Refreshing Greek Shrimp Salad Recipe for a Mediterranean Escape

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Indulging in a Greek Shrimp Salad is like taking a mini-vacation to the Mediterranean without needing sunscreen or a passport. Imagine vibrant, juicy shrimp dancing among crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and zesty feta cheese, all drizzled with a tangy lemon dressing that makes your taste buds sing. You can almost hear the waves lapping at the shore as you take your first bite.

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This salad isn’t just for fancy dinner parties or summer picnics; it’s the perfect way to elevate your lunch game. Picture yourself enjoying this colorful bowl of goodness while mentally high-fiving yourself for making such a delicious choice. It’s fresh, it’s light, and let’s be honest—it looks great on Instagram too.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Greek Shrimp Salad combines ease with flavor-packed ingredients for an unforgettable meal experience
  • The dish is visually stunning and versatile enough to serve as a main course or side dish
  • You can whip it up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings
  • It’s healthy and satisfying, keeping everyone coming back for seconds!

I remember the first time I made this Greek Shrimp Salad; my friends couldn’t stop raving about it. They insisted I should start a food blog—little did I know that wish would lead me here!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp work perfectly; just make sure they are peeled and deveined for easy cooking.

  • Cucumbers: Choose firm cucumbers to add crunch and freshness; English cucumbers are often my go-to.

  • Cherry Tomatoes: These little gems burst with sweetness and color; cut them in half for an appealing look.

  • Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds a sharp bite; soak them in cold water for 10 minutes if you prefer milder flavors.

  • Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta provides creamy richness; opt for authentic Greek feta if possible for superior flavor.

  • Kalamata Olives: Their briny flavor enhances the salad’s Mediterranean vibe; pitted olives save you from any unexpected surprises!

  • Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil; it elevates the dressing’s taste significantly.

  • Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens all the flavors and gives that essential tang.

  • Oregano: Dried or fresh oregano adds a classic Mediterranean touch; feel free to sprinkle generously!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Recipe preparation for Greek Shrimp Salad

How to Make Greek Shrimp Salad

Prepare the Shrimp: Start by rinsing your shrimp under cool water before patting them dry with paper towels. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the shrimp to the pan and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook them until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Chop Your Vegetables: While your shrimp sizzle away, chop up those crunchy cucumbers, slice the cherry tomatoes in half, and finely chop that red onion. Toss everything into a large mixing bowl as you go along; no need for perfection here!

Mix Up the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together remaining olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined. Don’t worry if it gets messy—cooking should be fun!

Toss It All Together: Once your shrimp are cooked through and slightly cooled, add them to the bowl of veggies along with crumbled feta cheese and Kalamata olives. Drizzle your homemade dressing over everything and gently toss until all ingredients are well-coated.

Chill Before Serving: For best results (and flavor), let your salad chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes before serving. This allows all those fabulous flavors to mingle together beautifully.

Enjoy your refreshing Greek Shrimp Salad straight from the bowl or plated elegantly—either way, it’s going to steal the show!

You Must Know

  • This delightful Greek shrimp salad is not just fresh; it’s an explosion of flavors
  • The combination of herbs and citrus makes every bite feel like a Mediterranean vacation
  • You can easily adapt it for whatever seafood or veggies you have on hand, ensuring variety in your meals

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the shrimp to infuse flavor. While it marinates, chop your veggies and prepare the dressing for maximum efficiency.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap shrimp with grilled chicken or add avocado for creaminess. Experiment with your favorite herbs for a unique twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Enjoy cold or at room temperature for best flavor.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • Use fresh ingredients for vibrant flavor; stale produce can dull the dish
  • Don’t rush marinating; even 30 minutes enhances the shrimp’s taste significantly
  • Always taste before serving; adjusting seasoning can elevate your salad further!

Sometimes I whip up this Greek shrimp salad and enjoy a spontaneous picnic in my backyard. Friends rave about it, making me feel like a culinary superstar!

FAQ

Can I use frozen shrimp for Greek shrimp salad?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating them.

How long should I marinate the shrimp?

Marinate the shrimp for at least 30 minutes, but overnight works wonders too.

What vegetables work best in this salad?

Cucumbers, tomatoes, and bell peppers are fantastic choices to enhance freshness and crunch.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Greek Shrimp Salad


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  • Author: Jennifer
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Indulge in a refreshing Greek Shrimp Salad that transports you straight to the Mediterranean with every bite. This vibrant dish features succulent shrimp, crisp cucumbers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese, all drizzled with a zesty lemon dressing. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner, this salad is not only visually stunning but also easy to prepare in under 30 minutes. Enjoy it fresh or chilled and elevate your meal experience with its delightful flavors.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb fresh or frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup cucumbers, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Rinse shrimp under cool water and pat dry. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
  2. In a large bowl, combine chopped cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together remaining olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  4. Add cooked shrimp to the vegetable mixture along with feta cheese and olives. Drizzle dressing over the top and toss gently.
  5. Chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes before serving for enhanced flavors.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 670mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 170mg

 

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