As the weather heats up, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as a light, refreshing salad to cool you down. This Shrimp Salad with Cilantro Mayonnaise is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can come together to create a dish that is both vibrant and flavorful. Packed with succulent shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a zesty cilantro mayonnaise, this salad is sure to become a summer favorite.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of medium-sized shrimp, cooked, peeled, and deveined
- ½ medium red onion, finely diced
- 2 radishes, finely diced
- 2 celery stalks, finely diced
- ½ red or green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 4 tablespoons homemade cilantro mayonnaise (or regular mayonnaise mixed with chopped cilantro and crushed garlic)
- 1 jalapeño pepper, deseeded and deveined, finely chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions
1. Preparing the Vegetables
Start by finely dicing the red onion, radishes, celery stalks, and bell pepper. If you’re using a jalapeño pepper for an extra kick, finely dice that as well after removing the seeds and veins. Place all the diced vegetables in a large mixing bowl.
2. Adding the Shrimp
Next, add the cooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp to the bowl. The shrimp should be medium-sized, but if they’re on the larger side, you can chop them into bite-sized pieces for easier mixing and eating.
3. Preparing the Cilantro Mayonnaise
If you’re making homemade cilantro mayonnaise, mix regular mayonnaise with finely chopped cilantro and a clove of crushed garlic. Otherwise, use 4 tablespoons of store-bought mayonnaise and stir in the chopped cilantro and garlic. This will give your mayonnaise a fresh, herby flavor that pairs perfectly with the shrimp.
4. Combining Ingredients
Add the cilantro mayonnaise to the bowl with the shrimp and vegetables. Gently stir to ensure everything is evenly coated with the creamy mayonnaise.
5. Adding the Eggs
Chop the hard-boiled eggs into small pieces and add them to the salad. The eggs add a nice texture and richness to the dish.
6. Adding Lime Juice and Seasoning
Pour the lime juice over the salad and season with salt to taste. The lime juice adds a refreshing citrusy tang that brightens up the flavors of the salad.
7. Mixing and Serving
Carefully mix all the ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined. Make sure the shrimp and vegetables are evenly distributed and coated with the cilantro mayonnaise.
8. Serving Suggestions
Serve the shrimp salad chilled, either on its own, over a bed of greens, or with some crusty bread. This mixture also works wonderfully as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
Conclusion
This Shrimp Salad with Cilantro Mayonnaise is a delightful dish that brings together the best of summer flavors in a refreshing and satisfying way. The combination of tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and creamy cilantro mayonnaise creates a salad that is both light and filling. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a side dish for a barbecue, or a refreshing dinner, this shrimp salad is sure to please. So, gather your ingredients, whip up this easy salad, and enjoy a taste of summer in every bite. Happy eating!