If you’re on the hunt for a fresh, vibrant dish that bursts with flavor and texture, Ina Garten’s Shrimp Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. This delightful salad combines perfectly cooked shrimp with crisp mixed greens, colorful veggies, creamy avocado, and a tangy, luscious dressing that will make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a stunning dish to bring to a gathering, Ina’s recipe brings together simple yet premium ingredients that shine individually and harmonize beautifully. I can’t wait to share every detail so you can bring a little Ina Garten magic into your kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a baking tray filled with 35 cooked shrimp arranged in scattered rows. Each shrimp is pinkish-orange with visible seasoning of black pepper, showing a slightly shiny, firm texture. The tray is golden-colored with a pattern that helps keep the shrimp in place. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

None of the ingredients in Ina Garten’s Shrimp Salad Recipe are complicated or hard to find. Each one is chosen carefully to enhance the salad’s fresh flavors, with the shrimp providing juicy protein and the veggies delivering crisp texture and vibrant color. The dressing pulls it all together with a perfect balance of creaminess, acidity, and a hint of sweetness.

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Opt for wild-caught or sustainably sourced for the best flavor and eco-friendly choice.
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking the shrimp): Adds a subtle richness and helps the seasoning stick to the shrimp.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the shrimp with a mild, savory touch.
½ teaspoon paprika: Brings a gentle smokiness and a pop of color.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to season everything just right.
4 cups mixed greens: A mix like arugula, baby spinach, or spring mix adds lovely textures and fresh, peppery notes.
1 cucumber, peeled and diced: Offers refreshing crunch and juiciness.
1 red bell pepper, diced: Sweetness and vibrant red color make the salad visually appealing.
½ red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a sharp, zesty bite that balances the creaminess.
1 avocado, sliced: Creamy, buttery texture that perfectly complements the shrimp.
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the dish with a clean herbal note.
1 tablespoon fresh dill (optional): For those who enjoy a fragrant, delicate herb flavor in the salad.
¾ cup mayonnaise: Provides the creamy base for the dressing; choose halal-certified if needed or substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and depth to the dressing—make sure it has no wine vinegar for dietary preferences.
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Gives the dressing a bright, refreshing acidity.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds silkiness and helps blend the dressing smoothly.
1 teaspoon honey: Lends a gentle sweetness to balance the sharpness of lemon and mustard.
Salt and pepper to taste: To season the dressing perfectly.
1 teaspoon dried dill or 1 tablespoon fresh dill (optional): Enhances that classic garden-fresh flavor.

How to Make Ina Garten’s Shrimp Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cooking the Shrimp

Start by prepping your shrimp, which is really the star of Ina Garten’s Shrimp Salad Recipe. Peel and devein them if needed, then pat them dry for even cooking. Toss the shrimp with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until they’re fully coated—this seasoning mix brings layers of flavor that highlight the shrimp’s natural sweetness. Heat a skillet on medium-high, cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn a lovely pink and opaque, taking care not to overcook them. Once cooked, let them cool slightly then refrigerate for about 20 minutes so they’re perfectly chilled before mixing into the salad.

Step 2: Preparing the Vegetables

While the shrimp cools, it’s time to bring the salad to life with fresh, crisp vegetables. Dice the peeled cucumber and sweet red bell pepper into bite-sized pieces, then thinly slice the red onion for that perfect punch of zing. Don’t forget to slice the creamy avocado and sprinkle it with lemon juice to keep it lovely and fresh without browning. Chop your parsley and dill if you’re using it, then toss all these ingredients along with the mixed greens in a large bowl. This colorful combination sets a deliciously crunchy and refreshing base for the shrimp to shine on.

Step 3: Making the Dressing

The dressing in Ina Garten’s Shrimp Salad Recipe is what brings everything together with its creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet profile. Simply whisk together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option), Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and honey in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper, and add dill if you like the herby twist. Adjust the balance to your liking—adding more honey if you want a touch more sweetness or more lemon juice if you crave that extra zing. This dressing perfectly enhances every bite of shrimp and veggie.

Step 4: Assembling the Shrimp Salad

Now that the shrimp are chilled and your veggies are prepped, toss them all gently in the bowl together. Drizzle your freshly made dressing over the top, ensuring that it coats every ingredient evenly without weighing them down. Give everything a gentle stir to marry the flavors while keeping the textures intact. Transfer your vibrant shrimp salad to a beautiful serving platter or individual bowls for an inviting presentation that’s just begging to be eaten.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Shrimp Salad

This is the moment to savor the fruits of your labor! Whether you serve Ina Garten’s Shrimp Salad Recipe immediately or chill it for a short time to enjoy it cold, the beautiful balance of tender shrimp, crisp veggies, creamy dressing, and fresh herbs will make you feel like you’re dining in a chic bistro. It’s a dish that’s light but satisfying, simple yet sophisticated.

How to Serve Ina Garten’s Shrimp Salad Recipe

The image shows a bowl with cooked shrimp that are orange with some brown spots from seasoning. On top of the shrimp, there is a creamy, light yellow sauce with small green herbs mixed in. The sauce is being spread over the shrimp with a yellow spatula held by a woman's hand coming from the left side. The bowl is white with a greyish pattern inside, and it is placed on a white marbled surface. The lighting is natural, showing slight shadows. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate the salad even further, consider sprinkling a few extra fresh parsley or dill leaves on top for a bright pop of green and herbaceous aroma. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil over the finished salad adds a subtle richness and glossy finish that looks irresistible. You can also add some thin lemon wedges on the side to let everyone customize with fresh citrus if they wish.

Side Dishes

This shrimp salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of light sides—think crusty bread or warm pita for scooping, roasted new potatoes for heartiness, or a simple quinoa pilaf to round out the meal with grains. For a truly fresh feast, serve alongside grilled vegetables or a bright tomato and feta salad. These combinations will keep the meal balanced and bursting with flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Ina Garten’s Shrimp Salad Recipe looks stunning served directly in individual glass jars for a casual but elegant picnic or luncheon. You could also hollow out a few ripe avocados and fill them with the salad for a charming presentation that doubles the creamy avocado goodness. Another idea is to use crisp endive leaves or butter lettuce cups as edible spoons for beautiful finger food perfect for entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers of Ina Garten’s Shrimp Salad Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because of the fresh avocado and dressing, it’s best eaten within 1-2 days for optimal freshness and texture. Keep the shrimp and salad chilled, and stir gently before serving again.

Freezing

This salad is not ideal for freezing because the mayonnaise-based dressing and fresh vegetables would lose their texture once thawed. For best results, prepare the shrimp in advance and freeze separately if desired, then assemble the salad fresh when ready to serve.

Reheating

Reheating is not recommended for Ina Garten’s Shrimp Salad Recipe since the shrimp is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature and the salad components will lose their crispness. If you prefer to warm your shrimp, reheat lightly on the stove before combining with the salad ingredients and serving immediately.

FAQs

Can I substitute the mayonnaise in Ina Garten’s Shrimp Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! You can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter, tangier dressing. This swap works beautifully without compromising the creaminess or flavor.

Is it necessary to chill the shrimp before adding it to the salad?

Chilling the shrimp after cooking helps keep the salad crisp and refreshing. It also allows the flavors to meld nicely and ensures the shrimp doesn’t warm up the other ingredients.

Can I use frozen shrimp to make this salad?

Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before seasoning and cooking. This prevents excess water from diluting the flavors in your salad.

What can I use if I don’t have fresh dill?

Dried dill is a convenient substitute. Using about one-third of the amount in dried form works well without overpowering the dressing. You can also omit it if you’re not a fan.

How long does this shrimp salad stay fresh?

Stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, it’s best enjoyed within 1-2 days. The avocado and dressing make prolonged storage tricky as the avocado may brown and veggies can get soggy.

Final Thoughts

Ina Garten’s Shrimp Salad Recipe is genuinely one of those simple yet elegant dishes that never fails to impress. It combines fresh ingredients in a way that feels special but is so easy to make, perfect for any occasion where you want a light but satisfying meal. I encourage you to give this recipe a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again, sharing it with friends, and creating new favorite moments around this beautiful, flavorful salad.