This article explores a variety of keto shrimp salad recipes, offering refreshing, low-carb options perfect for summer or any time of year. These recipes utilize fresh ingredients and creative combinations to deliver delicious and satisfying meals that align with a ketogenic lifestyle.
Why Shrimp Salad is a Great Keto Choice
Shrimp salad is generally low-carb, especially when made with low-carb ingredients for the dressing and avoiding high-carb additions. Shrimp is naturally low in carbohydrates and high in protein, making it an excellent base for a ketogenic meal.
Keto Shrimp Avocado Salad: A Summer Sensation
This Keto Shrimp Avocado Salad Recipe is summer in a bowl! It's a terrific almost no-cook meal with excellent flavors and textures, ready in under 20 minutes. This dish tastes so good that no one needs to know it’s also low carb, keto, paleo, and whole30!
Ingredients:
- 0.75 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on or off
- 8 oz Persian mini cucumbers, chopped
- 5 oz cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- 1 oz cilantro, chopped
- 1 shallot, minced
- 2 tbsp lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Poach the shrimp: Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Butterfly the shrimp by inserting a small paring knife into the back and cut nearly all the way down the center of the shrimp’s back to the tail. Lower the heat to medium and add the shrimp. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring often. Use a slotted spoon to scoop out the shrimp and soak in a bowl of cold water. Once they are cool to the touch, set aside to drain.
- Make the salad: In a large mixing bowl, add all the ingredients from shrimp to black pepper. Toss and season with more salt or lime juice to taste.
- Chill: Store it in the fridge to allow the flavor to develop further, about 10-15 minutes.
Tips for the Best Shrimp Avocado Salad:
- Butterfly the shrimp: This ensures the shrimp will taste extra juicy and delicious.
- Don't overcook the shrimp: Lightly poach the shrimp to avoid a rubbery texture.
- Select ripe avocados: Choose avocados that are ripe but still a little firm.
- Make ahead: Add everything to a mixing bowl except for the cilantro and avocado. Add the avocado and cilantro right before serving.
Creamy Keto Shrimp Salad: Mayo-Free Delight
This keto-friendly Creamy Shrimp Salad recipe is quick and easy to make but makes a meal shrimp aficionados will love! This shrimp salad contains no mayo, but gets its creaminess from sour cream instead.
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1 teaspoon whole grain Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, minced
- ⅛ - ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (the more the spicier)
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- ½ cup celery, finely chopped
- ½ cup cucumber, finely chopped
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1 pound cooked small shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Extra fresh dill for garnish, if desired
Instructions:
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk the sour cream until smooth.
- While whisking vigorously, slowly stream in the lemon juice.
- Whisk in the garlic, mustard, dill, red pepper flakes, sea salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Stir in the cooked shrimp, cucumber and celery.
- Garnish with extra dill, if desired.
- Place in an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Tips for Creamy Shrimp Salad:
- Make it ahead: This salad can be made a few hours to one day ahead of time to allow the flavors to mingle.
- Choose the right shrimp: Use small to medium, bite-sized, pre-cooked shrimp. If using larger shrimp, slice them into bite-sized pieces.
Keto BLT Shrimp Salad: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic
This keto BLT salad is loaded with succulent shrimp for a simple and delicious low carb dinner! The classic flavors of bacon, lettuce and tomato is even better with shrimp and a creamy low carb avocado dressing.
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Ingredients:
- Romaine lettuce
- Sweet bell peppers
- Red onion
- Grape tomatoes
- Crispy bacon
- Chunks of avocados
- Cooked shrimp
For the Dressing:
- 1 avocado
- Mayonnaise
- Garlic
- Spices
- Water (to desired consistency)
Instructions:
- Prepare the salad base: In a large salad bowl, add the lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and peppers. Toss to mix.
- Cook the shrimp: If using raw shrimp, heat up a large skillet and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. If using cooked shrimp skip this step.
- Make the dressing: Add 1 avocado, mayonnaise, garlic and spices to a food processor and blend. Add water 1 tablespoon of water at a time until you get to desired consistency.
- Assemble the salad: Top the salad with cooked shrimp and bacon and additional chopped avocado if using. Serve the dressing along side the salad so people can use as much as they want.
Tips for Keto BLT Shrimp Salad:
- Customize the salad: Add any colorful and healthy veggies you like.
- Make the dressing ahead: The dressing will keep for 5 days in the refrigerator.
Shrimp Salad with Cauliflower and Black Olives: An Unusual and Addicting Combination
This addicting keto shrimp salad features cauliflower, shrimp, and black olives in a creamy tangy dressing.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked large shrimp (approx.
Instructions:
Tips for Shrimp Salad with Cauliflower and Black Olives:
Shrimp Salad with Spinach, Avocado, and Poppy-Seed Dressing: A Light and Healthy Option
This Shrimp Salad is a healthy & flavorful dish perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Made with spinach, avocado, cherry tomatoes, pecans, almonds and a homemade poppy-seed dressing.
Ingredients:
- 10-12 raw large shrimp, deveined, tails on or off
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1 -2 cups of green leaf or romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 medium avocados, diced
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds
- 1/2 tablespoon feta, crumbled (optional for serving)
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 teaspoons poppy seeds
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Season Shrimp: Season your shrimp with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning and paprika.
- Preheat the grill: Preheat the grill (or grill pan) to medium-high. Using a brush, clean the grill and grease with oil using a long pair of tongs with some folded paper towels dipped in some olive oil.
- Make the dressing: Combine the olive oil, vinegar, mustard, lemon juice, poppy seeds, salt and pepper in a jar or a bowl and mix well until all ingredients are incorporated and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: Grill shrimp for 3-4 minutes on each side or until shrimp is opaque.
- Assemble the salad: Add the spinach or mixed greens to large bowl. Add 1/3 of the dressing and toss to combine. Add the avocado, tomatoes, pecans and almonds. Pour the remainder of the dressing over salad and toss to combine. Divide salad among 2-4 bowls. Top each salad bowl with some cooked shrimp and feta (if desired) and serve immediately.
Tips for Shrimp Salad with Spinach, Avocado, and Poppy-Seed Dressing:
- Soak wooden skewers: If using wooden skewers for your shrimp, be sure to soak them in water for at least 20 minutes to avoid burning.
- Wait to toss: Wait until just ready to serve to toss in the dressing.
- Use store-bought dressing: To cut back on prep time, feel free to use your favorite store-bought dressing.
General Tips for Making the Best Keto Shrimp Salad
- Choose high-quality shrimp: Opt for wild-caught shrimp whenever possible.
- Don't overcook the shrimp: Overcooked shrimp will be rubbery and tough.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will enhance the flavor of your salad.
- Make your own dressing: Homemade dressings are healthier and often taste better than store-bought versions.
- Chill before serving: Chilling the salad allows the flavors to meld together.
- Consider ingredient substitutions: Feel free to substitute ingredients based on your preferences and what you have on hand. Lime juice can be swapped with lemon juice, and celery seed can be replaced with fresh or dried dill.
- Add a touch of spice: Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper can add a pleasant kick to your shrimp salad.
- Serve in lettuce cups: For a refreshing and light presentation, serve your shrimp salad in crisp romaine lettuce cups.
Serving Suggestions
Keto shrimp salad can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:
- As a light lunch or dinner: Shrimp salad is a satisfying meal on its own.
- In lettuce wraps: Serve the salad in lettuce cups for a low-carb and refreshing option.
- With a side of cauliflower rice: Cauliflower rice makes a great low-carb accompaniment to shrimp salad.
- With a simple soup: Pair your shrimp salad with a low-carb soup for a complete meal.
- With keto-friendly bread or biscuits: Enjoy your shrimp salad with keto-friendly bread, scones, or biscuits.
- With Amazing Loaded Cauliflower Bake: The hearty, comforting, loaded cauliflower bake tastes amazing with the creamy shrimp salad.
Storage Instructions
Cold shrimp salad will hold in the fridge for a couple of days, but be aware that the shrimp and vegetables may release liquid due to the salt.
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