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!
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!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Assemble Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Prep Level: Beginner +
Reasons Why I Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy to Make
Refreshing and Light
Versatile
Classic Maryland Flavor
In this post, I’ll take you through the simple steps to create this refreshing salad, offer a few helpful tips, and answer some frequently asked questions.
So let’s dive right in!
Ingredients

What You Will Need
- Shrimp – Large or medium work best for this salad.
- 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)
- Optional – Chopped fresh dill, a dash of red pepper flakes or a little cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Salt and black pepper to taste.
Helpful Tools and Equipment
- Large pot
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board
- Large kitchen knife
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cup
- Whisk
- Rubber spatula
Old Bay Shrimp Salad Recipe

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. (see FAQ’s)
- Rinse under cold water, drain, and pat dry with paper towels.
- If you’re using jumbo shrimp, you might want to cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Making the 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
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.
Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy this delicious salad
- 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.
How To Store 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.

Helpful Tips
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well for this simple shrimp salad. I recommend buying shrimp labeled “shell-on and deveined.” The shrimp will have more flavor and better texture when cooked in the shell – and it’s much easier to buy shrimp already deveined.
What Other Herbs Can I Use?
While this recipe uses parsley, feel free to experiment with other fresh herbs like dill, chives, or cilantro for a different twist.
How Can I Make This Recipe Lighter?
Substitute Greek yogurt or a lighter mayonnaise to reduce calories without sacrificing the creaminess.
Love this recipe?
Please leave a review, share it with others, and check out more delicious recipes!
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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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