If you are craving something that bursts with flavor, freshness, and a little Southern charm, this Creamy Shrimp Remoulade Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. The combination of plump, tender shrimp tossed in a tangy, spicy remoulade dressing creates a perfect harmony of creamy texture and vibrant taste. Crisp celery and fresh herbs add brightness and crunch, while a bed of crisp lettuce ties everything together into a satisfying, elegant dish that’s surprisingly easy to whip up. Whether it’s a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a stunning appetizer to impress guests, this salad hits all the right notes with flavor and flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this salad plays an essential role in building layers of flavor and texture. The fresh shrimp provide a juicy base, while the remoulade dressing adds creamy tang with a kick. Crisp veggies and aromatic herbs complete the dish, making it a colorful and irresistible salad.
- 1 pound cooked shrimp (peeled and deveined): Choose fresh or fully thawed shrimp for the best juicy bite.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: This gives the dressing its signature creamy, rich consistency.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Adds a gentle tang and depth to the remoulade sauce.
- 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish: Provides a sharp, spicy undertone typical of classic remoulade.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Lifts the salad with bright, zesty freshness.
- 2 teaspoons white wine vinegar: Balances richness with subtle acidity.
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce (like Tabasco): Brings a gentle heat and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: For warmth and earthy color in the dressing.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper: Adds a hint of fiery spice to awaken your taste buds.
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions: Provide a mild onion flavor and fresh crunch.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley: Bright and herbaceous, balancing the creaminess perfectly.
- 2 cups shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce: A crisp, cool bed to serve the salad on.
- 1/2 cup diced celery: Brings refreshing crunch and a subtle grassy note.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Lemon wedges for serving (optional): Add an extra pop of citrus if you like.
How to Make Creamy Shrimp Remoulade Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Remoulade Dressing
Start by whisking together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, prepared horseradish, lemon juice, white wine vinegar, hot sauce, paprika, and cayenne pepper in a large bowl. This blend of ingredients creates a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy remoulade that perfectly coats the shrimp and veggies. Taking the time to mix the sauce well ensures every bite is bursting with balanced flavor.
Step 2: Combine the Salad Ingredients
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, chopped green onions, parsley, and diced celery into the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold everything together so that all the shrimp and veggies are evenly coated with that luscious remoulade. This delicate folding helps keep the shrimp tender without mashing the vegetables, preserving their crunch and color.
Step 3: Season and Chill
Sprinkle in salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting as you go for the perfect seasoning. Then cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the salad’s overall freshness and complexity.
Step 4: Prepare the Lettuce Bed
While the salad chills, shred your romaine or iceberg lettuce and spread it evenly on your serving plates or in a large serving bowl. This crispy lettuce bed provides a crunchy, cool contrast to the creamy shrimp mixture, making each forkful a delight.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
When ready to serve, spoon the chilled shrimp remoulade salad generously over the lettuce. Garnish with extra parsley or lemon wedges if you want to add a little lift and visual freshness. Your Creamy Shrimp Remoulade Salad Recipe is now ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy Shrimp Remoulade Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top brightens the look and adds a mild herbal note. For a touch of elegance and acidity, lemon wedges are perfect to squeeze over the salad just before eating, adding a beautiful pop of citrus that complements the creamy dressing.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with light, refreshing sides. Think crusty French bread, a crisp cucumber salad, or grilled seasonal vegetables. These options enhance the shrimp’s flavors without overwhelming the palate, making for a perfectly balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
You can get fun and creative by serving this Creamy Shrimp Remoulade Salad Recipe in crisp lettuce cups for bite-sized appetizers, spreading it on toasted baguette slices for shrimp salad crostini, or stuffing it inside halved avocados for a stunning presentation that’s both gluten-free and low-carb friendly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover shrimp remoulade salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, but it’s best enjoyed soon to retain the crispness of the celery and freshness of the herbs. Store the shredded lettuce separately to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
Because of the mayonnaise-based dressing and fresh vegetables, freezing this salad is not recommended. The texture of the shrimp and veggies will degrade, and the dressing may separate upon thawing, changing the taste and consistency.
Reheating
This salad is meant to be served cold or at room temperature. Reheating will cause the dressing to break down and the shrimp to become rubbery. Simply give the salad a gentle stir if you need to redistribute the dressing after chilling, then serve right away.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before using to avoid extra moisture in the salad, which can dilute the flavors.
Is there a lighter alternative to mayonnaise for the dressing?
Yes, you can swap half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing without losing creaminess.
How spicy is this Creamy Shrimp Remoulade Salad Recipe?
The spice level is moderate due to the horseradish, cayenne, and hot sauce, but you can adjust these to your taste by adding less or more hot sauce and cayenne pepper.
Can this salad be made vegan or vegetarian?
To adapt the recipe, substitute shrimp with crispy fried tofu or roasted chickpeas and use a vegan mayonnaise to keep the creamy texture.
What greens work best under the shrimp remoulade?
Romaine and iceberg lettuce are classic choices for their crunch, but baby spinach or mixed greens also pair well if you want to add variety and color.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Shrimp Remoulade Salad Recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen because it delivers layers of flavor without fuss or long prep times. Its balance of creamy, tangy, spicy, and fresh elements makes it irresistible for any shrimp lover. I encourage you to give it a try soon — it’s a delightful way to elevate simple shrimp into a memorable meal everyone will ask for again and again.
