The Shrimp Salad on Cucumber Slices recipe is a light, refreshing, and protein-rich snack or appetizer that’s ideal for hot weather and clean eating. The crisp cucumber base provides the perfect contrast to the creamy shrimp salad, which is infused with lemon, dill, and a hint of Dijon for a burst of flavor in every bite.
This dish is perfect for entertaining, meal prep, or a quick afternoon pick-me-up. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, planning a garden party, or simply want to upgrade your everyday snack, these cucumber bites deliver elegance with ease. They’re gluten-free, low-carb, and packed with nutrition, making them a go-to option for health-conscious food lovers.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined, finely chopped
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2 tablespoons red onion, minced
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1 celery stalk, finely chopped
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2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon nonfat Greek yogurt
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1 teaspoon lemon juice
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 large English cucumber, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
Directions:
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In a bowl, mix the shrimp, red onion, celery, mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dill, salt, and pepper until well combined.
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Slice the cucumber into even rounds and place them on a serving platter.
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Spoon about a tablespoon of shrimp salad onto each cucumber slice.
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Garnish with extra dill or a light sprinkle of paprika if desired.
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Chill for 10–15 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 0 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 95 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Shrimp Salad on Cucumber Slices is a sensational appetizer that beautifully blends nutrition, taste, and simplicity. With its chilled, creamy shrimp salad resting on crisp cucumber rounds, this dish is perfect for hot weather, summer parties, and health-focused meal planning. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just need a quick and satisfying snack, this recipe is sure to impress with its fresh ingredients and eye-catching presentation.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This dish offers the best of both worlds: restaurant-quality elegance and home-cooked simplicity. It requires no cooking (assuming pre-cooked shrimp is used), making it ideal for busy weekdays or summer days when you want to avoid turning on the stove. The cucumber serves not only as a serving base but also as a naturally hydrating and low-calorie alternative to crackers or bread. Combined with the creamy, tangy shrimp salad, each bite delivers crunch, coolness, and a burst of flavor.
What also makes this dish special is its adaptability. You can play around with herbs, spice levels, and even add-ins like avocado or capers to tailor the shrimp salad to your preference. The presentation, with neatly piped or spooned dollops of salad atop cucumber slices, adds sophistication to any platter.
Nutritional Benefits
Shrimp is low in calories and rich in high-quality protein. It’s also a good source of selenium, vitamin B12, and iodine. Because this recipe uses Greek yogurt and a light amount of mayo, the creamy texture comes with fewer calories and more protein compared to traditional full-fat versions. Cucumbers contribute hydration and fiber, making this dish as healthy as it is beautiful.
For those on specific dietary plans, this appetizer is gluten-free, low-carb, and keto-friendly. It also fits well into pescatarian and diabetic-friendly meal plans, providing a burst of protein without added sugars or heavy starches.
Ideal Occasions to Serve This Dish
Shrimp Salad on Cucumber Slices is versatile enough to serve for multiple occasions. Here are some ideas:
- Brunch Buffets: These bites fit perfectly among other light, fresh offerings.
- Cocktail Parties: An elegant one-bite appetizer to serve alongside drinks.
- Holiday Platters: Add to a spread for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve.
- Meal Prep: Store them separately and assemble just before eating for a quick snack or lunch option.
- Picnics and Outdoor Dining: They’re mess-free and stay fresh longer when chilled.
Taste and Texture Experience
One of the key elements of this dish is the contrast in textures. The cucumber offers a crisp, juicy snap with every bite, while the shrimp salad is rich and creamy. The inclusion of ingredients like celery or red onion adds a slight crunch, enhancing mouthfeel. Fresh dill or herbs give it a light, aromatic lift, and lemon juice brightens the overall flavor, balancing out the creaminess.
The flavors are fresh, clean, and lightly briny from the shrimp, complemented by a slight tang from the yogurt or lemon. If you add Dijon mustard or a dash of hot sauce, you can adjust the flavor toward zesty or spicy, depending on the crowd you’re serving.
Customization Ideas
One of the best things about this shrimp salad recipe is how easy it is to customize:
- Avocado: Mash or dice and mix with shrimp for a creamy, healthy fat boost.
- Herbs: Dill, parsley, chives, or tarragon all work beautifully.
- Spices: Add a pinch of paprika, cayenne, or Old Bay seasoning for a more flavorful kick.
- Crunch: Incorporate diced celery, bell pepper, or pickles for added texture.
- Sauce Twist: Use sour cream, cream cheese, or even a small amount of horseradish for a unique twist.
You can also experiment with the base. If you’re not a fan of cucumbers or want a bit more variety, try using endive leaves, crackers, zucchini rounds, or even mini bell pepper halves.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This recipe is a host’s dream because it can be partially made in advance. You can prepare the shrimp salad mixture up to 24 hours ahead and store it in the fridge. Keep cucumber slices fresh by cutting them just a few hours before serving and storing them in an airtight container with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Assemble the bites shortly before serving to avoid sogginess.
If you’re making these for a gathering, use a piping bag to add the shrimp salad mixture neatly on each cucumber round for an elegant look. Garnish with fresh herbs or a tiny sliver of lemon zest for visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This appetizer pairs wonderfully with other light, summery dishes. Here are some suggestions:
- Drinks: Sparkling water with lemon, dry white wine, or a crisp rosé.
- Other Appetizers: Caprese skewers, deviled eggs, smoked salmon crostini, or fruit skewers.
- Salads: Arugula salad with citrus vinaigrette or a tangy quinoa salad.
- Main Dishes: Grilled fish, pasta primavera, or a herbed chicken breast.
If serving for a brunch or luncheon, you can arrange the shrimp cucumber bites on a large white platter with sprigs of fresh dill or edible flowers to elevate the visual presentation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Despite its simplicity, here are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the dish turns out perfectly:
- Over-salting: Shrimp is already slightly salty. Taste before adding more salt.
- Watery cucumbers: Pat the cucumber slices dry before topping to avoid watering down the shrimp salad.
- Overloading the bites: A small dollop is enough too much makes them hard to pick up and eat.
- Making too far in advance: Assemble close to serving time to maintain freshness and crispness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to prepare: No cooking required (if shrimp is pre-cooked).
- Visually stunning: The vibrant contrast of green and pink/white makes for an attractive plate.
- Nutritious and low-calorie: It fits into many modern diets while still tasting indulgent.
- Make-ahead friendly: Ideal for prepping before events or busy weekdays.
- Elegant yet simple: Impress your guests without stress.
Variations to Try
Here are a few easy ways to remix this recipe:
- Asian-Inspired: Add soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil to the shrimp salad, and top with sesame seeds.
- Mexican Style: Mix with lime juice, avocado, chopped jalapeño, and cilantro.
- Italian Flavor: Use basil, sun-dried tomato bits, and a touch of balsamic glaze.
- Vegan Option: Substitute shrimp with finely chopped chickpeas or mashed white beans for a similar texture.
Conclusion: A Fresh and Fuss-Free Delight
Shrimp Salad on Cucumber Slices is the kind of recipe every home cook should have in their repertoire. It’s fresh, quick, nutritious, and beautiful to serve. From holiday parties to weekday snacks, its versatility is unmatched. The crispness of cucumber and the rich, herby shrimp salad come together in perfect harmony, offering a light yet satisfying treat that your guests or family will love. This dish is proof that healthy food doesn’t have to be boring or time-consuming it can be delightful, elegant, and incredibly easy.
Whether you’re planning your next get-together or just looking for a healthy, tasty snack that comes together in minutes, this recipe will always deliver. Try it once, and you’ll keep coming back for more.