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What Type of Salad Dressing Goes With Shrimp? (11 Dressings)

Hey, there shrimp lovers!

You’re in for a real treat today.

I know you love shrimp and it’s so versatile, you can put it in pretty much anything – salads, sandwiches, or just enjoy it plain with a bit of lemon juice.

But if you want to take your dish to the next level then what do you need?

The answer is simple: the perfect salad dressing!

The right combination of salty, sweet, tangy, and creamy can make all the difference when creating an unforgettable meal.

But with so many types of dressing out there to choose from, how are you supposed to know which one will work best?

Don’t worry – I’m here to help!

In this blog post, I’ll be walking you through 11 delicious dressings that pair perfectly with freshly cooked shrimp.

Read Also: How Long To Cook Prawns

Classic Shrimp Salad

We’ll also include some tips on serving size and preparation tricks so that your next dinner (or lunch!) will impress even the most discerning palates.

Let’s dive into our tastebud adventure!

Lemon Vinaigrette

Lemon vinaigrette is a classic choice for shrimp salads, and it’s no wonder why. Not only does the tartness of the lemon add an extra zing to the salad, but its mild acidity also complements the delicate flavor of the shrimp perfectly.

When making a lemon vinaigrette dressing from scratch, start with a base of olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice (a 1:1 ratio works well). Then season with salt and pepper to taste – you can also add diced garlic or herbs like parsley if desired.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing up your classic recipe by adding some honey or dijon mustard. The sweetness of honey pairs wonderfully with the briny taste of shrimp while dijon mustard adds an interesting contrast in texture and flavor that really brings out all the best aspects of this seafood salad delicacy.

Either way, you’ll love how quickly this simple yet delicious dressing comes together!

Caesar Dressing

Caesar dressing is a classic choice for salads, and it pairs wonderfully with shrimp. The creamy texture of the dressing contrasts nicely with the crunchiness of the lettuce in your salad! Plus, this dressing has a great flavor that will enhance any type of shrimp you put in your salad.

Not to mention, Caesar dressing is typically made with a combination of anchovies, Parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, and garlic – which means you don’t have to worry about adding extra seasonings or spices as it’s already seasoned perfectly! For an even tastier option, you can add croutons for some added crunch.

Balsamic Vinaigrette

If you are looking for a classic, yet flavorful dressing to pair with shrimp, balsamic vinaigrette is a great option. This type of dressing is made from olive oil and balsamic vinegar and has a slightly tart flavor that I love.

It’s easy to make your own balsamic vinaigrette at home by combining 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 3 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1 minced garlic clove, and some salt and pepper in the jar or bowl. Shake or whisk until combined. You can also add some honey if you want it sweeter.

I usually pour this salad dressing over my salad before adding the cooked shrimp on top so they absorb all the delicious flavors from the sauce! Plus, it looks so pretty when everything comes together!

Thousand Island Dressing

Thousand Island dressing is a classic choice for shrimp salads. It’s creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet – perfect for balancing out the delicate flavor of cooked shrimp.

This type of dressing typically combines mayonnaise, ketchup or tomato paste, sweet pickle relish, and spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Some variations also include horseradish or Worcestershire sauce to give it an extra kick.

It pairs well with crunchy greens like lettuce or spinach as well as cooked vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or carrots. You can also add an extra flavor kick by topping your salad with crumbled bacon bits!

Ranch Dressing

Hey, ranch fans! If you’re looking to add some depth and creaminess to your shrimp salad, ranch dressing is definitely the way to go.

This classic American dressing pairs fantastically with shrimp and a variety of other ingredients – from hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, and bacon bits for a traditional Cobb Salad or even a simple side salad with cucumber slices.

Ranch dressing gives salads that extra-creamy punch without overpowering the natural flavor of the shrimp. Plus, having it as part of your meal can make it feel more complete and satisfying – so don’t be afraid to use ranch when creating delicious dishes with prawns!

French Dressing

If you’re looking for a classic dressing to go with your shrimp salad, then French dressing is the way to go! This zesty and tangy dressing pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of shrimp.

It’s also a great option if you want something lighter than creamy dressings like ranch or blue cheese.

The main ingredients in French dressing are usually an oil such as canola or olive oil, vinegar, tomato paste or ketchup, garlic powder, onion powder, and sugar.

You can buy store-bought versions of this classic condiment that are already pre-made for convenience. If you want to make your own homemade version at home though, it’s quite easy – just combine all the ingredients until you have your desired consistency!

Honey Mustard Dressing

Honey mustard dressing is a great choice to pair with shrimp! This tangy, sweet, and savory dressing can take your salad to the next level.

The combination of honey and Dijon mustard creates an amazing flavor that complements the shrimp perfectly. Try adding some red onions or scallions for extra crunch, or a few nuts such as pistachios or cashews for texture and nuttiness.

If you want something more exotic, try swapping out the Dijon mustard for Mango Chutney Mustard! It adds an Indian twist to the classic honey mustard taste.

You can also make your own honey mustard dressing easily with just a few ingredients – all you need is some mayonnaise, dijon or yellow mustard, white vinegar, lemon juice, garlic powder or minced garlic cloves, and lastly some honey. Mix them all up in a bowl until combined and add them to your salad!

Ginger Dressing

Shrimp salads are a great way to up your salad game and adding ginger dressing is an obvious winner. It adds a hint of sweetness and zingy bite that goes perfectly with the seafood flavor of the shrimp.

The dressing itself needs only a few simple ingredients: rice wine vinegar, honey or maple syrup for sweetness, grated fresh ginger for that spicy yet comforting taste, sesame oil, lots of freshly ground pepper and sea salt flakes to really bring out all the flavors.

With just these ingredients you can make a delicious dressing that will bring life to any salad dish.

Apart from its amazing flavor profile, ginger has many health benefits as well such as helping with digestion and reducing inflammation – so it’s actually good for you!

Sesame Dressing

If you like a bit of crunch and nuttiness in your salad, sesame dressing is the way to go. It’s made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, honey or sugar, and some salt.

The flavor of this dressing is subtle but definitely noticeable – it can bring out the sweetness of shrimp while adding an Asian flair to any dish. The slight nuttiness from the sesame oil compliments seafood so nicely that you’ll find yourself craving it often!

When making a shrimp salad with this dressing, I suggest pairing it with other fresh ingredients such as cucumbers, carrots, and avocado. This will create amazing flavors and textures in every bite!

Cilantro Lime Dressing

Cilantro lime dressing is a great way to add some zesty flavor to your shrimp salad! This dressing combines cilantro, olive oil, garlic, lime juice, and other spices for a flavorful combination that really brings the dish together.

Plus it’s incredibly easy to make – just combine all the ingredients in a blender or food processor and you’re done!

If you want it a bit spicier, feel free to add some jalapenos or chili flakes. Yum! It’s also vegan-friendly since there are no dairy products needed. To enhance the taste even more, try adding some avocado or mango as well as additional herbs like parsley or basil. Delicious!

Blue Cheese Dressing

Ah, blue cheese dressing! It’s one of my personal favorites and I think it goes perfectly with shrimp salad.

The tangy and slightly sweet flavor of blue cheese works really well with the delicate flavor of cooked shrimp. If you’re looking for an extra creamy flavor, then this is definitely the dressing for you!

When pairing blue cheese dressing with a shrimp salad, I recommend adding some other complementary ingredients such as bacon bits or crumbled walnuts to add additional texture and flavors that will make your dish even more interesting.

Finally, top it all off with some freshly cracked black pepper, and voila – you have a delicious lunch or dinner ready in no time!

Why Use A Salad Dressing With Shrimp?

Salads are the perfect way to enjoy shrimp in a delicious and healthy way. But why use a salad dressing with shrimp? Well, let me tell you!

Salad dressings can really bring out the flavor of the shrimp while adding depth and complexity to your dish. Using an acidic-based dressing like lemon vinaigrette or balsamic vinaigrette will provide just enough tartness to complement the sweetness of the shrimp. Creamier dressings like Caesar, Ranch, and Thousand Island work great for salads that need more richness or creaminess.

Dressings made with herbs and spices also pair well with shrimp – think French, Honey Mustard, Ginger, Sesame, Cilantro Lime, or Blue Cheese dressings! These types of dressings will give your salad a unique flair while bringing out even more flavor from the succulent seafood.

Classic Shrimp Salad

What Type of Salad Dressing Goes With Shrimp? (11 Dressings)

Salads are a great way to get your veggies in, and adding shrimp makes them even more delicious. But what type of dressing should you use? In this article, I'm sharing 11 of the best dressings to pair with shrimp. From creamy dressings to vinaigrettes, I'm sure you'll find the perfect accompaniment for your next salad.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Dressing
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 351 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Lemon Vinaigrette
  • Caesar Dressing
  • Balsamic Vinaigrette
  • Thousand Island Dressing
  • Ranch Dressing
  • French Dressing
  • Honey Mustard Dressing
  • Ginger Dressing
  • Sesame Dressing
  • Cilantro Lime Dressing
  • Blue Cheese Dressing

Instructions
 

  • Select your favorite recipe.
  • Organize all the required ingredients.
  • Prep a salad dressing in 30 minutes or less!
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Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.