If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing the quintessential flavors of a classic deli but want a fresh twist, this New York Deli Shrimp Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a vibrant, creamy delight that combines perfectly poached shrimp with a lively mix of spices, crisp vegetables, and a smooth, tangy dressing that sings with every bite. Whether you’re preparing a light lunch or an impressive appetizer, this salad delivers that iconic deli charm right to your table, effortlessly blending comforting tradition with bright, fresh ingredients. Get ready for a dish that’s simple yet sophisticated, and oh-so-satisfying!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This New York Deli Shrimp Salad Recipe shines because of its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each one has a distinct role, whether it’s adding texture, bright notes, or a punch of flavor, making the whole salad come alive with every forkful.
- Shrimp (1.5 pounds, peeled, deveined, tails removed): The star of the dish, providing a tender and succulent base.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps tenderize the shrimp while brining.
- Diamond Crystal Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances natural flavors perfectly without overwhelming.
- Water (8 cups): For poaching the shrimp just right.
- Fresh lemon juice (3 tablespoons total): Adds brightness and balance throughout the recipe.
- Old Bay seasoning (2 teaspoons in brine, 1/2 teaspoon in dressing): Brings that classic deli seafood warmth and subtle spice.
- Celery (1/2 cup finely diced): Crispness and subtle earthiness for texture contrast.
- Red onion (1/4 cup finely diced): Adds a slight sharpness and color pop.
- Dill (1 tablespoon minced, plus more to taste): Fresh herbaceous note to lighten the salad.
- Mayonnaise (3/4 cup): Creamy, smooth base that ties all the ingredients together.
- Celery seed (1 teaspoon): Intensifies the celery flavor and adds a sweet, nutty nuance.
- Dijon mustard (2 teaspoons): Offers a subtle tang and complexity.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing all the flavors into harmony.
How to Make New York Deli Shrimp Salad Recipe
Step 1: Brine the Shrimp
Start by mixing the shrimp with baking soda, kosher salt, and Old Bay seasoning in a large bowl. This simple brine tenderizes the shrimp and infuses flavor right at the start. Let it rest for about 15–20 minutes while preparing the rest of your ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Ice Water Bath
Fill a large bowl with ice water and set it aside. This is your secret weapon to stop the shrimp from overcooking after poaching and to lock in that perfect texture and juiciness.
Step 3: Poach the Shrimp
Bring 8 cups of water with 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to a boil. Gently add the shrimp and cook just until they turn opaque, about 90 seconds. This quick poach keeps them tender and juicy, ready to absorb the zesty dressing flavors.
Step 4: Shock and Dry the Shrimp
Immediately transfer the shrimp into the ice water bath to halt cooking and cool completely. After a few minutes, drain the shrimp in a colander and pat them dry with paper towels—dry shrimp means a better sauce coating.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the celery, red onion, minced dill, mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, celery seed, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until the dressing is smooth and well balanced. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed—you want a harmony of creaminess, tang, and spice.
Step 6: Combine Shrimp and Sauce
Add the cooled shrimp to the dressing and toss gently until every piece is evenly coated. This step ensures each bite bursts with flavor and texture.
Step 7: Chill the Salad
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though overnight is ideal. This resting time allows all those beautiful flavors to mingle and deepen, creating that authentic deli salad magic.
Step 8: Drain for a Dryer Salad (Optional)
If you prefer your New York Deli Shrimp Salad Recipe on the dryer side, place the salad in a colander and let excess liquid drain before serving. This keeps each forkful delightfully creamy without becoming soupy.
How to Serve New York Deli Shrimp Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh dill or a few extra grinds of black pepper on top before serving adds a fresh and fragrant finishing touch. A thin lemon wedge on the side invites guests to add a burst of citrus brightness if they like.
Side Dishes
This shrimp salad pairs wonderfully with crispy rye bread or toasted bagels for a deli-style experience. It also makes a fantastic topping for simple green salads or alongside your favorite pickles and fresh tomatoes, balancing richness with freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the bowl by serving this salad in hollowed-out avocado halves or stuffed inside crunchy cucumber cups for a stylish appetizer. Rolling it into a wrap with leafy greens or layering it on crackers can turn this classic into bite-sized delights perfect for entertaining.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover shrimp salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled allows the flavors to continue melding, and a quick stir before serving will freshen it up nicely.
Freezing
Due to the mayonnaise and fresh herbs, freezing the New York Deli Shrimp Salad Recipe is not recommended as it can alter the texture and flavor of the dressing, leading to separation upon thawing.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so no reheating is necessary. If you prefer it slightly warmer, just let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before starting. Using fresh over frozen is ideal for optimal texture, but good-quality frozen shrimp works well too.
Is Old Bay seasoning essential?
Old Bay seasoning gives this salad its authentic New York deli flavor. While you can substitute with a mix of celery seed, paprika, and cayenne, using Old Bay keeps that classic provenance alive.
Can I make this salad vegan or vegetarian?
For a plant-based twist, substitute shrimp with hearts of palm or chickpeas and swap mayonnaise for a vegan alternative. You’ll miss the shrimp’s unique texture, but the flavors can still be delightful!
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
A minimum of 2 hours is recommended, but if time permits, refrigerate overnight. This chilling time lets all the flavors blend beautifully, enhancing the overall taste.
Can this salad be used as a sandwich filling?
Yes! The New York Deli Shrimp Salad Recipe makes a fantastic sandwich or wrap filling. It’s creamy and flavorful, pairing perfectly with hearty breads and fresh veggies.
Final Thoughts
This New York Deli Shrimp Salad Recipe is such a joy to make and enjoy. Its freshness, balanced seasoning, and creamy texture make it an unforgettable dish that comfortably fits in any meal setting. Whether you’re serving it to family or friends, this recipe promises smiles all around and will likely become a beloved staple, just like it has been for me. Give it a try—you’ll fall in love with every bite!
Print
New York Deli Shrimp Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Poaching
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This New York Deli Shrimp Salad is a refreshing and flavorful seafood dish featuring tender, poached shrimp in a zesty Old Bay and dill-infused mayonnaise dressing. Perfectly balanced with celery, red onion, and a touch of Dijon mustard, this classic shrimp salad is chilled to meld the flavors and make a delicious light meal or sandwich filling.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Brine
- 1.5 pounds shrimp (31–40 count, peeled, deveined, tails removed)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Diamond Crystal Kosher salt
- 8 cups water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
Shrimp Salad Dressing
- 1/2 cup finely diced celery
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon dill, minced (plus more to taste)
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 2 ounces lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brine the Shrimp: In a large bowl, combine the shrimp with baking soda, kosher salt, and 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning. Mix well to coat the shrimp evenly and set aside while you prepare the boiling water, allowing the shrimp to brine for about 15-20 minutes. This helps tenderize the shrimp and infuse flavor.
- Prepare Ice Water Bath: Meanwhile, fill another large bowl with ice water and set aside. This will be used to immediately cool the shrimp after poaching to stop the cooking process and maintain texture.
- Poach the Shrimp: In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to a boil. Once boiling, add the brined shrimp and cook for about 90 seconds, or until the shrimp turn slightly opaque and are just cooked through. Avoid overcooking to keep shrimp tender.
- Shock and Dry the Shrimp: Immediately transfer the cooked shrimp to the ice water bath to halt further cooking. Once cooled, drain the shrimp thoroughly in a colander and pat dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely diced celery, red onion, minced dill, mayonnaise, 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning, celery seed, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Add the chilled, dried shrimp to the dressing bowl and toss gently to coat each shrimp in the flavorful mixture, ensuring an even distribution of the sauce.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the taste of the shrimp salad.
- Drain for a Dryer Salad (Optional): Before serving, if you prefer a drier shrimp salad, transfer the salad to a colander and let any excess liquid drain off. Serve immediately afterward for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Using Diamond Crystal Kosher salt is recommended for the brine for optimal flavor balance.
- Do not overcook the shrimp during poaching; they should be slightly opaque and just cooked through to maintain tenderness.
- Chilling the salad overnight significantly improves flavor melding.
- Adjust Old Bay seasoning and lemon juice in the dressing to taste for desired tanginess and spice level.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days but are best enjoyed fresh.
