Are you looking for a recipe that is easy to prepare, incredibly delicious, and perfect for an appetizer, a quick lunch, or a light supper? Look no further than the Easy Shrimp Salad with Old Bay seasoning!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Assemble Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Prep Level: Beginner +
What You’ll Love
- Quick and Easy to Make
- Refreshing and Light
- Versatile
- Classic Maryland Flavor
This salad combines large shrimp with a creamy dressing, crunchy celery, and a dash of Old Bay for a little kick! It’s a great way to enjoy good seafood, fresh herbs, and crisp vegetables all in one dish. It’s become one of my favorite salads!

Ingredient Notes
- Mayonnaise – Use a good quality mayo. I prefer Duke’s. For a tangier taste, you can use Miracle Whip.
- Old Bay seasoning – If you’re watching your salt intake, try the low-sodium version, it’s delicious in recipes.
- Apple cider vinegar – Red wine vinegar or Dijon mustard can be substituted.
- Worcestershire sauce – Adds a touch of tangy savory flavor.
- Fresh celery – Finely diced. If you don’t have celery on hand, celery seed can be used. (1/2 teaspoon per stalk)
- Green onions – thinly sliced both the white bottoms and green tops. You can use red onion if you prefer a stronger onion flavor.
- Fresh parsley – Finely chopped. (Leaves only). Feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like dill, chives, or cilantro for a different twist.
- Optional – Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a little cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1
Cooking Process


- Preparing The Shrimp – Fill a pot of water with enough water to cover the shrimp. Add a bay leaf, a few slices of fresh lemon, and a pinch of peppercorns for a little extra flavor.
- Once boiling, add the shrimp and cook until they are pink and opaque. Keep an eye on them. You don’t want to overcook them.
- Transfer the cooked shrimp to a large bowl ice bath using a large slotted spoon or a spider strainer. An ice bath stops the cooking process and ensures the shrimp remains tender.
- Peel, devein, and remove the tails of the shrimp.
- Rinse under cold water, drain, and pat dry with paper towels.
2
Creamy Old Bay Dressing


- Prep the fresh vegetables and herbs – Finely chop the celery and parsley and slice the scallions
- Spoon mayonnaise into a large mixing bowl.
- Add the Old Bay seasoning, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk until completely blended.


- Add the cooked shrimp to the bowl and toss gently until well coated with the dressing.


- Mix in the remaining ingredients.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Ideally but not necessary, refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors blend.
- Before serving, sprinkle the salad with the dark green scallions and a dash of Old Bay seasoning.


Ideas For Serving Shrimp Salad
This is the perfect recipe to make for a great lunch on a hot summer day or a quick side dish for picnic season outings.
- Spoon it onto a bed of lettuce for a traditional salad. Chicken salad served this way, also makes a great light lunch!
- Scoop cold shrimp salad into lettuce cups for a low-carb option lunch.
- Serve on mini croissants or white bread for delightful shrimp salad sandwiches.
- Stuff it into a hollowed-out fresh tomato or an avocado half for a restaurant-style shrimp salad presentation.
Storing Leftovers
Shrimp salad is best when served fresh. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. It may become a bit watery as it rests, so you might need to drain excess liquid before serving.

Tips & Tricks
- Freshness is Key – If buying fresh shrimp from the grocery store seafood counter, make sure it is fresh. Fresh shrimp should smell clean, like saltwater without any overpowering fishy odors.
- Keep it Cool Before Serving – Ensure to chill this delicious shrimp salad in an airtight container before serving, it enhances the flavors significantly.
- Shrimp Size – If you’re using jumbo shrimp, you might want to cut them into bite-sized pieces.

More Delicious Summer Dishes
- Chipotle Shrimp Tostada Bites from South In Your Mouth
Easy Shrimp Salad With Old Bay Seasoning Recipe
A delicious salad that combines large shrimp with a creamy dressing, crunchy celery, and a dash of Old Bay for a little kick! The perfect recipe for a quick lunch or light supper.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds raw shrimp
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise – Duke’s or Hellman’s
- 1.5 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup finely diced celery
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced scallions including the tops (dark green scallions, which are used as a garnish)
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh parsley leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a pot of water with enough water to cover the shrimp. (add a bay leaf, a few slices of fresh lemon, and a pinch of peppercorns for a little extra flavor).
- Bring the pot of water to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes or until they are pink and opaque.
- Immediately transfer the cooked shrimp to a large bowl ice bath using a large slotted spoon or a spider strainer. An ice bath stops the cooking process and ensures the shrimp remains tender.
- Peel, devein, and remove the tails of the shrimp. (see FAQ’s)
- Rinse under cold water, drain, and pat dry with paper towels.
- Prep the fresh vegetables and herbs – slice the green onions, chop the celery, and mince the parsley.
- Pour mayonnaise into a large mixing bowl.
- Add the Old Bay seasoning, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Whisk until blended.
- Add the cooked shrimp to the bowl and toss gently until well coated with the dressing.
- Add the remaining ingredients – diced celery, thinly sliced green onions (white sections), and the finely chopped parsley.
- Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for at least an hour to let the flavors blend.
- Before serving, sprinkle the salad with the dark green scallions and a dash of Old Bay seasoning.
Notes
Helpful Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Large kitchen knife
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cup
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
How to store leftover shrimp salad
- Shrimp salad is best when served fresh.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days. It may become a bit watery as it rests, so you might need to drain excess liquid before serving.
Helpful Tips for the Best Shrimp Salad
Freshness is Key
- If buying fresh shrimp from the grocery store seafood counter, make sure it is fresh.
- Fresh shrimp should smell clean, like saltwater without any overpowering fishy odors.
Keep it Cool Before Serving
- Ensure to chill this delicious shrimp salad in an airtight container before serving, it enhances the flavors significantly.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 236Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 198mgSodium: 1187mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 21g







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