Southerners know this is an essential seafood recipe.

Why Do Southerners Love Shrimp Salad?

To Southerners, a great shrimp salad recipe is as important as cornbread or gravy.

Southern Living Shrimp Salad on a platter to serve with a glass of beer and lemon wedges

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

That’s because there’s very rarely a time when a perfectly-made shrimp salad can’t be deployed.

Last-minute lunch for you and a friend?

Serve shrimp salad with a fresh salad or fruit salad.

Shrimp Salad in lettuce cups - Southern Living

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Styling: Torie Cox

Hosting some neighbors for a game night?

Bring out the shrimp salad and croissant or hot dog buns for a quick shrimp salad roll.

Do not freeze shrimp salad.

Southern Living Shrimp Salad Ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

It will not thaw well; the dressing will likely separate.

More Shrimp Recipes

Craving more ways to cook shrimp?

Consider these ideas:

Additional reporting byKimberly Holland.

Southern Living Shrimp Salad bringing the water up to a boil

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Bring to a boil over high.

Fill a large bowl halfway with ice, and add enough cold water to make ice float.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer shrimp to ice water; let stand 10 minutes.

Southern Living Shrimp Salad cooking the shrimp

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Drain and pat dry.

Coarsely chop shrimp, if desired.

Southern Living Shrimp Salad letting the shrimp cool in ice water

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Shrimp Salad mixing together the dressing ingredients

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox

Southern Living Shrimp Salad stirring together the shrimp and dressing

Credit:Caitlin Bensel; Food Stylist: Torie Cox