If there’s one thing that brings a bustling deli vibe right into my kitchen, it’s this New York Deli Shrimp Salad recipe. The moment I mix the succulent shrimp with the crunchy crunch of celery and the fresh bite of dill, I can almost hear the chatter of patrons and the clanging of plates. It truly feels like I’ve been transported to the corner of a busy street in Manhattan.
What I love about this dish is not just its unbeatable flavor but also its incredible ease. Prepping this salad takes under half an hour, making it perfect for those weeknight dinners when time is of the essence. With a creamy, tangy dressing that only gets better as it sits, it’s ideal for meal prep or even as a crowd-pleaser at social gatherings. Just chill, serve, and watch it disappear! So let’s dive in and bring a taste of New York deli magic to your table today.
Why is this New York Deli Shrimp Salad Recipe a Must-Try?
Deliciously Fresh: This salad harmonizes tender shrimp with crunchy celery and a hint of fresh dill, delivering every bite with vibrant flavor.
Quick Prep Time: In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this delightful dish, making it perfect for a busy evening or last-minute gatherings.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it in a sandwich, on a bed of lettuce, or as a dip with crackers—this salad fits any occasion!
Make-Ahead Marvel: Chill it for a couple of hours, and the flavors intensify, making it not just easy but also a fantastic meal-prep choice.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: This recipe is sure to impress family and friends, bringing that authentic New York deli vibe right to your dining table!
New York Deli Shrimp Salad Ingredients
• Gather the essential ingredients for this New York Deli Shrimp Salad recipe to create a dish that’s both creamy and delightful!
For the Salad
- Shrimp – use fresh for the best flavor; if frozen, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry.
- Celery – adds a satisfying crunch; Jicama is a great low-calorie substitute if desired.
- Red Onion – brings a zesty bite; swap with green onions for a milder taste.
- Fresh Dill – imparts bright herbal notes; dried dill can be used in a pinch, but fresh is best.
For the Dressing
- Mayonnaise – forms the base of the creamy dressing; Greek yogurt makes for a lighter alternative.
- Old Bay Seasoning – adds that classic seafood flavor; paprika mixed with celery salt can stand in if needed.
- Dijon Mustard – contributes tanginess and depth; yellow mustard can work as a substitute if necessary.
- Lemon Juice – brightens up the flavor; lime juice can also be used for a different twist.
- Celery Seed – enhances the celery flavor; feel free to omit if it’s unavailable.
- Salt & Pepper – essential for seasoning; always adjust to your taste!
With these quality ingredients, you’re ready to recreate a delicious New York Deli Shrimp Salad that’s sure to become a favorite in your home!
How to Make New York Deli Shrimp Salad
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Prepare Shrimp: Start by tossing the shrimp with baking soda, kosher salt, and Old Bay seasoning. Allow them to sit for about 15-20 minutes to enhance flavor and texture.
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Boil Water: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding lemon juice for that extra zing. This step preps us for the perfect shrimp!
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Cook Shrimp: Carefully add the shrimp to the boiling water and cook for approximately 90 seconds, or until they turn opaque. Remove them promptly to an ice bath to halt the cooking process.
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Drain and Dry: After shocking the shrimp in ice water, drain them and pat dry gently. This keeps our salad from becoming too watery.
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Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the celery, red onion, fresh dill, mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, celery seed, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well blended!
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Fold in Shrimp: Gently fold the shrimp into the mixture, being careful not to break them. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Serve Chilled: When ready to serve, take it out of the fridge and adjust the dressing if needed, then dig in!
Optional: Serve on a bed of lettuce or as a dip with your favorite crackers for added delight!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with New York Deli Shrimp Salad?
Elevate your dining experience by exploring delightful sides that beautifully complement the vibrant flavors of this creamy seafood salad.
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Crispy Garlic Bread: Perfectly toasted with a light garlic butter spread, this bread adds a warm crunch, balancing the creamy shrimp salad beautifully. It’s a comforting side that invites guests to indulge.
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Classic Coleslaw: The refreshing crunch and tanginess of coleslaw make it a perfect partner. Its coolness enhances the flavor of the salad while providing a delightful textural contrast.
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Lemon Orzo Salad: A bright, citrusy orzo salad brings a lightness to your meal while echoing the lemon notes in the shrimp salad. Add cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for bursts of color and flavor.
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Potato Chips: For a whimsical touch, serve with kettle-cooked potato chips. Their salty crunch provides a satisfying bite alongside the silky salad, creating a fun contrast.
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Chilled White Wine Spritzer: Complement the shrimp with a refreshing wine spritzer, blending white wine with sparkling water and a twist of lemon. It offers a light, crisp pairing that enhances the salad’s flavors.
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Cucumber Mint Salad: A cool cucumber mint salad offers a refreshing crunch, elevating your dining experience. Tossed in a light vinaigrette, the freshness pairs beautifully with the rich shrimp salad.
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Fruit Salad: A zesty fruit salad, with berries and citrus, brings a sweet, vibrant component to the table. It’s a delightful way to cleanse the palate after each creamy bite!
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Garlic Parmesan Roasted Broccoli: Roasted broccoli dressed with garlic and Parmesan creates an earthy, savory counterpart to your dish, introducing a hearty vegetable element to your meal.
These sides not only add variety to your dining experience but enhance the overall flavor journey inspired by your New York Deli Shrimp Salad.
New York Deli Shrimp Salad Variations
Feel free to let your culinary creativity shine by customizing this delightful shrimp salad!
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Herb Swap: Use fresh tarragon or parsley instead of dill for a unique flavor twist. It introduces a lovely aromatic profile that can transform your salad experience!
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Vegetable Crunch: Add chopped pickles for an extra crunch. The briny tang elevates the salad, creating a heartier texture that keeps every bite interesting.
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Spicy Kick: Mix in a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a zesty version. The heat melds wonderfully with the creamy dressing, making it a favorite for spice lovers.
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Creamy Alternatives: Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter dressing. This swap enhances the creaminess while providing a tangy flavor boost that’s oh-so-refreshing!
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Seafood Blend: Try adding crab meat or chunked lobster alongside shrimp for a luxurious seafood salad. The combination offers various textures and flavors for an indulgent treat.
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Nutty Addition: Toss in some toasted slivered almonds or walnuts for a delightful crunch. This unexpected twist adds texture and a nutty depth, making the salad even more satisfying.
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Fruity Flair: Incorporate diced apples or grapes to introduce a hint of sweetness. This addition balances the savory elements beautifully, offering a refreshing surprise with each bite.
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Gluten-Free Option: Serve this salad on gluten-free crackers or lettuce wraps for a lighter, gluten-free meal. It’s perfect for those mindful of their diet but still craving delicious flavors!
Expert Tips for New York Deli Shrimp Salad
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Perfect Shrimp Cooking: Avoid overcooking the shrimp; they should be cooked just until opaque in about 90 seconds for the best texture.
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Chill for Flavor: Let the salad chill for at least 2 hours after preparation, as this time allows flavors to meld beautifully.
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Dicing Vegetables: Finely dice the celery and onion for a uniform texture throughout the salad, making each bite equally delightful.
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Adjust Seasoning: Always taste and adjust the seasoning before refrigerating; this ensures your New York Deli Shrimp Salad has the perfect flavor balance.
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Keep it Dry: After cooking, ensure the shrimp are well-drained and patted dry to prevent a watery salad when serving.
Storage Tips for New York Deli Shrimp Salad
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Fridge: Store the shrimp salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This allows the flavors to meld even further, making it taste even better!
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Freezer: It’s best not to freeze the shrimp salad, as the mayonnaise can separate and affect the creamy texture. Enjoy it fresh for the ultimate experience!
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Reheating: While this salad is served chilled, if you find any remaining portions that seem too thick, gently stir in a little extra lemon juice or mayonnaise to adjust the consistency before serving.
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Make-Ahead: This New York Deli Shrimp Salad is a wonderful make-ahead option; simply prepare it a day in advance and let it chill in the fridge prior to serving for the best flavors!
Make Ahead Options
This New York Deli Shrimp Salad recipe is fantastic for meal prep, allowing you to save time on busy weeknights! You can prepare all the components, including the shrimp and the dressing, up to 24 hours in advance. Simply follow the initial steps of cooking and chilling the shrimp, then mix your mayo, seasonings, and veggies in a separate bowl. Store the shrimp and salad components in airtight containers in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, gently combine the shrimp with the salad mixture, adjusting the seasoning as needed. This way, you’ll have a delicious, chilled salad ready to go, just as fresh and flavorful as when you first made it!
New York Deli Shrimp Salad Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using fresh shrimp. If you need to use frozen shrimp, ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry to prevent excess moisture in the salad.
How should I store leftover New York Deli Shrimp Salad?
Store the shrimp salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This time allows the flavors to meld together, making the salad even tastier!
Can I freeze New York Deli Shrimp Salad?
It’s best not to freeze this salad because the mayonnaise can separate when frozen, leading to an undesirable texture. Enjoy your salad fresh for the ultimate experience, as it tastes best within a few days!
What should I do if my shrimp are overcooked?
If you’ve accidentally overcooked your shrimp, don’t worry! You can try using a bit of lemon juice and herbs to help mask the chewy texture. Just remember for next time, cooking shrimp for about 90 seconds until they turn opaque keeps them tender.
Are there any dietary considerations for this shrimp salad?
Yes! Always be cautious of shellfish allergies and inform anyone sharing this dish. For a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise to reduce calories and fat while maintaining creaminess.
How can I adjust the flavors if needed?
I often taste the salad before refrigerating. If you feel it needs more zing, add a bit more lemon juice or extra seasoning to balance the flavors. Enjoy experimenting until you find your perfect blend!
New York Deli Shrimp Salad Recipe - Easy, Creamy & Irresistible
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by tossing the shrimp with baking soda, kosher salt, and Old Bay seasoning. Allow them to sit for about 15-20 minutes to enhance flavor and texture.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, adding lemon juice for that extra zing.
- Carefully add the shrimp to the boiling water and cook for approximately 90 seconds, or until they turn opaque. Remove them promptly to an ice bath.
- After shocking the shrimp in ice water, drain them and pat dry gently.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the celery, red onion, fresh dill, mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, celery seed, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well blended!
- Gently fold the shrimp into the mixture, being careful not to break them. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.
- When ready to serve, adjust the dressing if needed, then dig in!