This Shrimp Salad with Yogurt brings a fresh and creamy twist to your meal. Juicy shrimp mixed with crunchy veggies and a tangy yogurt dressing makes it delightful and light!
You won’t believe how easy this salad is to whip up! I love eating it on warm days or serving it as a quick lunch. Just toss everything together, and you’re ready to enjoy! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large, fresh shrimp are essential for this dish. If you can’t find fresh, frozen shrimp work well too. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. For a different protein, you can replace shrimp with cooked chicken or even canned tuna!
Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a creamy base with a nice tang. You can substitute it with regular yogurt, sour cream, or even a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt if needed.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a salty, crumbly texture. If you prefer something milder, use goat cheese or cubed mozzarella. For a dairy-free option, try vegan feta made from nuts or tofu.
Fresh Dill: Dill gives a wonderful flavor here, but if you don’t have any, you can use parsley or even a squeeze of lemon to brighten up the dish.
How Do I Cook the Shrimp Without Overcooking?
Cooking shrimp perfectly ensures they are tender and juicy. Overcooking them can lead to a rubbery texture. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start with a preheated skillet on medium-high heat. Add olive oil first.
- Season shrimp with salt and pepper before adding to the hot pan.
- Cook for about 2 minutes on each side. Watch closely; they should turn pink and opaque!
- Once cooked, remove from heat immediately and let them cool slightly before adding to the salad.
This method keeps your shrimp perfectly cooked and ready to shine in your salad!
How to Make Shrimp Salad With Yogurt
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 medium cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, cubed
- Fresh dill, chopped (about 2 tablespoons)
For the Dressing:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or to taste
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious shrimp salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a few minutes cooking the shrimp and whisking together the dressing, and within no time, you’ll have a fresh and satisfying meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
In a bowl, season your peeled and deveined shrimp with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes on each side. They should turn pink and opaque. After cooking, remove the shrimp from the heat and allow them to cool slightly.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of plain Greek yogurt with 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of honey, minced garlic, chopped dill, and some salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and well-blended. Taste the dressing and adjust the honey, salt, or pepper as you like.
3. Assemble the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, sliced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. Next, add in the cooked shrimp and cubed feta cheese. Gently toss everything together.
4. Dress the Salad:
Pour your creamy yogurt dressing over the salad mixture. Carefully toss again to ensure all the ingredients are coated evenly.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
If you like, garnish with extra chopped dill on top. Serve your shrimp salad immediately and enjoy your delicious, fresh, and creamy meal!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp can work well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight or by placing them in a sealed bag under cold running water before cooking.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Shrimp Salad?
Leftover shrimp salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain the freshness of the veggies.
Can I Customize the Vegetables in My Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to mix it up with your favorite vegetables. Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even avocados would be great additions. Just keep in mind the texture and flavors you enjoy!
What If I Don’t Have Greek Yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can substitute it with regular yogurt or sour cream for a similar creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, plain yogurt works well too! Just adjust the seasoning to taste.