From Classic to Ceviche, 13 Shrimp Salad Recipes You’ll Love

Looking for delicious shrimp salad recipes to add to your meal rotation? Whether you’re a seasoned seafood lover or just starting to explore shrimp dishes, these fast, easy, and delicious alpha-gal friendly recipes are sure to satisfy.

Living with alpha-gal syndrome can feel like navigating a culinary minefield sometimes. And I don’t know about you, but I’m soooo sick of chicken! But shrimp? I swear, it never gets old! These recipes are a perfect blend of protein-packed shrimp, crunchy veggies, and dressings so good you might be tempted to drink them. (But please don’t, because that’s just weird.)

In this article, I’m dishing out everything you need to know about shrimp salads. We’ll cover shrimp sizes (because size does matter, at least when it comes to cooking), the difference between prawns and shrimp (spoiler: it’s not just a fancy name), and tips on picking the best shrimp for your salad. Trust me, by the end of this, you’ll be the shrimp salad guru in your friend group.

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Shrimp Size Guide, From Colossal to Salad Shrimp

Shrimp size is typically measured based on the count per pound, ranging from extra colossal (less than 10 pieces of shrimp per pound) to salad shrimp (more than 70 pieces of shrimp per pound). In other words, the bigger the shrimp, the fewer in a pound.

Don’t let the salad shrimp size fool you. Yes, they are the smallest variety, making it more likely that you’ll get a piece of shrimp in every bite of salad. However, this collection of delicious recipes doesn’t necessarily feature just salad-size shrimp. For example, jumbo shrimp is best for the shrimp Cobb salad recipe, and medium shrimp is recommended for the cucumber shrimp salad recipe.

Which is Better for Shrimp Salad — Fresh or Frozen Shrimp?

When it comes to preparing shrimp salad, you can use either fresh or frozen shrimp — both of which are good sources of alpha-gal friendly protein. If you reside far from the coast, as I do here in Kansas City, frozen shrimp might be a more practical option. Frozen shrimp have a significantly longer shelf life compared to fresh shrimp which helps maintain their quality and reduces the risk of spoilage.

One of the challenges with fresh shrimp is knowing how long they’ve been hanging out at the seafood counter — and how long it took them to roadtrip from the coast to your grocery store. Frozen shrimp are typically flash-frozen shortly after being caught, preserving their freshness, texture, and flavor.

Regardless of whether you choose fresh or frozen shrimp, I recommend buying wild shrimp whenever possible. Wild shrimp are generally caught in their natural habitats, resulting in a more natural and cleaner taste compared to farm-raised shrimp. They also tend to have fewer chemicals and antibiotics than farm-raised shrimp, making them a healthier choice for your diet. Lastly, wild shrimp fishing practices often have less environmental impact than shrimp farming, making it a more sustainable option.

What’s the Difference Between Shrimp and Prawns

While shrimp and prawns look alike, they are distinct species. It’s like the difference between a llama and an alpaca. They look similar, but they’re not the same thing. (And no, I’m not going to explain the llama-alpaca difference here. One animal identification crisis at a time, people!)

One of the key differences between prawns and shrimp is their legs. Shrimp have a single pair of legs with claws, whereas prawns have three pairs, giving prawns relatively longer legs. Additionally, shrimp are typically found in saltwater environments, while prawns are usually found in freshwater.

When it comes to taste and cooking, shrimp and prawns are quite comparable and can be substituted for one another in recipes. Both offer a mild, sweet flavor and cook rapidly. So, whether you opt for shrimp or prawns, your salad is sure to be delicious!

Storing Leftover Shrimp Salad

These shrimp recipes are so delicious that they usually disappear faster than you can say, “Please pass me the bowl!” But if you have leftovers, keep it fresh and tasty by transferring it to an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors. Pop it in the refrigerator as soon as you’re done making or serving it, and be sure to keep it chilled.

Try to eat the rest of your salad within 3 to 4 days for the best flavor. Before digging back into your salad dish, give it a quick check for any bad smells, weird colors, or slimy texture. If you notice any, it’s best to toss it out. Also, avoid re-freezing your leftovers if the shrimp was frozen, rather than fresh, when you made the dish.

Recipes for Shrimp Salad

So, you ready to dive into a boatload of amazing shrimp salad recipes? Good! These aren’t your run-of-the-mill, boring salads. We’re talking about flavor explosions that’ll make your mouth water just reading about them. From fancy-pants gourmet to “I-just-got-home-and-I’m-starving” quick fixes, there is a shrimp salad for every mood and occasion.

NOTE: Because the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology reports that most people with alpha-gal can tolerate “moderate, lean dairy,” some of the recipes below may include butter, cheese, or another dairy product. If you are an alpha gal who avoids dairy, please make a dairy-free substitution. From vegan butter to plant milk cheeses, Miyoko’s is one of my favorite brands. And, even if you can tolerate dairy, I recommend that alpha gals stick with vegetarian cheese.

What’s Your Favorite Shrimp Salad Recipe?

Do you love shrimp salad? What is your favorite shrimp salad recipe? Share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments section below.

Thank you for sharing!