By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on October 6, 2023 | Last Updated on October 6, 2023
Today we’re going to explore the magic of Costco’s Shrimp Salad recipe. This dish is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or just a refreshing lunch on a warm day. It’s packed with succulent shrimp, crisp veggies, and a creamy dressing that ties everything together beautifully. What’s more, it’s incredibly simple to whip up, even for those of you who are new to the kitchen.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into the creation of this delightful dish. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
What is Costco shrimp salad?
Costco shrimp salad is a light and flavorful dish that combines cooked shrimp, fresh vegetables, and a creamy dressing. The result is an impressive salad that’s full of crunchy texture and bright flavor. It’s perfect as a main course or served alongside other dishes at potluck gatherings or family dinners.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity -it requires minimal ingredients and can be put together in just a few minutes. Plus, you can easily adapt it to suit your tastes by adding different types of vegetables or adjusting the seasoning.
Why You’ll Love this Costco shrimp salad?
This Costco shrimp salad is a great option for when you’re looking for a tasty yet healthy meal. It’s packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals from the shrimp and vegetables and the creamy dressing ties everything together beautifully. Plus, it’s incredibly simple to make and can be ready in no time at all.
It’s also an excellent option if you’re looking for a dish to take to a potluck or family gathering. The vibrant colors and delicious flavors will be sure to impress your guests, and the simplicity of the recipe means you won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen.
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How Does It Taste Like?
This Costco shrimp salad has a light and refreshing flavor. The succulent shrimp is perfectly complemented by the crunchy vegetables, and the creamy dressing adds a delicious richness that ties everything together. Plus, you can easily adjust the seasoning to make it more or less spicy depending on your tastes.
Overall, this dish is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. The combination of the freshness and flavor makes it a great lunch or dinner option, no matter what time of day!
Ingredients
- Cooked Shrimp: The star of the dish. Shrimp brings a distinctive seafood flavor that is both delicate and satisfying. It’s also a great source of protein, making the salad more filling. In this recipe, the shrimp not only provides texture but also absorbs the flavors of the other ingredients.
- Old Bay Seasoning: This is a classic seafood seasoning blend that includes celery salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and paprika. It gives the salad a bit of a kick and adds depth to its overall flavor profile.
- Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise acts as the base of the dressing for this salad. It’s creamy and rich, which helps tie all the other ingredients together. It also helps to balance the tanginess of the lemon juice and the spiciness of the Old Bay seasoning.
- Salt and Pepper: These are essential seasonings in nearly every savory dish. They enhance the natural flavors of the other ingredients. In this recipe, they’re used to season the shrimp and the dressing.
- Lemon Juice: The acidity of the lemon juice helps cut through the richness of the mayonnaise, creating a balanced flavor profile. It also brightens up the flavors and complements the seafood taste of the shrimp very well.
- Chopped Celery: Celery adds a nice crunch to the salad, providing a contrast to the creaminess of the dressing and the tenderness of the shrimp. Its slightly sweet, fresh taste works well with the other more robust flavors.
Step by Step Directions
Step 1: Cook the Shrimp
Begin by preparing the shrimp. Place the shrimp in a pot of boiling water and generously season with salt and pepper. Allow them to cook until they turn opaque and are fully cooked through, which typically takes about 3 minutes.
Step 2: Cool and Drain Shrimp
To halt the cooking process and ensure your shrimp remains tender, transfer the cooked shrimp immediately to an ice bath. This rapid cooling technique helps lock in their delightful texture. After they’ve cooled sufficiently, drain the shrimp thoroughly using a colander.
Step 3: Prepare the Dressing
In a generously sized bowl, whisk together the key components of the dressing: mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This combination forms the flavorful foundation of your shrimp salad.
Step 4: Combine Shrimp and Celery
Integrate the now-cooled shrimp and finely chopped celery into the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together until the shrimp and celery are evenly coated with the creamy, zesty dressing. This step harmonizes all the flavors and textures.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your delicious shrimp salad is now ready to be savored. You can serve it either chilled for a refreshing twist or at room temperature for a comforting option. The choice is yours, but either way, prepare to enjoy a delightful dish that’s bursting with the flavors of the sea and the freshness of celery.
Tips
- Make sure to use fresh or frozen shrimp that has not been previously cooked. This will ensure the dish tastes its best.
- If possible, buy wild-caught shrimp as they tend to have the best flavor and texture.
- For a lighter version of the salad, you can replace some of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Expand the crunch of the salad by adding other crunchy vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers.
- For extra zing, add a dash of hot sauce to your dressing.
- Make this salad ahead and let it sit overnight in the fridge for maximum flavor.
Nutrition Information
How to store Costco shrimp salad?
Costco Shrimp Salad is best served chilled, so it’s important to store it properly. To ensure the salad stays fresh and flavorful, you should keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan on consuming the salad further out than that, freezing is your best bet — just allow it to thaw before serving. Additionally
When it comes to storing leftover shrimp, it’s important to keep them in the refrigerator. They should be stored in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and can last up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 6 months. Just be sure to thaw them before using them again.
What other substitute can I use in Costco shrimp salad?
- If you’re looking for a lighter option, try substituting the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- To make the salad vegan, replace the mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative such as veganaise.
- Refresh your salad by adding a handful of fresh herbs such as parsley or dill to brighten up the flavors.- For more crunch, experiment with other crunchy vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers.
- If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can swap it out for cooked chicken or tuna. Both will give the salad a nice protein boost.
- To make it into an entree, consider adding some quinoa or rice to the mix. This will make the salad more filling and substantial.
- For a touch of sweetness, try adding dried cranberries or chopped apples to the mix.
- If you want an extra kick, add a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- Add some freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a cheesy twist on the classic shrimp salad.
Costco Shrimp Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds cooked shrimp
- 2 tsp of Old Bay seasoning
- 2 cups of mayonnaise
- Salt and pepper
- 4 tbsp of lemon juice
- 2 cups of chopped celery.
Instructions
- Boil the shrimp in seasoned water until they turn opaque and fully cooked, about 3 minutes.
- Quickly cool the cooked shrimp in an ice bath and then drain them using a colander.
- Whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, salt, and pepper in a large bowl to create the dressing.
- Add the cooled shrimp and chopped celery to the dressing. Gently toss to coat everything evenly.
- Your delicious shrimp salad is ready to enjoy, either chilled or at room temperature. Savor the flavors of the sea and the freshness of celery.
Notes
- Make sure to use fresh or frozen shrimp that has not been previously cooked. This will ensure the dish tastes its best.
- If possible, buy wild-caught shrimp as they tend to have the best flavor and texture.
- For a lighter version of the salad, you can replace some of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Expand the crunch of the salad by adding other crunchy vegetables such as carrots or bell peppers.
- For extra zing, add a dash of hot sauce to your dressing.
- Make this salad ahead and let it sit overnight in the fridge for maximum flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I make Costco Shrimp Salad vegan?
A: Yes, you can! To make the salad vegan, simply replace the mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative such as veganaise. This is an easy and delicious way to enjoy this classic seafood dish without using any animal products.
Q: Is Costco shrimp salad healthy?
A: Yes, Costco shrimp salad is a healthy option as it’s packed with protein from the shrimp and is low in calories. Using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise can also help to reduce the calorie count. Additionally, adding crunchy vegetables like carrots or bell peppers can provide essential vitamins and minerals for a more nutritious dish.
Q: Can I make Costco shrimp salad ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Costco shrimp salad tastes best when made ahead of time and left to marinate in the fridge overnight. This allows the flavors of the dressing to sink in, creating a more flavorful dish. If you plan on freezing your Costco shrimp salad, make sure to let it thaw before serving. Enjoy!
Conclusion
Costco shrimp salad is a delicious and healthy dish that’s easy to make. With the right combination of ingredients, you can create a flavorful and nutritious meal that your entire family will enjoy. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing or hearty and comforting, this dish is sure to please. So don’t hesitate — get creative and mix it up with different ingredients for a tasty twist on the classic.
Also, do give us your feedback regarding this recipe, and don’t forget to share it with your friends and family.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
