Shrimp salad is a timeless classic, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal. Its creamy texture and refreshing flavors make it an excellent choice for a luncheon. But how do you serve shrimp salad to elevate it from a simple dish to a luncheon star? Whether you’re hosting a formal gathering or a casual get-together, understanding how to present and pair shrimp salad can transform your luncheon into a memorable culinary experience.
The completed shrimp salad recipe served in white bowl.
Creative and Classic Ways to Serve Shrimp Salad at Your Luncheon
The beauty of shrimp salad lies in its versatility. It can be served in numerous ways, adapting to the style and formality of your luncheon. Here are some inspiring ideas to consider:
1. Elegant Croissant Sandwiches: For a touch of French flair, serve your shrimp salad in buttery, flaky croissants. The richness of the croissant complements the light and fresh shrimp salad beautifully. Consider adding a bed of baby spinach or lettuce for added texture and visual appeal.
2. Refreshing Lettuce Wraps: If you’re looking for a lighter, gluten-free option, lettuce wraps are an excellent choice. Spoon the shrimp salad into crisp lettuce cups like romaine or butter lettuce. This is a refreshing and healthy way to enjoy shrimp salad, perfect for a warm day luncheon.
3. Mini Bites on Crackers or Cucumber Rounds: For a more appetizer-style luncheon, serve small portions of shrimp salad on crackers or cucumber rounds. Water crackers or artisan crackers provide a neutral base, while cucumber rounds offer a refreshing crunch and lightness. This is ideal for a mingling luncheon or as a starter before a light meal.
4. Shrimp Salad Salad Platter: Create a beautiful and bountiful salad platter by placing a generous scoop of shrimp salad in the center and surrounding it with fresh salad greens, cherry tomatoes, avocado slices, and hard-boiled eggs. This presentation is visually appealing and allows guests to customize their plate.
5. Pita Pockets or Sliders for a Casual Gathering: For a more relaxed luncheon, pita pockets or slider buns are great options. Stuff warm pita pockets with shrimp salad and your favorite toppings like sprouts, shredded carrots, or a drizzle of lemon vinaigrette. Slider buns offer a mini-sandwich option, perfect for casual mingling.
6. Avocado Halves Filled with Shrimp Salad: For a sophisticated and healthy presentation, halve avocados and remove the pit. Fill the cavity with a generous portion of shrimp salad. The creamy avocado pairs wonderfully with the shrimp salad, creating a rich and satisfying dish.
The Essential Restaurant-Style Shrimp Salad Recipe
No matter how you choose to serve it, the foundation of a perfect luncheon shrimp salad is a delicious recipe. This restaurant-style shrimp salad recipe is easy to make and guaranteed to impress your guests.
Ingredients required to make the recipe prepared in bowls on a cutting board.
Yields: 4 servings
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Cooling time: 2 hours
Ingredients:
- 1 pound raw jumbo shrimp (26-30 size), shell on
- 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
- 2 stalks celery, finely diced
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1-2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning (for the salad)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions:
- Thaw the shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, thaw them in cold running water until fully defrosted. Alternatively, thaw them overnight in a covered bowl in the refrigerator.
- Cook the shrimp: Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning to the boiling water.
- Add the thawed shrimp to the boiling water and cook until the water returns to a boil and the shrimp are pink and opaque, about 5-6 minutes for 26-30 size shrimp. Avoid overcooking, as it can make the shrimp tough.
- Chill the shrimp: Drain the water from the pan and immediately transfer the cooked shrimp to a bowl filled with ice water. This ice bath stops the cooking process and helps the shrimp cool quickly. Let them cool in the ice bath for 15 minutes, then remove and place them in the refrigerator to chill completely for at least one hour, or even overnight.
- Prepare the shrimp: Once chilled, peel and devein the shrimp. Roughly chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces. You want to keep them substantial to showcase the quality of the shrimp.
- Make the shrimp salad: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, diced celery, mayonnaise, 1-2 teaspoons of Old Bay seasoning (adjust to your taste), and sugar. Mix gently but thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the shrimp salad for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and develop. This chilling time is crucial for the best flavor.
- Serve your restaurant-style shrimp salad in your chosen presentation style for your luncheon and enjoy!
Shrimp and ice in a large bowl.
Tips for Luncheon Shrimp Salad Success
- Choose High-Quality Shrimp: Since shrimp is the star, opt for good quality jumbo shrimp. Fresh or properly thawed frozen shrimp will both work well. Look for shrimp in the 26-30 size range for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Overcooked shrimp can be rubbery. Cook just until pink and opaque. The ice bath helps prevent overcooking.
- Chill Thoroughly: Chilling the shrimp and the finished salad is key for flavor and texture. Plan ahead to allow adequate chilling time.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Shrimp salad is a fantastic make-ahead dish. You can prepare it a day in advance, which makes luncheon day preparations much easier. The flavors often meld even better overnight.
- Customize Your Flavors: Feel free to customize the shrimp salad to your liking. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness, Dijon mustard for a tangy kick, fresh dill or parsley for herbaceous notes, or finely diced red onion or green onion for extra flavor dimension.
By following these serving ideas and this delicious recipe, you’ll be well-equipped to serve a truly outstanding shrimp salad at your next luncheon. Your guests will be impressed by the flavorful dish and your thoughtful presentation. Enjoy the process of creating a delightful and memorable luncheon experience!
Ingredients in a stainless steel bowl before mixing.
