How to Make the Best Shrimp Salad Recipes

Out of the many crustaceans selections in the market, prawns are probably the most popular and commonly used in many kinds of cooking. You can find it in soup menus, stir-fried dishes, and virtually anything you can think of. That's how versatile prawn is. 

Shrimps are commonly used as a component for many Oriental cuisines, mainly because of their umami flavor. But for this article, we will be sharing with you how to prepare prawns more elegantly and luxuriously. You might be wondering what other ways you can serve prawn; for that, we might have the answer you're looking for. 

So give us a few moments of your precious time, and read through this article. Believe me when I tell you how simple and how easy it is to cook the Shrimp Salad in the comforts of your kitchen. So shall we begin?

---

What is Best Shrimp Salad

Salad is served primarily as a side dish; for that reason alone, it has to be light, easy to eat, and boosts your appetite for a more filling meal. And Shrimp salad, without a doubt, can do that trick.

A quick look at these menus can already tickle your curiosity about how great this can be? The bright red-orange color of the prawn starks in contrast to its light and tangy dressing. Coupled with bits and pieces of chopped red onions and celery for that refreshing kick, one cannot merely help but have another serving of this goodness. 

This salad's origin is of American roots, but thanks to our country being an archipelago, enjoying these recipes can no longer be called a luxury. 

The Philippines' coastal areas are teeming with aquatic life, so the possibilities for having a regional variation of Shrimp Salad are vast.

Best Ways To Cook Shrimp Salad Recipes

Shrimp Salad is such a versatile dish, and for that reason, it can be prepared and served in multiple ways. That is why we have listed down how you can cook this sea delight masterpiece and see for yourself which one fits your liking. 

Grilled Shrimp

Before incorporating it into many recipes, Grilling the shrimp adds a smoky flavor layer, making recipes even more enjoyable to feast upon. So if you are after that chargrilled layer of flavor, then, by all means, you may follow this method of cooking. 

With its shell on, grill the shrimps, brushing them lightly with oil to prevent them from drying out. Then before mixing them in with the greens, be sure to remove the shells. 

Our recipes give it a more profound flavor profile due to the grilled shrimp meat. This smokiness is complementary to the dressing used for the salad. 

Pan-fried Shrimp Salad

If you are looking for a more prosperous and bolder shrimp before using them as the main component, then this is the perfect method that you should follow. Pan-frying the shrimp draws out the natural flavors from them, making their flavor stand out. 

You are adding a tiny amount of butter, while pan-frying also works wonders. The slightly sweet taste of the butter contributes to the natural sweetness of the shrimp meat. Sprinkle a bit of lemon juice if you believe that the mixture is too oily: cut down on the fat contents. 

Ensure not to overcook the shrimps as they will be rubbery in texture if cooked for too long. Scoop them out of the pan once they turn reddish. Most crustaceans turn reddish as an indicator that they are already cooked adequately. 

Oven-Baked Shrimp Salad

Oven baking is probably one of the most trusted kitchen appliances ever made. Just select the appropriate button and the time needed for cooking, and you're good to go. And there's no need to worry since the timers will go off at the indicated time. 

That feature makes it a suitable cooking method for delicate meats like shrimps, which tend to be over-cooked if not watched properly. 

For the shrimp's outcome to be of superb quality, brushing it with melted butter mixed with herbs like parsley and cilantro will give it a refreshing and aromatic flavor. 

You can also add the basting butter to the dressing; that way, all the herbed butter's goodness can contribute to the taste of the Shrimp Salad. 

---

Other Delicious and Easy Variants of Shrimp Salad Recipes

A creative mind and determination to create sumptuous and masterful recipes are the factors that make a person a great cook. And these recipes are a great platform to start your quest for discovering new and delicious variations for the said recipes. 

And to give you an idea, we listed some variations of our featured recipes that you can try at home. 

Shrimp pasta recipes

Pasta will always be one of our go-to recipes when looking for a quick fix. Especially during sleepless nights, craving for a hearty meal that does not require much preparation and a ton of ingredients.

You can cook pasta a million ways; imagination is your only limit. The good thing about pasta is that the ingredients can be as simple as oil and garlic or as luxurious as using the highest quality ingredients. 

Let's start with Butter and Garlic Shrimp pasta; you read it right; this is a pasta composed of three main ingredients only. This is simple, easy to prepare, yet a culinary delight that is sure to win your heart. 

The steps are simple; you have to saute all the ingredients in order. Once the shrimp turns orange, that's the time to scoop them out of the pan. Don't forget to finish it off with a sprinkle of lemon juice and chopped parsley for a refreshing aftertaste.

Another variant that you can try is Alfredo-inspired Creamy Shrimp pasta. Alfredo pasta or fettuccine alfredo is an Italian pasta that uses cheese and butter as its base. The thick and creamy consistency comes from the two main components that slowly thicken as they melt. 

It may not sound effortless, but this food is relatively easy to prepare. Saute the garlic in butter, then add in the shrimp, mix in the cheese, and milk once the shrimps start to change in color. Cook them until there are no visible lumps. 

We won't cease there! Here are some of the dishes that you can make out of a prawn and pasta. 

1. Tuscan Prawn Penne - add spinach, tomatoes, and garlic to the two main ingredients, and you are all set. You can sprinkle some parmesan for added flavor. 
2. Kung Pao noodles - have an Asian kick to the dish by making it a Kung Pao dish. 
3. Lemony Cavatappi - add lemon juice, butter, and chives. Believe us that this is quite addicting. You won't come to an end to eating until there is still some on that bowl. 
4. Bacon Prawn Pasta - Prawn plus bacon and a portion of pasta? Now, who can resist this dish? Forget that you are on a low-carb diet as bacon and prawn are excellent with a piece of pasta. 
5. Seafood lasagna - instead of beef, you can replace it with prawn instead. For sure, it will be a blast!
6. Prawn and broccoli fettuccine - Want to add a little bit of green? Then go and don't shy away from adding broccoli to your fettuccine. Don't forget your prawn! That will be the star of the dish, 
7. Baked prawn scampi - this classic dish tossed with lots of butter, white wine, and lemon is a sure win on the table. Don't forget to add garlic, as it will spice up that overall flavor in the dish. For extra crunch, you can sprinkle some bread crumbs or put toasted bread on the side. 
8. Scampi roll-ups - Now, this dish is similar to the baked prawn scampi, only that you will use lasagna noodles to roll it.

Shrimp sandwich recipes

Who would have thought that you can make shrimps into a sandwich? You can make it as such, and since it's a crustacean, it can be considered the nutritional version of sandwiches that we are used to eating. 

The process of making these recipes does not deviate much from our recipes for the dish. The only difference is that you have to make it thicker to hold its shape when sandwiched between two bread pieces. A top addition to this variant is to add lettuce to provide that crunch for a more satisfying dining experience. 

And since sandwiches are of American heritage, why don't you try making an iconic American sandwich: the po'boys. This sandwich is an iconic New Orleans offering, and for spicy dish lovers, this variant is sure to win your heart over. 

The shrimps are marinated in hot sauce and other spices, which New Orleans creole cooking is known for. Then they are coated in flour and deep-fried until golden brown and then sandwiched between toasted buns along with slices of tomatoes and lettuce. 

Shrimp avocado recipes

This variant is a refreshing and very light salad that does not require much preparation. One might even mistake this for ceviche, crustacean recipes made of fresh seafood of your choice served raw sprinkled with lemon or lime juice and mixed in with chopped onions, chili, and coriander. This variant is a refreshing and very light salad that does not require much preparation. One might even mistake this for ceviche, crustacean recipes made of fresh seafood of your choice served raw, sprinkled with lemon or lime juice, and mixed in with chopped onions, chili, and coriander. 

Boil the shrimps in advance and peel them, then mix them in with chopped avocados. The dressing is relatively easy to do since you have to mix olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, and voila, you have yourself a vinaigrette. This variant is recommended for people who want to have light meals.

Another variation that you can make is stuffing the shrimps into the Avocado. Just scoop out the avocado meat and mix them with the shrimp and the dressing. For an additional kick, add taco seasoning once blended well, stuff the mixture to the avocado shells, and bake them for about 10-15 minutes. 

Here are some of the benefits of Avocado. This is to encourage you to use this magical fruit in your menus. 

An avocado contains a lot of vitamins and minerals essential for your growth. It has Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Potassium, vitamin B5, B6, and Vitamin E. In addition, It has Folate that is essential for a baby's growth, especially when you are pregnant. 

Furthermore, it has magnesium, manganese, copper, iron, zinc, phosphorus, and vitamins B1, B2, and B3. To highlight it, the potassium that it has is even more compared to the one in bananas. This particular component is essential because it helps support healthy blood pressure. 

We all know that overeating prawns might cause high blood pressure. Now, to alleviate that, eat avocados as the pair of prawns. The fats that it has are heart-healthy and are even better than olive oil. It lowers your cholesterol level as well. 

Also, it has fiber that promotes excellent digestion. So if you are having digestive problems, better have this in your diet. In addition, those who eat avocados are healthier than those who do not. 

Shrimp Macaroni Salad

Macaroni salads are recipes that are close to the Filipino heart since we grew up seeing this salad being prepared by our mothers during special occasions. No Filipino Christmas can be complete without chilled macaroni salad. 

What makes this salad even more likable is the fact that it is better enjoyed when chilled. This gives the salad a more refreshing taste, which will make you want it for seconds. 

If you grew tired of the usual creamy version, you can also omit the mayonnaise and replace the creamy dressing with a vinaigrette. Mix extra virgin olive oil, half a lemon or lime, your choice of herbs, and do not forget to put salt and pepper to taste. This macaroni salad is great for people who are trying to cut down on dairy consumption.

---

Trivia about Shrimp Salad.

We care not only about your tummy, but we also try our utmost to provide you valuable and fun facts about the cuisines and recipes that we share. That is why it is always a joy for us to list some of these beautiful trivia about salads, shrimps, and a few more things related to them. 

First up is the name of the salad. The salad came from the Latin word "herba Salta," literally meaning salted herb. This is because lettuce, the most popular salad component, is heavily salted when it is served. 

Salad is also the favored meal of Ancient Greeks and Roman people, especially the nobility. It has since then gained its reputation as an essential part of any meal. 

Let's now go to shrimps and find out a few fun facts about these crustaceans. In the United States alone, about a billion pounds of shrimp are being eaten each year. Talk about seafood lovers, huh? And because of that, Americans have a dedicated holiday for these sea creatures, celebrated during May 9 of each year. 

Shrimp also contains a high level of Omega 3 fatty acids, which is excellent for your heart health. They are also rich in protein, iodine, and calcium. Meaning, this dish is nutritional. 

---

Troubleshooting when cooking Shrimp Salad

Encountering troubles and inconveniences when cooking in the kitchen is sometimes unavoidable. It can sometimes be frustrating but remember always to keep your cool and think of how you can still salvage your recipes. 

We list down the possible kitchen mishaps you might encounter while cooking and the troubleshooting steps you can apply to remedy the problem. 

• If it turns out that the shrimp is overcooked, and you can find that out by checking if the shrimp is rubbery. The first thing that you can do is to refrigerate the whole batch of salad overnight. The mayonnaise will help in tenderizing the dish and make it softer to the bite. 
• If the dressing is too thick and creamy, you can remedy this by mixing in a tablespoon of lemon or lime juice. The citric acid will break down the mayonnaise's fat content or whatever dairy product you may have used. 
• For the dressing, here are some tips. To ensure that the flavors are all absorbed well, create the salad directly on the bowl. Taste your salad as well, because why not. To sweeten up your dressing, you can add a slight drizzle of jam. If the mustard jar is already empty, you can use it to make a vinaigrette.  
• Adding a few croutons into the salad mix will help absorb the excess liquid off the salad dressing. 

---

Tips for easy cooking

Kitchen mishaps rarely occur if the proper kitchen measures and preparation have been taken before cooking. This can also help in making our cooking time an enjoyable and efficient one. 

Here are some fail-proof tips and techniques that you can apply for better quality cooking, precisely when preparing our recipes. 

• When choosing shrimps in the market, make sure to grab the ones that are still alive. This is to ensure that the seafood that you'll be using is the freshest one. 
• If you have bought frozen shrimps, make sure to thaw them overnight in a colander and place them in the refrigerator. This is to make sure that the frozen shrimp is not soggy. 
• Devein the shrimps before cooking them. Devening means removing the shrimp's digestive tract in whatever you might be cooking. 

Here is why deveining is so essential. That vein-like feature is not a vein. It is the digestive tract of the prawn, to be exact. To devein, peel off the prawn's shell and make an incision at the back of it. Please don't cut it completely! The moment you slice it, the intestine or the vein will show up immediately. 

If you want to keep the shell intact, prick the neck part of the prawn, then you will feel the vein-like structure then pull it out of the prawn. You can use a toothpick or a needle in this process.

• Do not throw away the shells and the head. They contain tasty juices that you can use for unique recipes like stir-fried noodles. All you have to do is to pound them up using mortar and pestle to draw out juices. 
• Make sure to use the exact amount of dressing to avoid having a runny and liquid salad. 
• Adding a sprinkle of chili flakes can work magic into the dressing. 

---

Best Served With 

Salads are not meant to be eaten on their own. They are perfect to pair with recipes for a more satisfying dining experience. And since salads are served in the beginning, they are meant to whet our appetite. 

For that reason, we have listed some recipes that we know can be a perfect pair for our recipes to satisfy your culinary cravings. 

• Breaded Pork Chop

After eating our delectable recipes, you will be asking for a more decadent meal since your appetite has been teased already. And what can be more satisfying than having a warm, newly fried Breaded Porkchop and a cup of rice? 

This combo is going to make you tap your belly with a sigh of satisfaction: the light and tangy salad complement the crunchy and salty flavor of the pork chops. 

• Chicken Hamonado

Pairing our recipes with this festive dish makes you feel like you're eating in a town fiesta back in the province. A positive plate teeming with bright colors is a sight that can make your mouth water with excitement. 

The sweet and salty chicken hamonado sauce partnered with the tangy salad dressing is like an explosion of flavor in your mouth. Partner it even with a warm cup of steamed rice, and you can only smile in satisfaction. 

• Pork and Chicken Barbecue

The meaty and smoky flavor of charcoal-grilled barbecues paired with our cuisine is a match made in culinary heaven. The slightly tangy dressing cuts down on the oiliness of the barbecues. 

The contrasting flavors of both the recipes balance each other and make you want to serve more. 

• Garlic Bread

Since time immemorial, garlic bread and our recipes have always been partners. You would see them being served together in any restaurant that has them on their recipes. 

 This must not surprise us since this French-inspired pastry's garlicky flavor is a contrasting complement to our recipes' tangy and creamy taste.

Did you know that garlic has a wide variety of benefits? For example, if you use whole wheat bread to make this garlic bread, it will be loaded with fiber essential for digestive health. In addition, it boosts the immune system, which is very needed in times like this.

• Taco Fried Rice

This is the East meets West dining experience. The light and refreshing of our recipes open up your appetite, making one ask for a fuller meal. And that is what the recipes are all about. 

An all-in-one meal to make sure that you're getting rice and meat all at the same time. The taco fried rice's spicy aroma is neutralized by the creamy, rich taste of the dressing. 

---

Conclusion

A glimpse at our feature may make you wonder how complicated it can be to prepare it for your family. But since you've read through this article, we are more than confident that you are well equipped with the techniques, tips, and tricks needed to cook this Shrimp Salad. 

Yes, these recipes' origin might be of American heritage but remember that we Filipinos are outstanding at adapting and recreating. So take heart and keep learning new recipes to widen your culinary arsenal. Happy cooking! 

For more delicious recipe, visit Eat Like Pinoy!

Recipe