoulade Salad Recipe
Step 1: Whisk Up the Remoulade Dressing
Start by combining the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Creole mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, hot sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Whisk everything together until the dressing is smooth and creamy. This dressing is the heart of the Creamy Shrimp Remoulade Salad Recipe, delivering that signature tang and spice that will have your taste buds dancing.
Step 2: Mix the Shrimp and Veggies
In a large bowl, toss together your cooked shrimp, finely chopped celery, diced red bell pepper, and sliced green onions. This mixture brings a fabulous variety of textures—crisp, tender, and juicy—which make every bite interesting and delightful.
Step 3: Coat with Dressing
Pour your freshly made remoulade dressing over the shrimp and vegetable mixture. Use a gentle hand to toss everything carefully, ensuring the sauce evenly coats all the ingredients without smashing the shrimp. This step makes sure every forkful is bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Arrange on Salad Greens
Lay a bed of mixed salad greens on your favorite serving plates or a large platter. Spoon the creamy shrimp mixture over the top, creating a visually appealing contrast between the vibrant reds, greens, and creamy whites. The greens add freshness and a touch of bitterness that perfectly balances the creamy, zesty shrimp.
Step 5: Chill for Best Flavor
Pop the salad into the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. This short chill allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the dressing to thicken slightly, giving you that ideal balance of coolness and zestiness.
How to Serve Creamy Shrimp Remoulade Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra special touch, garnish your salad with freshly chopped parsley or chives to add a hint of herbal freshness. A few lemon wedges on the side brighten each bite further, letting guests add an extra splash of citrus if they desire.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with crusty baguette slices, buttery croissants, or even a light rice pilaf. These sides soak up any leftover remoulade and complement the salad’s textures, making them perfect partners for your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress at a party, serve this Creamy Shrimp Remoulade Salad Recipe in individual glass cups or hollowed-out tomatoes or avocados. This elevates an already delicious dish into an elegant appetizer that’s sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors continue to develop, but I suggest enjoying it sooner rather than later to retain the fresh crunch of the vegetables.
Freezing
Because of the fresh greens and creamy dressing, freezing is not recommended for this Creamy Shrimp Remoulade Salad Recipe. The texture of the vegetables and dressing will not hold up well when thawed.
Reheating
This salad is best served chilled, so reheating is not necessary or recommended. If you prefer a warm shrimp salad, try warming the shrimp separately and tossing with fresh ingredients and dressing just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use raw shrimp instead of cooked shrimp?
Absolutely! Just be sure to cook and then chill the shrimp before mixing it with the other ingredients to keep your salad fresh and safe to eat.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the dressing?
You can swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier option. It changes the texture slightly but still maintains that creamy element essential to the salad.
How spicy is this salad with the hot sauce included?
The amount of hot sauce is quite mild and meant to enhance flavor. Feel free to omit or adjust to your taste if you prefer less or more spice.
Can this salad be made vegan?
To make a vegan version, use plant-based shrimp alternatives and vegan mayonnaise. The flavor profile can still be wonderfully recreated with the right ingredients.
What type of greens work best for this salad?
Mixed salad greens like baby spinach, arugula, or spring mix work beautifully, offering a balance of flavors and textures that complement the creamy shrimp mixture.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Shrimp Remoulade Salad Recipe is my personal go-to when I want something that feels special but comes together in a flash. It’s fresh, flavorful, and full of personality—perfect for any season and any occasion. Give it a try soon; I promise it’ll become one of your favorites too!
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Creamy Shrimp Remoulade Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Shrimp Remoulade Salad offers a delightful combination of tender cooked shrimp tossed in a tangy, spicy remoulade dressing, served over fresh mixed salad greens. Perfect for a quick, flavorful lunch or light dinner, this recipe balances creamy, zesty, and fresh flavors in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients
Shrimp Salad
- 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups mixed salad greens
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 2 green onions, sliced
Remoulade Dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Creole or spicy brown mustard
- 1 tsp hot sauce (optional)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Remoulade Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, Creole mustard, lemon juice, minced garlic, hot sauce, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined and smooth.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked shrimp, finely chopped celery, diced red bell pepper, and sliced green onions evenly.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the remoulade dressing over the shrimp mixture and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly without breaking the shrimp.
- Serve on Greens: Arrange the mixed salad greens on serving plates and spoon the dressed shrimp salad on top.
- Chill Before Serving: For optimal flavor, refrigerate the assembled salad for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- This salad is best served chilled to enhance the flavor of the remoulade dressing.
- Use cooked shrimp that is properly deveined and peeled for ease of eating.
- Adjust hot sauce quantity according to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder taste.
- For a gluten-free version, ensure all mustard and hot sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free.
- Can be made a few hours ahead and kept refrigerated until ready to serve.
