This New York Deli Shrimp Salad Recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that captures the essence of classic deli cuisine. Perfect for picnics, light lunches, or as a sandwich filling, this creamy seafood salad features tender shrimp combined with a zesty dill and celery dressing. The addition of Old Bay seasoning gives it that unique kick, making it a standout dish for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes just 20 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Flavorful and Fresh: The combination of dill, lemon juice, and Old Bay seasoning delivers a refreshing taste that will elevate your meal.
- Versatile Use: Enjoy the shrimp salad on its own, in a sandwich, or atop a bed of greens for a complete dish.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This shrimp salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
- Crowd-Pleaser: With its creamy texture and bold flavor, this salad is sure to impress family and friends at any gathering.
Tools and Preparation
To whip up this scrumptious New York Deli Shrimp Salad, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowls
- Pot for boiling water
- Colander
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowls: Ideal for mixing ingredients without spilling; they provide ample space to combine flavors thoroughly.
- Pot for boiling water: A sturdy pot ensures even cooking of the shrimp, keeping them tender and juicy.
- Colander: Efficiently drains excess water from cooked shrimp, preventing sogginess in your salad.
Ingredients
- 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
- 1/2 cup finely diced celery
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1 tablespoon dill, minced (plus more to taste)
- 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
How to Make New York Deli Shrimp Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
- In a large bowl, combine the shrimp with baking soda, salt, and Old Bay seasoning. Mix well.
- Set the mixture aside to let the shrimp brine while you prepare boiling water (about 15–20 minutes).
Step 2: Set Up Ice Bath
- Fill another large bowl with ice water. This will cool the shrimp immediately after cooking.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
- In a large pot, add 8 cups of water and fresh lemon juice. Bring it to a boil.
- Once boiling, add the shrimp and cook for about 90 seconds or until they turn slightly opaque.
Step 4: Cool Down the Shrimp
- Immediately transfer the cooked shrimp to the prepared ice water bath to stop cooking.
- After cooling down, drain the shrimp in a colander and pat dry with paper towels.
Step 5: Make the Dressing
- In a large mixing bowl, combine finely diced celery, red onion, dill, mayonnaise, Old Bay seasoning, celery seed, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Stir until everything is thoroughly mixed. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 6: Combine Shrimp with Dressing
- Add the chilled shrimp to the dressing mixture.
- Toss gently until all the shrimp are well coated.
Step 7: Chill Before Serving
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight) so flavors can meld together.
Step 8: Serve Your Salad
- If you prefer a drier salad consistency, place it in a colander before serving to drain excess liquid.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious New York Deli Shrimp Salad!
How to Serve New York Deli Shrimp Salad Recipe
This New York Deli Shrimp Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or preparing a cozy dinner, there are plenty of serving options to delight your guests.
In Sandwiches
- You can spread the shrimp salad on toasted bread for a delicious sandwich.
- Try using bagels for a New York-style twist that adds extra flavor.
On a Bed of Greens
- Serve the shrimp salad over mixed greens for a refreshing salad option.
- Add avocado slices for creaminess and extra nutrients.
In Lettuce Wraps
- Use large lettuce leaves as wraps for a low-carb option.
- This makes for an easy, handheld meal ideal for picnics.
As an Appetizer
- Scoop the shrimp salad into small cups or onto crackers for bite-sized appetizers.
- Perfect for entertaining guests at parties or gatherings.
With Crackers or Chips
- Pair the salad with crispy crackers or tortilla chips for added crunch.
- This is a great way to serve it as a snack during game days.
On Croissants
- For a more indulgent treat, use flaky croissants to hold the shrimp salad.
- This adds buttery richness and elevates your serving style.

How to Perfect New York Deli Shrimp Salad Recipe
To elevate your New York Deli Shrimp Salad, consider these helpful tips. They will enhance both flavor and texture, ensuring every bite is delightful.
Use Fresh Shrimp: Freshly caught shrimp will yield better flavor and texture than frozen alternatives. Always opt for high-quality seafood.
Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill in the refrigerator enhances its flavors. Aim for at least two hours but overnight is best.
Adjust Seasonings: Taste before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, and Old Bay seasoning according to your preference. This ensures balanced flavors.
Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add additional ingredients like diced apples or hard-boiled eggs for extra texture and freshness.
Best Side Dishes for New York Deli Shrimp Salad Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your New York Deli Shrimp Salad can round out your meal perfectly. Here are some excellent options that complement this seafood delight well.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread adds flavor and pairs well with the creamy salad.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings crunch and acidity that balances the richness of the shrimp salad.
- Potato Salad: A classic side that provides heartiness without overpowering the shrimp’s delicate flavors.
- Cucumber Salad: Light and refreshing, cucumber salad adds crispness and complements seafood beautifully.
- Fruit Salad: A sweet fruit salad offers a delightful contrast to the savory shrimp dish, providing freshness.
- Chips and Salsa: The crunch of tortilla chips with zesty salsa creates an enjoyable contrast with the creamy shrimp salad.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the New York Deli Shrimp Salad can be a delightful experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Boldly skip the brining process: Brining the shrimp is essential for flavor and texture. Take the time to let them soak in salt and Old Bay seasoning for optimal taste.
- Boldly overcook the shrimp: Cooking shrimp for too long can make them rubbery. Aim for just 90 seconds until they turn slightly opaque for perfect tenderness.
- Boldly neglect the cooling bath: Not transferring cooked shrimp to an ice bath can lead to overcooking. This step is crucial to halt the cooking process immediately.
- Boldly ignore seasoning adjustments: Tasting your dressing before adding shrimp is key. Adjust salt, pepper, or Old Bay as needed to ensure a balanced flavor.
- Boldly serve right away: Allowing the salad to chill in the fridge enhances flavors. Aim for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better for a richer taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep it cool and away from strong-smelling foods to preserve freshness.
Freezing New York Deli Shrimp Salad Recipe
- It’s best not to freeze this salad, as mayonnaise may separate and change texture.
- If necessary, freeze it without dressing, then mix fresh dressing upon thawing.
Reheating New York Deli Shrimp Salad Recipe
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil if needed. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals of 30 seconds. Stir between intervals until warm.
- Stovetop: Warm gently in a pan over low heat, stirring constantly to avoid sticking or burning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the New York Deli Shrimp Salad Recipe.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just ensure they are fully thawed before cooking for the best results.
How do I enhance the flavor of my New York Deli Shrimp Salad?
You can add more herbs like parsley or basil, or extra spices like paprika to give it a unique twist.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! The New York Deli Shrimp Salad keeps well in the fridge and is great for quick meals throughout the week.
What can I serve with my New York Deli Shrimp Salad?
This salad pairs well with crusty bread, crackers, or even as a filling in sandwiches or wraps.
Can I customize the ingredients?
Feel free to add ingredients like avocado or diced bell peppers for added flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
The New York Deli Shrimp Salad is not only delicious but also versatile enough for various occasions. Whether served on its own or as a sandwich filling, this creamy salad is sure to impress. Experiment with different herbs or add-ins to make it your own!
New York Deli Shrimp Salad Recipe
Indulge in the delightful flavors of this New York Deli Shrimp Salad, a creamy and zesty dish that captures the essence of classic deli cuisine. Perfect for light lunches, picnics, or as a flavorful sandwich filling, this shrimp salad features tender shrimp tossed in a refreshing dill and celery dressing with a hint of Old Bay seasoning for an extra kick. Whether served on its own or nestled between slices of bread, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to become a favorite at your gatherings.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds shrimp (31-40 count, peeled and deveined)
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup finely diced celery
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine shrimp with baking soda, salt, and Old Bay seasoning. Let brine for 15–20 minutes.
- Fill another bowl with ice water for cooling.
- Boil 8 cups of water with lemon juice, then cook shrimp for about 90 seconds until slightly opaque.
- Transfer shrimp to the ice bath immediately; drain and pat dry.
- In a mixing bowl, combine celery, red onion, dill, mayonnaise, remaining Old Bay seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add cooled shrimp to the dressing mixture and toss gently to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (150g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 180mg