Nordic Shrimp Salad

If you’re craving something light, refreshing, and full of flavor, Nordic Shrimp Salad is exactly what you need. This salad is a vibrant, tangy, and satisfying combination of tender shrimp, crisp veggies, and a creamy dill dressing that transports you straight to the cool, breezy shores of Scandinavia. With its fresh ingredients and the perfect balance of flavors, this dish will make you feel like you’re indulging in a luxurious treat while keeping things light and healthy. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked. It’s a perfect dish for sunny days, casual lunches, or even as a stunning starter for a dinner party!

Why You’ll Love Nordic Shrimp Salad

This salad isn’t just pretty to look at; it’s a powerhouse of flavors and textures. Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Light and Fresh: Crisp greens, crunchy vegetables, and tender shrimp come together in a salad that feels like a burst of freshness in every bite.
• Quick and Easy: With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have this salad on the table in no time. Perfect for when you’re craving something delicious but don’t have a lot of time.
• Versatile: Whether you’re enjoying it as a light lunch, a side dish, or even as a dinner entrée, this salad fits perfectly into any meal plan. Plus, it pairs well with a variety of other dishes.
• Deliciously Creamy: The homemade dill dressing is what takes this salad from good to amazing. It’s creamy, tangy, and absolutely addicting.
• Nutrient-Packed: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables, this salad is as nutritious as it is satisfying.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this fresh and flavorful Nordic Shrimp Salad:

Shrimp

Tender, juicy shrimp are the star of this salad. They provide a satisfying, protein-packed base for all those delicious vegetables.

Mixed Greens

A fresh combination of lettuce or baby spinach gives this salad a crisp foundation. You can even mix it up with arugula or kale if you prefer.

Cucumber

Crisp and refreshing, cucumber adds a light crunch to the salad and balances out the richness of the shrimp and dressing.

Radishes

Radishes bring a peppery bite to the salad, adding a delightful contrast in both flavor and texture.

Red Onion

Thinly sliced red onion offers a touch of sharpness that complements the sweetness of the shrimp.

Fresh Dill

Dill is the herb that defines Nordic cuisine. It’s fragrant and fresh, bringing a distinct, aromatic flavor to the dish.

Lemon

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the salad and enhances all the flavors.

Mayonnaise & Sour Cream

These form the creamy base for the dressing, making it smooth and tangy, with a perfect balance of richness and acidity.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get started! This salad is quick and easy to prepare, and in no time, you’ll have a dish that’s fresh, flavorful, and ready to enjoy.

Cook the Shrimp

Start by cooking your shrimp. If you’re using pre-cooked shrimp, simply thaw them out, peel, and devein. If you’re cooking fresh shrimp, heat a little olive oil in a pan over medium heat, season the shrimp with salt and pepper, and cook them for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Once cooked, set them aside to cool.

Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh dill, a squeeze of lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined, creating a smooth, creamy dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more lemon juice or dill if needed.

Prepare the Veggies

While the shrimp cools, prepare your vegetables. Slice the cucumber and radishes thinly, and thinly slice the red onion. Place the mixed greens in a large salad bowl and add the sliced veggies on top.

Assemble the Salad

Once the shrimp has cooled, add it to the salad bowl. Drizzle the creamy dill dressing over everything and gently toss to combine. Be careful not to over-mix, as you want the shrimp and veggies to stay in tact.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately, garnished with extra fresh dill and a wedge of lemon if desired. This salad pairs perfectly with warm, crusty bread or a light soup to complete the meal.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 170mg
Sodium: 800mg
Total Carbohydrates: 10g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 35g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes (for fresh shrimp)
Total Time: 15 minutes

How to Serve Nordic Shrimp Salad

This salad can be served in various ways, depending on what you’re in the mood for. Here are some ideas:

With Crusty Bread

Serve this salad with a side of fresh, crusty bread or rye crackers. It complements the creaminess of the dressing and adds texture to the meal.

As a Main Course

If you’re craving something light for dinner, this salad works wonderfully as a stand-alone main. You can add a side of roasted vegetables for an even more fulfilling meal.

On a Wrap

Want a portable version? You can wrap this shrimp salad in a whole-wheat wrap for an easy lunch on the go!

With a Soup

Pair it with a light soup, such as a vegetable or lentil soup, for a balanced meal that’s both refreshing and comforting.

Additional Tips

• Make it Ahead: You can prep the shrimp, vegetables, and dressing ahead of time. Just keep the shrimp separate from the veggies and dressing until you’re ready to serve.
• Shrimp Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of shrimp, feel free to substitute with chicken breast or even smoked salmon for a different twist.
• Herb Variations: If you love dill, feel free to add extra! You could also experiment with fresh parsley, tarragon, or chives for a slightly different flavor profile.
• Make It Dairy-Free: To make the dressing dairy-free, swap the sour cream and mayo for vegan alternatives or use Greek yogurt and dairy-free mayo.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen shrimp?

A1: Yes! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before adding them to the salad.

Q2: Can I make the dressing ahead of time?

A2: Yes, the dressing can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving.

Q3: Can I add more veggies to this salad?

A3: Absolutely! You can add other veggies like cherry tomatoes, avocado, or even some mixed greens like arugula for a peppery kick.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?

A4: This salad is best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the salad (without the dressing) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. You can add the dressing just before serving.

Q5: How can I make this salad spicier?

A5: Add a few thinly sliced jalapeños or drizzle a little hot sauce over the salad for an extra kick.

Q6: Can I add cheese to this salad?

A6: Yes! You could sprinkle some crumbled feta or goat cheese over the top for a creamy addition that complements the shrimp and dressing.

Conclusion

Nordic Shrimp Salad is the perfect dish when you’re craving something light, healthy, and full of flavor. The combination of tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and creamy dill dressing creates a salad that’s refreshing, satisfying, and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or as part of a larger meal, this salad is sure to become a new favorite. Fresh, quick, and totally satisfying—what more could you want?

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