If there’s one dish that instantly transports me to breezy Nordic coastlines and summer picnics, it’s Nordic Shrimp Salad. Brimming with tender, sweet shrimp tossed in a lush, herby dressing, this salad is as effortless as it is impressive. It’s a celebration of simple, top-quality ingredients where every bite feels like pure sunshine—even if you’re eating lunch at your desk. Whether you serve it on crisp lettuce or rustic rye bread, Nordic Shrimp Salad is the ultimate refreshing meal for any season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Nordic Shrimp Salad truly lies in its simplicity—every ingredient is carefully chosen to complement the delicate shrimp, and each one makes a big impact on flavor and presentation. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few tips and tricks for getting the best out of each component.
- Cold-water shrimp: The star of the show! Opt for small, peeled, and cooked Nordic shrimp for that unmistakable sweet and briny flavor.
- Crème fraîche or sour cream: Adds rich, tangy creaminess to the dressing without overpowering the shrimp.
- Mayonnaise: Provides body and a classic, luscious texture to the salad’s base.
- Dijon mustard: A spoonful brings gentle warmth and just the right touch of savory edge.
- Lemon juice: Brightens up the whole dish, adding fresh acidity that wakes up the palate.
- Lemon zest: Intensifies the citrus notes for a fragrant, zippy finish.
- Fresh dill: Traditional and aromatic, dill gives the salad its Nordic signature.
- Chives: Adds a mild onion flavor and pretty green flecks throughout the salad.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors—don’t skimp, but season carefully.
- Butter lettuce leaves or rye bread: For serving; butter lettuce keeps it light and elegant, while rye bread offers earthy heartiness.
- Cucumber slices and radishes (optional): These optional garnishes add color, crisp texture, and a little snap that pairs beautifully with shrimp.
How to Make Nordic Shrimp Salad
Step 1: Make the Dressing
Begin by taking a large mixing bowl and whisking together the crème fraîche, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, and chives. When everything is combined into a smooth, creamy dressing, go ahead and give it a little taste. You’re looking for a balance of tang, richness, and herby aroma—it should already smell like summer.
Step 2: Add the Shrimp
Now, gently fold in your cold-water shrimp. Treat them kindly, since their texture is delicate. Use a spatula to coat them evenly in the herby dressing without breaking them up. This is where the magic really happens, as the dressing clings to every curve and crevice of the shrimp.
Step 3: Season and Chill
Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste, remembering that shrimp can be naturally salty—so add a little, taste, and adjust. Cover the bowl and slide it into the fridge for at least 15 minutes (or up to a couple of hours if you like). This brief chill lets all the flavors mingle and intensify, making your Nordic Shrimp Salad even more irresistible.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
When you’re ready to serve, scoop the shrimp salad onto fresh butter lettuce leaves for a lighter bite or pile it high on slices of rye bread for a classic Scandinavian open-faced sandwich. Don’t forget your favorite garnishes—extra dill, cucumber slices, and thinly sliced radishes look beautiful and add satisfying crunch.
How to Serve Nordic Shrimp Salad
Garnishes
A finishing touch makes all the difference when presenting Nordic Shrimp Salad. A handful of extra fresh dill or chopped chives sprinkled over the top not only adds flavor but also elevates the visual appeal. Thin cucumber slices and radish rounds provide a refreshing, colorful crunch, while a wedge of lemon on the side invites a last-minute squeeze.
Side Dishes
Keep sides simple and let the salad shine. Sliced hard-boiled eggs, wedges of lemon, or a crisp green salad pair perfectly. If you love Scandinavian vibes, try offering pickled vegetables or a side of marinated beets. And don’t overlook a cool glass of white wine or sparkling water, which feels right at home alongside Nordic Shrimp Salad.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive twist, serve the salad in small lettuce cups as bite-sized appetizers for your next gathering. Or go the traditional “smørrebrød” route by arranging it open-faced on hearty rye bread, topped with extra herbs and a flourish of microgreens. Tiny glass jars or ramekins also make for adorable single-serve presentations, perfect for elegant luncheons.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, transfer your Nordic Shrimp Salad to an airtight container and keep it chilled in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to two days. Make sure not to leave it at room temperature too long, as shrimp are quite perishable.
Freezing
While tempting, it’s best not to freeze Nordic Shrimp Salad. The creamy dressing can separate, and the shrimp may take on an unpleasant texture once thawed. For the best flavor and experience, enjoy this dish freshly made or within a day or two of preparing.
Reheating
Nordic Shrimp Salad is meant to be enjoyed cold and doesn’t require reheating. If it’s been stored in the fridge, simply give it a gentle stir before serving to re-incorporate any separated dressing, and plate it straight from the fridge for maximum freshness.
FAQs
Can I use larger shrimp instead of Nordic shrimp?
While the classic Nordic Shrimp Salad relies on tiny, sweet cold-water shrimp, you can substitute with chopped larger shrimp if needed. Just make sure they’re cooked, peeled, and ideally as sweet as possible—though the unique texture of Nordic shrimp is hard to match.
What’s the difference between crème fraîche and sour cream in this salad?
Crème fraîche is a bit richer and less tangy than sour cream, offering a slightly silkier mouthfeel. Both work beautifully; use whichever you have on hand or prefer, knowing the final salad will still be fabulously creamy.
Is Nordic Shrimp Salad gluten-free?
Served on lettuce leaves, this salad is entirely gluten-free. If you opt for rye bread or another grain-based accompaniment, just be sure to select a gluten-free option if needed for dietary reasons.
Can I prepare Nordic Shrimp Salad ahead for a party?
Absolutely! You can assemble the salad a few hours ahead of time, store it covered in the fridge, and simply garnish and serve when ready. It’s a host’s dream because the flavors deepen as it chills, making advance prep both easy and delicious.
What are the best substitutions for fresh dill or chives?
If you don’t have fresh dill or chives, try using a little fresh parsley for a mild, herbal note. A touch of finely chopped tarragon can also add an interesting twist, though nothing quite replicates the classic Scandinavian dill flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something light but satisfying and packed with classic Scandinavian flavors, you’ve got to give Nordic Shrimp Salad a try. It’s quick to make, easy to customize, and just as delicious for a simple lunch as it is for a chic gathering. Dive in and let this fabulous salad become your new go-to favorite!
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Nordic Shrimp Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad, Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Nordic, Scandinavian
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Nordic Shrimp Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish that combines tender cold-water shrimp with a creamy dressing and fresh herbs. Perfect for a light lunch or elegant appetizer.
Ingredients
For the salad:
- 1 pound small cold-water shrimp (peeled and cooked)
- ½ cup crème fraîche or sour cream
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives
- Salt and pepper to taste
For serving (optional):
- Butter lettuce leaves or rye bread
- Cucumber slices
- Radishes for garnish
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the crème fraîche, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, lemon zest, dill, and chives until smooth. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp and toss to coat evenly.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the shrimp salad on butter lettuce leaves or atop slices of rye bread. Garnish with extra herbs, cucumber slices, or radishes if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh or thawed frozen Nordic shrimp (also called salad shrimp) for the most authentic flavor.
- This salad pairs beautifully with hard-boiled eggs or as an open-faced sandwich (smørrebrød-style).
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
