π₯ Summer-Ready Salads: Chicken, Shrimp & Crab Delights! βοΈπ¦π€π
Light, creamy, and bursting with fresh flavors β these three protein-packed salads are your go-to for hot days, lazy lunches, or picnic perfection. Whether youβre craving seafood or something more classic, these recipes are guaranteed to impress!
π Full Recipes Below
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π¦ 1. Creamy Crab Salad
A chilled seafood salad with delicate crab, crisp celery, fresh dill, and a creamy seasoned dressing.
π Ingredients:
β’ 1 lb real or imitation crab meat, sliced or shredded
β’ Β½ cup mayonnaise
β’ 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
β’ 1 tsp lemon juice (fresh)
β’ Β½ tsp Old Bay seasoning
β’ Β½ tsp garlic powder
β’ Β½ tsp onion powder
β’ Salt & pepper, to taste
β’ Β½ cup celery, finely chopped
β’ ΒΌ cup red onion, finely chopped
β’ 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
β’ 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
π©βπ³ Instructions:
1. Prepare crab (check for shells if real; chop if imitation).
2. In a bowl, mix mayo, mustard, lemon juice, Old Bay, garlic powder, onion powder, Worcestershire, salt, and pepper.
3. Add crab, celery, red onion, and dill. Stir gently.
4. Chill for 30+ minutes.
5. Serve on crackers, lettuce cups, or in sandwiches!
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π€ 2. Best Creamy Shrimp Salad
Juicy shrimp, crisp veggies, and herbs tossed in a refreshing creamy lemon dressing.
π Salad Ingredients:
β’ 1 lb poached shrimp (see below)
β’ Β½ cup red bell pepper, finely diced
β’ Β½ cup celery, finely diced
β’ Β½ cup mayonnaise
β’ 2 tbsp sour cream
β’ 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
β’ 2 tbsp lemon juice
β’ ΒΌ cup fresh dill, roughly chopped
β’ Salt & pepper, to taste
π² Poached Shrimp:
β’ 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
β’ 2 quarts water
β’ 1 lemon, halved
β’ 2 garlic cloves, smashed
β’ 1 tsp pepper
β’ 1 tbsp salt
β’ Β½ tsp Cajun seasoning
π©βπ³ Instructions:
1. Boil water with lemon, garlic, salt, pepper & Cajun seasoning.
2. Turn off heat. Add shrimp. Let sit for 3 mins.
3. Remove, cool, and chill shrimp.
4. In a bowl, combine all salad ingredients.
5. Chill for 1+ hour before serving.
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π 3. Best Classic Chicken Salad
A timeless favorite loaded with juicy chicken, crunchy celery, sweet grapes, and toasted almonds.
π Ingredients:
β’ 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
β’ 1 cup celery, chopped
β’ 1 cup red grapes, halved
β’ β
cup red onion, chopped
β’ ΒΌ cup toasted sliced almonds
β’ 1 cup mayonnaise
β’ ΒΌ cup lemon juice (fresh)
β’ 1 tsp kosher salt
β’ 1 tsp black pepper
β’ Fresh dill (optional, for garnish)
π©βπ³ Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix chicken, celery, grapes, onions & almonds.
2. In a smaller bowl, whisk together mayo, lemon juice, salt & pepper.
3. Combine with the chicken mixture and stir well.
4. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Serve on croissants, toast, or greens.
6. Store refrigerated for 3β4 days.
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β¨ Pro Tips:
β’ Make a big batch and enjoy all week.
β’ Swap in Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
β’ Add herbs like basil, tarragon, or chives for flavor twists.