Looking for a light supper or the perfect lunch? Try this creamy Old Bay Shrimp Salad recipe! It's an easy recipe inspired by Maryland style shrimp salad.
Love seafood? Try my Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon next!
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One of our favorite summer salads, Old Bay Shrimp Salad, is knocking on your taste buds' door, ready to crash your next meal with a blend of zesty spices and refreshing crunch.
Plump, juicy shrimp blends well with a creamy dressing, all while Old Bay seasoning adds its signature blend of herbs and spices. My version also has a touch of heat from a dash of sriracha sauce.
Whether you're a seasoned pro at whipping up shrimp salad or just dipping your toes into the culinary pool, this dish promises to turn the flavor up a notch with a Maryland twist that'll have your taste buds thanking you.
Love salads? Check out all my salad recipes!
Why this recipe works
Time Saving - make it in less than 30 minutes.
Flavor Pop - Old Bay seasoning packs a punch—it’s got that mystical blend of spices that turns even the dullest shrimp into the life of the party.
Versatility - Say hello to potlucks, picnics, and no-sweat dinners. Great any time of the year, especially the summer holiday!
You’re the Boss - make it as spicy or creamy as you like.
Ingredients
Everything you need to make this Old Bay Shrimp Salad can be easily found at local grocery stores. Scroll to the bottom of the post for precise amounts and a printable recipe card.
- Shrimp - raw, medium or large deveined shrimp. I prefer buying frozen shrimp that's been thawed according to package directions. They can be boiled with split shells and/or tails on, just remove them for the salad. Cooked shrimp can be left whole or cut into small pieces, especially if using jumbo shrimp. Small shrimp can also be used, if that's what you have.
- Mayonnaise - use your favorite kind. Miracle Whip is another great alternative as well as Greek yogurt.
- Sriracha - for a little kick of heat. You can skip it if you want to. A little cayenne pepper can be used instead. Start with a small amount, then add more if you want. Any hot pepper sauce can be subbed.
- Old Bay Seasoning - the classic ingredient that gives you that restaurant-style shrimp salad.
- Salt - salt and black pepper to taste.
- Red onion - fresh produce adds crunch and color. Green onions can be used instead if you don't like the flavor or crunch or raw red onions.
- Lemon juice - freshly squeezed offers the best flavor. You can try lime juice or a mixture of lemon and lime for a combination of flavors.
- Lettuce - choose your favorite such as Iceberg, Romaine, or butter lettuce. Use large leaves, or shred it finely depending on how you like you make your sandwiches.
- Fresh dill - fresh herbs are the best choice when making salads.
- Bread of choice - croissants and brioche are very good to serve with the salad as well as wheat or white bread slices. We also like saltine crackers and Hawaiian rolls.
Other common ingredients you might like
- Celery - adds a nice crunch, just be sure to dice it finely.
- Celery seed - adds celery flavor without adding extra crunch. Celery salt is a good substitute, but should be used to taste.
- Fresh parsley - if you don't like the taste of dill, try fresh chopped Italian parsley.
- Dijon mustard - just a teaspoon will do the trick.
Instructions
STEP ONE: Add one and a half cups cold water and one tablespoon of Old Bay Seasoning to a large pot and bring to a boil.
STEP TWO: Add shrimp, stir, and cover the pot with a lid.
STEP THREE: Boil shrimp for 3 to 5 minutes, or until pink and just cooked through. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of shrimp you're using.
STEP FOUR: Drain shrimp and do a quick cold water rinse to stop the cooking process.
STEP SIX: Add the shrimp to a large bowl. Pat dry with paper towels. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over and toss to coat. Let cool, if needed.
STEP SEVEN: In a separate large bowl, add mayonnaise, sriracha, Old Bay Seasoning, salt, and black pepper (add any additional flavorings, if using).
STEP EIGHT: Add cooled shrimp, chopped red onion, celery (if using) and chopped dill (or other fresh herbs) to dressing and mix until well combined.
Top with additional fresh dill for garnish.
Serve with bread of choice, toasted, if desired.
Serving suggestion
This Old Bay Shrimp Salad is a versatile recipe to have in your rotation.
- Sandwiches and wraps - spoon onto your favorite bread or multigrain wrap with some sliced cucumbers and avocado.
- Pasta salad - toss with cooked pasta like farfalle or penne.
- Green salad or salad cups - serve in butter lettuce cups or a bed of lettuce for a classic lunch.
- Appetizer - serve in endive leaves with flatbread or focaccia on the side.
Common questions and answers
Old Bay is a zesty spice blend that's like a beach vacation for your taste buds! It's packed with a unique combination of 18 herbs and spices, and it adds a kick to your shrimp salad.
Absolutely (just steer clear of the shrimp)! Old Bay loves to party with all sorts of foods, from chicken to veggies, giving them a coastal vibe without any of the swimmy creatures.
Yep! There's a lower-sodium version of Old Bay, so you can enjoy the flavor waves without all the salt.
Recipe Tips
- I use 31/40 shrimp per pound, which is labeled "large" and are just the perfect size.
- In a hurry? Use precooked shrimp.
- Try my Air Fryer Shrimp recipe instead of boiling.
- Taste the dressing before adding to the shrimp and make adjustments to your taste preferences.
- This salad is not just for a hot summer day! It works great for game day tailgates, or winter holiday potlucks.
How to store
To store Old Bay Shrimp Salad, you can cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container.
Make sure to refrigerate the salad promptly and consume it within 3-4 days for the best quality and safety.
More easy salad recipes you'll love
- Rotisserie Chicken Salad
- Ground Beef Taco Salad
- Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad
- Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad
📖 Recipe
Old Bay Shrimp Salad
Ingredients
For shrimp boil
- 1.5 cups cold water
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning plus 1 teaspoon for the salad dressing
- 32 large shrimp, thawed deveined, shells and tails removed after boiling
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice fresh
For Salad
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
- 2 teaspoon sriracha or to taste
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¼ cup red onion finely chopped; celery or combo
- 1.5 tablespoon fresh dill chopped; plus more for garnish
For Serving
- 4 croissant; split or bread of choice, crackers, lettuce cups
Instructions
- Add one and a half cups cold water and one tablespoon of Old Bay Seasoning to a large pot and bring to a boil.
- Add shrimp, stir, and cover the pot with a lid.
- Boil shrimp for 3 to 5 minutes, or until pink and just cooked through. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of shrimp you're using.
- Drain shrimp and do a quick cold water rinse to stop the cooking process.
- Add the shrimp to a large bowl. Pat dry with paper towels. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over and toss to coat. Let cool, if needed.
- In a separate large bowl, add mayonnaise, sriracha, Old Bay Seasoning, salt, black pepper, chopped red onion, celery (if using) and chopped fresh dill. Mix well.
- Add cooled shrimp to dressing and mix until well combined.
- Top with additional fresh dill for garnish.
- Serve with bread of choice, toasted, if desired.
Notes
- Nutrition doesn't include bread.
- I use 31/40 shrimp per pound, which is labeled "large" and are just the perfect size.
- In a hurry? Use precooked shrimp.
- Try my Air Fryer Shrimp recipe instead of boiling.
- Taste the dressing before adding to the shrimp and make adjustments to your taste preferences.
- This salad is not just for a hot summer day! It works great for game day tailgates, or winter holiday potlucks.
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