The Best Old Bay Shrimp Salad Recipe

The Old Bay Shrimp Salad is a classic seafood dish known for its simple prep and bold flavors, combining juicy shrimp with a creamy dressing mixed with Old Bay seasoning. The key the perfect salad lies in the tender shrimp and the rich, creamy dressing made from mayonnaise and a hint of tangy lemon juice.

The addition of Old Bay seasoning makes this shrimp salad delicious and unique. This blend of herbs and spices adds various flavors, giving each bite a mix of savory, spicy, and slightly sweet. The salad includes crunchy and fresh ingredients, such as celery and red onion, adding texture to the dish.

Old Bay Shrimp Salad is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it on its own, in a sandwich, or on top of greens. Its delicious flavors and simple preparation make it perfect for quick lunches or fancy gatherings.

Since you are here and love protein-themed salad recipes, check out this Jason's Deli Chicken Salad Recipe.

Ingredients for this Old Bay Shrimp Salad Recipe

Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements.

• Cooked Shrimp: offers a bit of a sweet and briny flavor that pairs well with Old Bay. They're firm, yet tender, which holds up perfectly in this salad recipe. I recommend using peeled and deveined shrimp.
• Mayonnaise: is used as the creamy base for this shrimp recipe. Mayo has a tangy flavor that pairs well with the shrimp and the seasonings. 
• Lemon Juice: brightens up the recipe a bit with a fresh, acidic flavor. It also helps with balancing the salty and rich flavors of this shrimp salad. 
• Old Bay Seasoning: is full of savory, spicy and a tad bit sweet flavors. It pairs well with the shrimp by enhancing the flavors without overwhelming them. 
• Celery: adds a satisfying crunch that pairs well with the softness of the shrimp and creaminess of the mayo. 
• Red Onion: adds a savory flavor that pairs well with the sweet shrimp and tangy lemon juice. It also adds a bit of color to the recipe. 
• Fresh Dill: has a fresh and slightly sweet flavor. 
• Salt and Black Pepper: enhance the flavors of the recipe while adding just a hint of spice. 

How to make this easy Shrimp Salad recipe

Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the full step-by-step instructions.

1. In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, Old Bay seasoning, crisp celery, and red onion. Mix well.
2. Chop the shrimp into bite-sized pieces and add them to the bowl. Stir gently to coat the shrimp with the dressing.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled, garnished with fresh dill if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

What is Old Bay Seasoning?

Old Bay is a popular seasoning blend with a unique flavor. It includes celery salt, paprika, mustard, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, bay leaves, cloves, allspice, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and salt. This delicious combination is perfect for enhancing your favorite seafood dishes and giving them a little kick.

What type of shrimp should I use for my Old Bay Shrimp Salad?

I like to use medium to jumbo shrimp for this recipe. I recommend using wild-caught raw shrimp as I have found the flavor of the shrimp salad turns out better. 

Can I use frozen shrimp? 

Of course! Frozen shrimp is a great option as long as it is properly thawed before cooking. To thaw your frozen shrimp, you can either place it in the fridge overnight or run it under cold water until fully thawed. While frozen shrimp can be more convenient, fresh shrimp tends to have a better flavor and texture.

How do I cook shrimp?

To cook shrimp on the stove, simply add them to a pot of lightly salted, boiling water. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn pink and opaque. Then, transfer the shrimp to an ice bath to stop the cooking process and prevent them from becoming rubbery.

Can I make a healthier version of this Shrimp Salad? 

It's easy to make a healthier version of this recipe by swapping out the mayo for Greek yogurt, which adds more protein and a tangy flavor to the salad.

What can I do if my salad is too salty?

If your salad is too salty, add a splash more of lemon juice. The lemon juice should help balance the flavors. To prevent your shrimp salad from becoming too salty, always measure your Old Bay and use only a small amount of salt when boiling your shrimp. Shrimp absorb flavors very well, so using too much salt in the boiling water can make your salad too salty.

Can I serve my Shrimp Salad warm?

This recipe is typically served chilled, but you can also enjoy it warm, especially if the shrimp is freshly cooked. Keep in mind that the flavors meld together over time in the fridge, so they might not be as combined if you're eating it right after making it.

How can I serve my Shrimp Salad? 

Shrimp Salad Sandwiches: Use fresh tomatoes and either white bread or a buttery croissant for a quick lunch.
Refreshing Salad: Place your shrimp salad on top of a bed of lettuce for the perfect lunch or a light supper.
Lettuce Cups: Fill lettuce cups with your creamy shrimp salad for a great to-go option.
Crackers or Chips: Use your shrimp salad as a tasty appetizer by serving it on top of crackers or as a dip for chips.

How should my Old Bay Shrimp Salad be stored?

Store your shrimp salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. I do not recommend freezing this salad as it contains mayonnaise. Mayonnaise-based salads have a tendency to separate when thawing, which will change the texture of your salad.

The Best Old Bay Shrimp Salad Recipe