If you’re craving a delightful blend of fresh seafood and classic deli flavors, this New York Deli Shrimp Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. It brings together perfectly poached shrimp, zesty spices, and creamy dressing in a way that captures the spirit of a genuine New York deli experience. The balance of textures from crunchy celery and bright red onion, paired with the subtle kick of Old Bay seasoning and tangy lemon juice, makes every bite exciting. Whether you’re serving it at a casual lunch or impressing guests at a weekend gathering, this shrimp salad delivers comfort, freshness, and that nostalgic deli charm all in one bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this New York Deli Shrimp Salad Recipe truly lies in its thoughtfully simple ingredients. Each one has a role to play, bringing unique flavors and textures that come together to create a vibrant, satisfying dish.
- Shrimp (1.5 pounds, peeled and deveined): The star of the salad, offering tender seafood sweetness.
- Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps tenderize the shrimp during the brining process.
- Diamond Crystal Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances flavor subtly without overpowering.
- Water (8 cups): For poaching the shrimp perfectly and keeping them juicy.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon plus 2 ounces): Adds a bright, tangy lift that balances the creaminess.
- Old Bay seasoning (2 teaspoons plus 1/2 teaspoon): Infuses the recipe with that iconic, savory spice blend.
- Celery (1/2 cup, finely diced): Provides crunch and freshness in each bite.
- Red onion (1/4 cup, finely diced): Offers mild sharpness without overwhelming the salad.
- Dill (1 tablespoon, minced): Brings an herbaceous note that pairs beautifully with seafood.
- Mayonnaise (3/4 cup): The creamy base that ties all ingredients together smoothly.
- Celery seed (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and subtle earthiness to the dressing.
- Dijon mustard (2 teaspoons): Contributes a gentle tang and complexity.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, for perfectly balanced seasoning.
How to Make New York Deli Shrimp Salad Recipe
Step 1: Brine the Shrimp
Start by tossing your shrimp with baking soda, kosher salt, and Old Bay seasoning in a large bowl. This brining step, which you’ll let rest for about 15 to 20 minutes, is crucial for tenderizing the shrimp and imparting that subtle, savory foundation before cooking. It’s a small step that pays off big in flavor.
Step 2: Prepare Ice Water Bath
While your shrimp brines, fill another large bowl with plenty of ice water. This icy bath will be your secret weapon for halting the cooking process quickly once the shrimp are poached, ensuring they remain tender and perfectly textured without turning rubbery.
Step 3: Poach the Shrimp
Bring 8 cups of water together with a tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to a rolling boil in a large pot. Once boiling, gently add the shrimp and let them cook for about 90 seconds. Keep a watchful eye—the goal is to cook them until just opaque, preserving their delicate sweetness and juicy bite.
Step 4: Shock and Dry the Shrimp
Immediately transfer the shrimp to your prepared ice water bath. This cool down stops them from overcooking and locks in that tender texture. After chilling, drain well and pat dry with paper towels. Dry shrimp will allow your dressing to cling perfectly without becoming watery.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely diced celery, red onion, minced dill, mayonnaise, additional Old Bay seasoning, celery seed, 2 ounces of lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until everything melds into a creamy, herb-spiced dressing that will wrap around every shrimp with love.
Step 6: Combine Shrimp and Sauce
Gently fold the chilled shrimp into the sauce, coating each piece evenly. This mixture is the heart of your New York Deli Shrimp Salad Recipe—where fresh meets rich and crunch meets softness.
Step 7: Chill the Salad
Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least two hours, preferably overnight. This resting period allows all those gorgeous flavors to marry beautifully, creating a depth that you just can’t rush.
Step 8: Drain for a Dryer Salad (Optional)
If you prefer your shrimp salad on the dryer side, simply place it in a colander to let any excess liquid drain off before serving. This step ensures a firm texture that’s perfect for sandwiches or platters.
How to Serve New York Deli Shrimp Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten up your shrimp salad with fresh dill sprigs or a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley. A few lemon wedges on the side not only add a pop of color but give guests the option to add an extra zing of citrus to their serving.
Side Dishes
This shrimp salad pairs wonderfully with classic deli sides like crisp rye bread, buttery crackers, or a fresh green salad. For a fuller meal, steamed asparagus or roasted potatoes complement the dish by balancing the creaminess without competing with the flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the bowl—serve this shrimp salad stuffed inside a buttery croissant for an upscale deli twist, or spoon it neatly atop cucumber slices for an elegant appetizer. Another fun idea is to wrap it in large lettuce leaves for a refreshing, low-carb option that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover shrimp salad in an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s best enjoyed within two days to maintain the freshness of the shrimp and the bright flavors of the dressing.
Freezing
We don’t recommend freezing this New York Deli Shrimp Salad Recipe because the mayonnaise-based dressing and fresh vegetables can separate and become watery after thawing, which compromises the texture and taste.
Reheating
This salad is designed to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer a bit of warmth, serve the shrimp on its own lightly warmed before mixing with the chilled dressing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before starting the brining and poaching process. Proper thawing helps maintain the best texture for your shrimp salad.
What can I substitute for Old Bay seasoning?
If Old Bay isn’t available, a mix of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper can approximate the flavor. The seasoning is key to giving this recipe its authentic New York deli flare.
How long can I store the shrimp salad in the fridge?
For optimal freshness and safety, keep the shrimp salad refrigerated in a sealed container and consume within two days. After that, the dressing can start to separate, and the shrimp may lose their fresh texture.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the shrimp salad itself is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those avoiding gluten. Just be mindful of any sides or bread you serve alongside it.
Can I add other vegetables or herbs?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment by adding diced bell peppers, chopped chives, or even a touch of fresh tarragon. These additions can add a personalized twist while keeping the spirit of the New York deli style intact.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a homemade deli-style shrimp salad that carries the soul of New York in every bite. This New York Deli Shrimp Salad Recipe is a beautiful balance of simple ingredients and thoughtful technique, making it a dish you’ll turn to again and again for its ease, flavor, and nostalgic charm. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and share the joy it brings with loved ones.
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New York Deli Shrimp Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 23 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Poaching
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic New York Deli Shrimp Salad features perfectly poached shrimp tossed in a zesty, creamy dressing with celery, red onion, dill, and Old Bay seasoning. The shrimp are first brined for enhanced texture and flavor, then quickly boiled and chilled in an ice bath to retain their tenderness. Combined with a tangy lemon-Dijon mayonnaise dressing, this salad is refrigerated to meld flavors and served chilled for a refreshing and satisfying seafood dish perfect for sandwiches, salads, or as a flavorful appetizer.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Brine
- 1.5 pounds shrimp (31–40 count, peeled, deveined, tails removed)
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon Diamond Crystal Kosher salt
- 8 cups water
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
Salad Mix
- 1/2 cup finely diced celery
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon dill, minced (plus more to taste)
Dressing
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- 1 teaspoon celery seed
- 2 ounces lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Brine the Shrimp: In a large bowl, combine the shrimp with baking soda, kosher salt, and Old Bay seasoning. Mix well to coat evenly. Let the shrimp brine for about 15-20 minutes while you prepare other components.
- Prepare Ice Water Bath: Fill another large bowl with ice water and set it aside. This will be used to quickly chill the shrimp after poaching to stop the cooking process and maintain texture.
- Poach the Shrimp: Bring 8 cups of water combined with 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to a rolling boil in a large pot. Add the shrimp to the boiling water and cook for approximately 90 seconds until they become slightly opaque and are just cooked through.
- Shock and Dry the Shrimp: Immediately transfer the cooked shrimp into the prepared ice water bath to halt further cooking. Once fully chilled, drain the shrimp in a colander and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine diced celery, diced red onion, minced dill, mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, celery seed, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to ensure even seasoning. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Combine Shrimp and Sauce: Add the chilled and dried shrimp to the sauce mixture. Toss gently to coat all the shrimp evenly with the dressing, ensuring good distribution of flavors.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and intensify, resulting in a more flavorful salad.
- Drain for a Dryer Salad (Optional): Before serving, if a firmer, drier salad is preferred, place the shrimp salad in a colander to drain any excess liquid. Serve immediately and enjoy your fresh New York deli-style shrimp salad.
Notes
- Brining the shrimp before poaching enhances their texture and flavor.
- Do not overcook the shrimp; poaching for about 90 seconds keeps them tender and juicy.
- Using an ice bath immediately after poaching stops the cooking process and helps retain the shrimp’s ideal texture.
- The salad tastes best after chilling overnight to allow flavors to fully develop.
- If preferred, adjust the amount of Old Bay seasoning according to your spice tolerance.
- For a lighter version, consider using low-fat mayonnaise or Greek yogurt as a substitute.
