If you’re in the mood for something fresh, light, and bursting with flavor, this Nordic Shrimp Salad is a total game-changer. Juicy, tender shrimp tossed in a creamy, herby dressing with a hint of citrus—this dish is as refreshing as a cool breeze off the Scandinavian coast.
Perfect for a light lunch, a fancy appetizer, or a picnic-worthy sandwich filling, this shrimp salad is simple yet incredibly elegant. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making it on repeat!
Why You’ll Love Nordic Shrimp Salad
Versatile Serve it on toast, in lettuce cups, or as a side dish—this salad fits every occasion.
Budget-Friendly Uses simple, fresh ingredients that are easy to find.
Quick and Easy Ready in under 15 minutes with minimal prep work.
Customizable Add extra herbs, spices, or a touch of heat to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing Light yet satisfying, it’s a guaranteed hit for any gathering.
Ingredients
Ingredients in Nordic Shrimp Salad
Here’s what makes this salad so fresh and flavorful:
Nordic Shrimp Sweet, tender, and delicate—these small shrimp are the star of the dish.
Mayonnaise Creamy and rich, it forms the perfect base for the dressing.
Greek Yogurt (or Sour Cream) Adds a tangy, lighter contrast to balance the mayo.
Dijon Mustard A little sharpness to enhance the flavors.
Lemon Juice Fresh and zesty, it brightens up the salad.
Fresh Dill A signature Nordic herb that brings a fragrant, grassy freshness.
Red Onion Finely diced for a bit of crunch and mild sharpness.
Capers (Optional) Briny and salty, they add a lovely depth of flavor.
Salt & Pepper Simple seasonings to enhance all the natural flavors.
Instructions
Prepare the Shrimp If your shrimp are pre-cooked, simply drain and pat them dry with a paper towel. If they’re raw, quickly boil them for 1-2 minutes until pink and opaque, then cool.
Make the Dressing In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Combine Everything Add the shrimp, red onion, dill, and capers to the bowl. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Chill (Optional) Let the salad sit in the fridge for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve and Enjoy Spoon over toast, stuff into a croissant, serve in lettuce cups, or enjoy straight from the bowl!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 220
(Note: Nutrition may vary based on ingredient choices.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes (if cooking shrimp)
Total Time: 12 minutes
How to Serve Nordic Shrimp Salad
This shrimp salad is so versatile! Here are some delicious ways to serve it:
- On Toast: Spread over a slice of crusty sourdough or rye bread.
- In a Sandwich: Pile it into a buttery croissant or fresh baguette.
- With Crackers: Serve as a dip for a light and refreshing snack.
- In Lettuce Cups: A low-carb, refreshing way to enjoy it.
- As a Side Dish: Pair it with a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables.
Additional Tips
- Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor, but frozen and thawed shrimp work well too.
- Adjust the creaminess by adding more or less mayonnaise and yogurt.
- For an extra zing, add a tiny splash of white wine vinegar or horseradish.
- This salad tastes even better after chilling for 30 minutes.
FAQ’s
1. Can I use regular shrimp instead of Nordic shrimp?
Yes! Just chop them into smaller pieces to match the texture.
2. How long does Nordic Shrimp Salad last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! The flavors develop even more when it sits for a few hours.
4. What’s the best bread to serve this on?
Traditional rye bread or a buttery croissant works beautifully.
5. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Just skip the Greek yogurt and use extra mayo or a dairy-free alternative.
6. What’s the difference between Nordic shrimp and regular shrimp?
Nordic shrimp are smaller, sweeter, and more delicate than traditional shrimp.
7. Can I add other herbs?
Of course! Chives, parsley, or tarragon would all be great additions.
8. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! Just serve it in lettuce cups instead of on bread.
9. Can I add some spice?
For a little heat, mix in a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce.
10. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge, and give it a quick stir before serving.
Conclusion
This Nordic Shrimp Salad is fresh, creamy, and bursting with flavor! Whether you’re spreading it on toast, scooping it onto a salad, or enjoying it straight from the bowl, it’s a dish that never disappoints. Light yet satisfying, it’s the perfect balance of elegance and comfort. Give it a try and let me know your favorite way to serve it!
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Nordic Shrimp Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Nordic / Scandinavian
Description
This Nordic Shrimp Salad is a light and refreshing dish featuring tender cold-water shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dill dressing. It’s perfect as a sandwich filling, served over greens, or enjoyed on its own as a protein-packed meal.
Ingredients
– 1 lb Nordic shrimp (cold-water shrimp), cooked and peeled
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1 teaspoon lemon zest
– 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon white pepper (optional)
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup cucumber, finely diced
– 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
– 1 teaspoon capers, drained and chopped (optional)
– Lettuce leaves or rye bread, for serving
Instructions
1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, chives, salt, black pepper, and white pepper.
2. Add the chopped red onion, cucumber, celery, and capers (if using), and mix well.
3. Gently fold in the cooked Nordic shrimp, making sure they are evenly coated in the dressing.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled over lettuce leaves or on rye bread for a traditional Nordic-style shrimp sandwich.
Notes
– For an extra creamy texture, add an additional tablespoon of mayonnaise or sour cream.
– Best served cold; refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
– Can be garnished with extra dill, chives, or a sprinkle of paprika for added flavor.
– Serve with crispbread or as a filling in an open-faced sandwich for an authentic Scandinavian touch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 170mg