I just whipped up a batch of this Costco Shrimp Salad Recipe, and my kitchen already feels like summer.

The crisp crunch of celery, the pop of fresh shrimp, and the creamy, zesty dressing make it the perfect light lunch.

It reminds me of those amazing salads from the Costco deli, but I love that I can make it at home and tweak the flavors just how I like them.

This recipe is so quick and refreshing; it’s definitely going to be my go-to for potlucks and sunny-day meals from now on.

Ingredients

This recipe brings together simple, fresh ingredients for a classic and creamy salad.

2 lbs jumbo shrimp: Use peeled and deveined shrimp to save time. Frozen shrimp works great, just be sure to thaw it properly.
1 cup mayonnaise: A high-quality mayo will make a noticeable difference in the creaminess and flavor of the dressing.
1 lemon: You’ll use both the zest and juice, which adds a bright, fresh acidity that cuts through the richness of the mayo.
2 tablespoons fresh dill: Fresh herbs are key. Dried dill doesn’t have the same vibrant, zesty flavor.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: This gives the dressing a subtle, tangy kick without being overpowering.
2 ribs celery: Finely chopped celery provides that essential, refreshing crunch.
2 tablespoons red onion: Make sure to finely chop the onion so its flavor disperses evenly without being too sharp in any one bite.
1 garlic clove: Mince it very finely to ensure it blends seamlessly into the dressing.
Salt and pepper: Use to taste to bring all the flavors together.

Note: This recipe makes enough for about 6 servings.

Variations

Feel free to get creative and adjust this recipe to your liking.

Make it spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the dressing for a little heat.
Add some avocado: Gently fold in one diced avocado just before serving for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
Protein boost: Stir in some chopped hard-boiled eggs for an even heartier salad.
Herb variations: Not a fan of dill? Fresh parsley or chives work beautifully as substitutes.
Lighter dressing: Swap out half the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt to create a tangier, lower-fat version.

Cooking Time

This salad comes together in no time for a quick and easy meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Equipment you need

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to prepare this simple salad.

Large Pot: For boiling the shrimp until they are perfectly pink and tender.
Large Bowl: To mix all the ingredients together and create the finished salad.
Slotted Spoon or Skimmer: For safely removing the cooked shrimp from the boiling water.
Colander: To drain the shrimp after they have cooled in the ice bath.
Knife and Cutting Board: For chopping the fresh vegetables and herbs.

How to Make Costco Shrimp Salad Recipe?

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious and refreshing shrimp salad that tastes just like the deli classic. From preparing the creamy dressing to chilling the perfectly cooked shrimp, this process is straightforward and quick. The result is a vibrant, flavorful salad perfect for any occasion.

Step 1: Make the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice and zest, chopped dill, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Whisk everything together until the dressing is smooth and creamy. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then set the bowl aside while you prepare the shrimp.

Step 2: Cook and Chill the Shrimp

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. While the water is heating, prepare an ice water bath in a separate large bowl. Add the shrimp to the boiling water and cook for just 2 to 3 minutes, until they turn pink and opaque. Immediately use a skimmer to transfer the cooked shrimp into the ice bath. This stops the cooking process and keeps them tender. Let them cool for about 3 minutes, then drain them well in a colander.

Step 3: Combine and Chill

Pat the cooled shrimp dry with a paper towel to remove any excess water, which helps the dressing adhere better. Add the shrimp to the bowl with the prepared dressing. Fold in the finely chopped celery and red onion. Stir everything gently until the shrimp and vegetables are evenly coated in the creamy dressing. For the best flavor, cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

After making this a few times, I’ve picked up some tricks that really elevate the final dish.

I find that roughly chopping the shrimp into bite-sized pieces makes the salad much easier to eat, especially when serving it in sandwiches or wraps.
Don’t skip the ice bath! I learned this is crucial for preventing the shrimp from becoming rubbery and ensures they have that perfect firm, snappy texture.
To avoid a watery salad, I always make sure to pat the shrimp and celery very dry with paper towels before mixing them into the dressing.
Letting the salad chill for at least 30 minutes really does make a difference. It allows all the flavors in the dressing to meld together and fully infuse the shrimp.
For a touch of extra flavor, I sometimes add a teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning to the dressing. It gives the salad a classic, savory seafood flavor that’s hard to resist.

How to Serve Costco Shrimp Salad Recipe?

This versatile salad can be served in many delicious ways. For a classic lunch, spoon it into a croissant or onto toasted brioche bread for a delightful shrimp salad sandwich. It also makes a fantastic light meal when served in crisp butter lettuce cups or scooped onto a bed of mixed greens. For an elegant appetizer, serve a small scoop on crackers or cucumber slices.

Nutritional Information

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving for this recipe.

Calories: ~370 kcal
Protein: 21g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fat: 30g

Make Ahead and Storage

Proper storage ensures your shrimp salad stays fresh and delicious.

Making Ahead:
You can prepare the dressing and cook the shrimp up to a day in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Combine everything with the fresh veggies right before you plan to serve it for the best texture.

Storing:
Store any leftover shrimp salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Be sure not to leave it at room temperature for more than two hours, especially on a warm day.

Freezing:
Freezing is not recommended for this shrimp salad. The mayonnaise-based dressing will separate upon thawing, and the celery will lose its crispness, resulting in a watery and unappealing texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Here are a few reasons why this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

Incredibly Quick and Easy: With minimal cooking and simple prep, this entire salad comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a fast lunch or dinner.
Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of zesty lemon, fresh dill, and crisp vegetables creates a bright, refreshing flavor profile that is absolutely delicious.
So Versatile: You can serve it as a sandwich, a wrap, over a salad, or with crackers, making it adaptable for any meal or occasion.
Perfect for Parties: This recipe is easy to double for a crowd and is always a hit at potlucks, picnics, and summer barbecues. It’s a dish that looks impressive but requires little effort.