If you’re craving a fresh taste of Scandinavia, this Nordic Shrimp Salad is the perfect dish to transport you to sunlit harbor cafes and breezy, endless Nordic summers. Loaded with tender cold-water shrimp, a creamy dill dressing, crisp cucumber, and the zing of red onion and lemon, it’s both comforting and invigorating. Whether you scoop it onto butter lettuce or pile it high on rye bread, the Nordic Shrimp Salad is both a crowd-pleaser and a personal indulgence, marrying creamy textures and bright flavors in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about Nordic Shrimp Salad is how simple but thoughtful each ingredient is, with every component adding to the irresistible balance of flavors and color. You likely have most of these on hand, and each one is here for a reason—from cool crunch to creamy richness or herby brightness.
- Cooked Nordic shrimp (1 pound): These small cold-water shrimp have a delicate sweetness that’s unlike any other, ideal for a salad that truly celebrates seafood.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Provides luscious creaminess while keeping the dressing light and tangy.
- Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Adds richness and smooth texture for that classic Nordic Shrimp Salad mouthfeel.
- Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Brings a gentle heat and a savory complexity that cuts through the creaminess.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): A splash of brightness that wakes up all the other ingredients.
- Fresh dill, chopped (1 tablespoon): The signature herb here, dill is what gives this salad its irresistible Nordic personality.
- Red onion, finely chopped (2 tablespoons): Just a bit goes a long way to add a snappy crunch and subtle bite.
- Cucumber, diced and seeded (1/2 cup): For watery crispness and a pop of green that makes the salad visually appealing and ultra-refreshing.
- Salt and black pepper: Season to taste for perfect balance—don’t be shy, but taste as you go.
- Butter lettuce or baby greens: These make a tender bed for serving and instantly elevate presentation.
- Rye bread or crispbread (optional): For a classic Nordic touch, perfect for scooping or sopping up every last bit.
How to Make Nordic Shrimp Salad
Step 1: Mix the Creamy Dressing
Start by grabbing a medium mixing bowl and add the sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and chopped fresh dill. Whisk well until you have a completely smooth, creamy base—this is the flavor foundation for your Nordic Shrimp Salad, so make sure it’s well-blended and fragrant with dill and lemon.
Step 2: Gently Fold in the Shrimp and Veggies
Next, add in the tender Nordic shrimp, the finely chopped red onion, and the crisp diced cucumber. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently fold everything together. Be gentle—those cold-water shrimp are delicate and you want them to stay whole for the prettiest salad!
Step 3: Season and Chill
Now, taste your shrimp salad and season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Once you’re happy, cover the bowl tightly and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This little nap in the chill lets all those fresh flavors mingle beautifully—trust me, the wait is worth it!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
When you’re ready to serve, give the salad a quick stir. Arrange butter lettuce or baby greens on plates or a big platter, and gently spoon the shrimp salad over top. Add rye bread or crispbread on the side for a true Nordic experience, and get ready to dig in.
How to Serve Nordic Shrimp Salad
Garnishes
The finishing touch for any great Nordic Shrimp Salad is in the garnishes. Sprinkle with extra fresh dill, a few thinly sliced radishes, or a wedge of lemon for color and brightness. If you’re feeling extra fancy, a bit of flaked sea salt or a grind of black pepper right before serving makes the flavors pop even more.
Side Dishes
This salad shines snuggled atop buttery lettuce, but it also pairs beautifully with slices of hearty rye bread, crunchy crispbread, or even a few boiled baby potatoes for something more substantial. The key is to keep the sides simple and let the Nordic Shrimp Salad be the star of your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Individual lettuce cups are perfect for a crowd, offering a fun, hands-on appetizer or light main. For a picnic feel, scoop the salad into small glass jars or serve in halved avocados for a fresh twist. If you’re hosting brunch, try layering the Nordic Shrimp Salad atop blini or crostini for irresistible little bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any remaining Nordic Shrimp Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to two days, making it a perfect make-ahead lunch or quick snack.
Freezing
Freezing Nordic Shrimp Salad isn’t recommended—the dressing will separate and the shrimp can lose their delicate texture once thawed. For the best results, enjoy it fresh or chilled from the fridge within a couple of days.
Reheating
This is a cold salad, so there’s no need to reheat. In fact, serving it well-chilled straight from the fridge is how you get the signature refreshing bite that makes Nordic Shrimp Salad so memorable.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh Nordic shrimp?
Absolutely! If fresh Nordic shrimp aren’t available, frozen works just fine. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding to your salad to avoid a watery dressing.
What’s a good substitute for dill if I don’t have it?
Fresh chives or flat-leaf parsley are wonderful alternatives if you’re not a dill fan. They’ll give your Nordic Shrimp Salad a different flavor accent but will still keep things tasting fresh and bright.
How do I make this salad lighter?
You can swap Greek yogurt for the sour cream or even use a lighter mayonnaise. The salad will still be creamy and satisfying, but with a bit less richness—perfect for a light lunch or healthy meal prep.
Can I add other vegetables or mix-ins?
Definitely! Try adding a handful of chopped celery, some capers for a salty punch, or even a spoonful of drained horseradish for a zippy kick. Nordic Shrimp Salad welcomes creativity.
How far in advance can I prepare Nordic Shrimp Salad?
You can make the salad up to a day ahead. In fact, letting it sit a few hours in the fridge helps the flavors come together beautifully. Just give it a gentle stir before serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about sharing a bowl of Nordic Shrimp Salad, whether you’re serving it to friends on a sunny patio or simply treating yourself to a taste of Scandinavia at home. It’s quick, satisfying, and endlessly fresh—so I invite you to dive in and make it part of your own kitchen memories!
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Nordic Shrimp Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Nordic Shrimp Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines tender Nordic shrimp with a creamy dressing and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this salad is easy to prepare and showcases the delicate flavors of the shrimp.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound cooked Nordic shrimp (small cold-water shrimp)
Dressing:
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber (seeded)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Serving:
- Butter lettuce or baby greens for serving
- Rye bread or crispbread (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, prepare the dressing: Whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and chopped dill until smooth.
- Add the shrimp: Gently fold in the Nordic shrimp, red onion, and cucumber.
- Season: Season the salad with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Chill: Cover and chill the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Serve: Spoon the shrimp salad over a bed of butter lettuce or baby greens. Optionally, serve with slices of rye bread or crispbread on the side.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream for a lighter version.
- Fresh herbs like chives or parsley can also be added.
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw and pat dry thoroughly before mixing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Nordic
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
