Tarragon Shrimp Salad

Whenever I think of summer, a vibrant dish like Tarragon Shrimp Salad instantly comes to mind. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of fresh flavors that brings back memories of sunny picnics and lazy afternoons by the pool. This salad is something I often prepare when the weather warms up, and I want something light yet satisfying. The combination of the tender shrimp, crisp celery, and aromatic tarragon not only creates a wonderful balance of flavors but also adds a pop of color to the table. I love serving it at gatherings, where everyone marvels at how delicious a salad can truly be. This dish often becomes the star of the meal, sparking conversations and compliments from friends and family alike.

The beauty of Tarragon Shrimp Salad lies in its versatility. You can serve it on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or even alongside a refreshing glass of lemonade. I remember the first time I made it for a backyard barbecue; it was a hit! It’s truly a dish that invites creativity, and you can adapt it to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand. With spring in the air, there’s no better time to whip up this delightful salad and share it with your loved ones.

Key Ingredients for Tarragon Shrimp Salad

The ingredients for Tarragon Shrimp Salad are simple yet effective. Each component plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious dish. The star player, shrimp, brings a delightful sweetness, while celery adds crunch, and green onions provide a mild bite that elevates the overall flavor. Together, they create a salad that is not only refreshing but also satisfying.

• 1 lb. frozen cooked shrimp: This is the centerpiece of the salad. It’s best to use shrimp that are already cooked for convenience, ensuring tenderness and flavor in every bite.
• 1 cup diagonally sliced celery: Adds a satisfying crunch and a fresh flavor that complements the shrimp beautifully.
• 1/4 cup diagonally sliced green onions: These provide a subtle sharpness that enhances the overall taste of the salad.
• Salt and fresh ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning, allowing you to adjust the flavor to your liking.

Step by Step Guide for Tarragon Shrimp Salad

Creating your own Tarragon Shrimp Salad is a delightful journey. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dish ready to impress your family and friends. Each step will guide you through transforming fresh ingredients into a symphony of flavors.

1. Begin by thawing your shrimp. You can do this overnight in the refrigerator or quickly in the bag under cold running water. Once thawed, drain the shrimp in a colander to remove excess water. This step ensures that the salad won’t become watery.
2. Next, catch the shrimp “juice” by placing the colander over a large bowl or measuring cup. This juice is a flavorful byproduct that you can use to enhance your dressing. After draining, transfer the juice into a small saucepan.
3. Bring the shrimp juice to a boil, allowing it to reduce down to about 1 to 2 tablespoons. This concentrated flavor will add depth to your dressing, so don’t skip this step! Taste it to ensure it’s to your liking.
4. While the juice cools, cut your shrimp into bite-sized pieces. This will make it easy to mix into your salad and allow for an even distribution of flavors.
5. Now, slice enough celery to measure 1 cup. Diagonal slices create a more attractive presentation and a satisfying crunch.
6. Slice the green onion to make 1/4 cup. A fresh, sharp knife will help maintain the integrity of the onion slices, avoiding any bruising.
7. Once the shrimp juice has cooled, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, shrimp juice, chopped tarragon, and celery seed in a bowl. Adjust the consistency to your preference – it should be creamy yet pourable.
8. In a separate large salad bowl, combine all the salad ingredients: the chopped shrimp, celery, and green onion. Toss them gently to mix without breaking the shrimp.
9. Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each piece is coated in this delicious dressing.
10. Cover the salad bowl with a snap-tight lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least a couple of hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
11. Finally, once you’re ready to serve, taste the salad and season it with salt and fresh ground black pepper to your preference. Enjoy!

How to Switch It Up

There are countless ways to customize your Tarragon Shrimp Salad to keep it exciting! Whether you want to add a twist or enhance the recipe, here are some fun tips to consider:

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This allows you to enjoy the flavors over a longer period.
• Freezing: While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the salad before adding the dressing. Just keep in mind the texture might change slightly after thawing.
• Pairing: Serve with a side of crusty bread or whole grain crackers for a complete meal.
• Additions: Consider adding diced avocado or cherry tomatoes for additional flavors and colors.
• Variations: Experiment with different herbs like dill or chives to create unique flavor profiles.

Serve This Tarragon Shrimp Salad With

This Tarragon Shrimp Salad is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for various occasions. Here are some ideas on how to serve it:

• Picnics: It’s a fantastic dish to pack for picnics. Just keep it cool until serving!
• Summer Barbecues: Serve as a refreshing side dish that complements grilled meats beautifully.
• Lunch: It makes for a quick and healthy lunch option, especially when served with whole grain bread.
• Light Dinners: It’s perfect for light dinners when you want something flavorful yet not heavy.
• Meal Prep: Great for meal prepping, as it stores well and can be enjoyed throughout the week.
• Seasonal Events: Serve during spring and summer gatherings for a dish that celebrates fresh ingredients.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Tarragon Shrimp Salad stands out not just for its vibrant flavors but also for its refreshing qualities that are perfect for warm days. I encourage you to try making this dish; it’s simple, delicious, and sure to impress anyone who takes a bite. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy seafood in a light and satisfying way. Don’t wait too long to gather your ingredients and whip this up for your next meal!

Tarragon Shrimp Salad

The ultimate comfort food for warm days, Tarragon Shrimp Salad is a light and refreshing dish that combines succulent shrimp with crisp vegetables and a zesty dressing. Perfect for picnics or as a meal prep option, this easy salad will become a staple in your summer repertoire.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Salads

Cuisine: American

Calories: 220

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb. frozen cooked shrimp (I used 50-70 count shrimp)
• 1 cup diagonally sliced celery (or more)
• 1/4 cup diagonally sliced green onions
• salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

• Frying Pan
• Large Pot
• Whisk
• Chef's Knife
• Wooden Spoon

Method

 

1. Thaw shrimp (overnight in the refrigerator or in the bag in cold water) and then drain into a colander placed over a large bowl or measuring cup to catch the shrimp juice.
2. Put the juice into a small saucepan and boil until it’s reduced to 1-2 tablespoons. (I usually taste to see how strong it is to decide when it’s reduced enough.)
3. Let the shrimp juice cool for a few minutes before you add it to the dressing.
4. Cut shrimp into bite-sized pieces and place in salad bowl that has a snap-tight lid.
5. Diagonally slice enough celery to make 1 cup celery slices.
6. Diagonally slice enough green onion to make 1/4 cup sliced green onion.
7. When shrimp juice has cooled, whisk together the mayo, lemon juice, shrimp juice, chopped tarragon, and celery seed to make the dressing.
8. Toss salad ingredients together, then add dressing and stir to coat all the ingredients with dressing.
9. Put lid on the salad bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours before serving.
10. When salad has chilled, season to taste with salt and fresh ground black pepper and serve.
11. This kept well in the refrigerator for several days.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
• Tip 2: While it's best fresh, you can freeze the salad before adding the dressing. Keep in mind the texture might change slightly after thawing.
• Tip 3: Serve with a side of crusty bread or whole grain crackers for a complete meal.
• Tip 4: Consider adding diced avocado or cherry tomatoes for additional flavors and colors.
• Tip 5: Experiment with different herbs like dill or chives to create unique flavor profiles.

Previous PostElderflower Syrup

Next Post Concord Grape Upside Down Mini Loaf Cakes

Meet Harper Dean

I love the creative challenge of making weeknight dinners feel special without the fuss. I work alongside the team to develop and test recipes that are reliable but never dull. I prepared this meal in my own kitchen, refining the steps to make sure your cooking experience is smooth, fun, and delicious.