How to Make the Perfect Shrimp Salad Sandwich

A Shrimp Salad Sandwich isn’t probably something you eat very often. That, however, does not mean that you should have it asap! This Shrimp Salad Sandwich surprised me. I knew it was going to be good, but I didn’t think it would be THIS good. The shrimp are slightly sweet and go amazing with the creamy mayonnaise and freshness from the herbs.

A shrimp salad sandwich is a delicious and easy lunch or light dinner option. Cold, tender shrimp mixed with crunchy celery and creamy mayo makes for a tasty sandwich filling. As a recipe developer and food blogger, I’ve experimented to come up with the ideal combination of ingredients and techniques for making these sandwiches at home.

In this article, I’ll share my tips for making foolproof shrimp salad that can be used to stuff sandwiches, wrap in lettuce, or eat on its own. You’ll also learn the best way to construct the sandwiches for maximum flavor and texture in every bite. Let’s dive in!

Why Make Shrimp Salad Sandwiches

There are so many reasons to love shrimp salad sandwiches:

  • They’re fast to make with simple ingredients

  • Shrimp salad fills you up without weighing you down

  • The shrimp provides protein while the mayo adds healthy fats

  • They transport well in lunches or picnic baskets

  • You can customize with different seasonings and mix-ins

  • Both kids and adults enjoy these tasty sandwiches

Shrimp salad also makes excellent lettuce wraps, crackers topping, or a dip for veggies. But slathered on bread is one of the most satisfying ways to enjoy it.

Tips for Making Tasty Shrimp Salad

Follow these tips for full-flavored shrimp salad that really shines:

  • Use chilled shrimp – Cooked shrimp right from the fridge provides the best texture.

  • Cook shrimp properly – Don’t overcook or they’ll be rubbery. Cook just until pink.

  • Dice shrimp – Cutting into small pieces makes them easier to bite and chew in the salad.

  • Add crunchy veggies – Celery, onion, bell pepper add nice contrasting crunch.

  • Flavor with herbs – Dill, parsley, tarragon, and chives give it a flavor boost.

  • Brighten with citrus – A squeeze of lemon or lime juice perks it up.

  • Season generously – It needs a good amount of salt and pepper to taste best.

  • Chill before serving – Letting it rest in the fridge allows flavors to meld.

Shrimp Salad Sandwich Ingredients

To make about 3 cups of shrimp salad, you’ll need:

  • 1 pound cooked, peeled shrimp, diced
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise or yogurt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp minced onion or shallot (optional)
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp celery salt
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Adjust seasoning or add more mayo if needed after mixing.

How to Assemble Perfect Shrimp Salad Sandwiches

  1. Make the shrimp salad – Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir gently to mix. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.

  2. Choose your bread – Good options include sourdough, wheat, hoagie rolls, croissants, or baguette.

  3. Lightly toast bread – Toasting adds crunchy contrast to the creamy salad.

  4. Spread mayo or butter – Helps prevent the bread from getting soggy.

  5. Pile on the shrimp salad – Be generous with portions for hearty sandwiches.

  6. Add lettuce and tomato – For extra veggie crunch and moisture.

  7. Season the bread – Sprinkle lightly with paprika, celery salt, or black pepper.

  8. Cut and serve – Slice diagonally for fun presentation.

Shrimp Salad Sandwich Topping Ideas

Customize your sandwiches with any of these fun additions:

  • Lettuce – Romaine, butter lettuce, spinach

  • Tomato slices

  • Avocado slices

  • Bacon slices

  • Cucumber slices

  • Pickles or pickled vegetables

  • Fresh herb leaves – dill, basil, cilantro

  • Sprouts – alfalfa, radish, broccoli

  • Cheese – cheddar, Monterey jack, feta

What to Serve with Shrimp Salad Sandwiches

These sandwiches pair well with classic lunch or picnic sides:

  • Pasta salad or potato salad
  • Coleslaw or broccoli slaw
  • Fresh fruit salad
  • Vegetable crudites
  • Potato chips
  • Pickles
  • Iced tea, lemonade, or Arnold Palmer

A shrimp salad sandwich, side dish, and cookie or brownie makes a perfect light summer meal.

Storing and Freezing Shrimp Salad

Leftover shrimp salad keeps for 4-5 days in the fridge. The flavors continue developing overnight for even tastier sandwiches the next day.

You can also freeze shrimp salad for up to 3 months. Portion it out into zip top bags or airtight containers before freezing. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

More Ways to Use Shrimp Salad

In addition to sandwiches, try these fun ways to serve shrimp salad:

  • Scooped onto a lettuce leaf wrap
  • Stuffed into a pita pocket
  • Topping for crackers or bagel chips
  • Filling for deviled eggs
  • Heaped on avocado toast points
  • Taco or tostada topping
  • Dip for fresh vegetables
  • Stuffed into tomatoes or bell peppers

how to make shrimp salad sandwich

How to Make a Shrimp Salad Sandwich

To make a Shrimp Salad Sandwich, we need to take care of the filling first. For that purpose, we cook the shrimp in a hot pan with olive oil, salt and pepper. Then, we remove them and let them cool down completely. Half of the shrimp is cut up so it’s easier to put inside the sandwich, and the other half is mixed with the mayonnaise-based sauce. Don’t forget to toast your bread and serve the sandwich with a side of your favourite chips.

how to make shrimp salad sandwich

How to cook shrimp

There are many ways to cook shrimp for a Shrimp Salad Sandwich and I chose the one that I believe yields the most flavour. The options I didn’t choose boiling them in water because it doesn’t do anything for the flavour. I also didn’t go for roasting the shrimp because seafood in general need so little cooking time that there’s no way they’re going to become golden in the oven. What I did choose was preheating a non-stick frying pan over medium-high heat and cooking the shrimp for two minutes per side. You don’t need longer than this to have juicy, golden and tasty shrimp. Remember that while the shrimp are on the pan, it’s best not to move them around so much so that they can really get caramelized. Also, make sure your shrimp and clean and shell-less before you begin.

Shrimp Salad Sandwich | Blackstone Griddles

How to make a shrimp salad sandwich?

Mix in soy sauce, sesame oil, and scallions for an Asian-inspired flair. Incorporate feta cheese, olives, and oregano for a Mediterranean vibe. Drizzle sriracha into the dressing for a spicy kick. Add chopped walnuts for a delightful crunch. What Are The Tips For The Shrimp Salad Sandwich Recipe?

How do you make a shrimp salad?

In a bowl stir together diced celery, green onions, chives, dill, mayo, reserved lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. The tasty dressing! Add shrimp and mix to coat. Cover and refrigerate for a few hours to let the flavors mix. Toss everything together!

How do you make old bay shrimp salad?

Whisk the remaining Old Bay, remaining lemon juice, the mayonnaise, and Worcestershire sauce together in a medium-size bowl. Add cooled shrimp, celery, and scallions to the dressing and toss gently to coat. Adjust seasoning, adding more lemon juice and salt, if necessary. Serve on toasted rolls or buns with shredded lettuce.

How do you make a fried shrimp sandwich?

Chop and pat dry your cooked shrimp. In a medium bowl, combine shrimp, 1/4 cup mayo, 2 Tbsp sour cream, 2 tsp Dijon, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1 Tbsp chopped dill, 2 Tbsp chopped green onion. Mix well to combine then gently stir in chopped cucumbers. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Leave a Comment