The Shrimp Salad Sandwich is a delightful blend of creamy shrimp salad and perfectly toasted bread. The sweetness of the shrimp pairs beautifully with a tangy mayonnaise-based filling, fresh herbs, and a hint of lemon. This simple yet satisfying sandwich is great for lunch, a light dinner, or a picnic treat.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 500 g shrimp (cleaned and shelled)
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
For the Filling:
- 6 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped) or 1 tsp dried dill
- 1 tbsp green onion (greens only, finely chopped)
- 1 celery stick (finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
For the Bread:
- 4 hot dog buns
- Mayonnaise (for toasting the bread)
Directions
For the Shrimp:
- Preheat a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add olive oil and half the shrimp. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 2 minutes per side.
- Remove the cooked shrimp from the pan and repeat the process with the remaining shrimp. Let all the shrimp cool completely.
- Chop half of the shrimp into medium-sized pieces.
- Mix all the shrimp with the filling ingredients. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
For the Bread:
- Open the hot dog buns and spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the inside.
- Toast the buns in a large pan over medium heat, mayonnaise side down, until golden and crispy.
- Fill the toasted buns with the shrimp mixture.
Nutrients
- Calories: 320 kcal per serving
- Protein: 20 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 2 g
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Shrimp Salad Sandwich is a crowd-pleaser for many reasons. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your recipe collection:
- Quick and Easy: With minimal cooking and simple ingredients, this recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes.
- Delicious Flavor Balance: The sweetness of shrimp is complemented by the tanginess of mayonnaise, the brightness of lemon, and the freshness of dill.
- Perfectly Toasted Bread: The toasted hot dog buns, crisped with a thin layer of mayonnaise, add texture and flavor, making every bite a delight.
- Light Yet Satisfying: With a good balance of protein and healthy fats, this sandwich provides a filling meal without feeling heavy.
- Versatile: Ideal for lunches, picnics, or light dinners, this sandwich can easily be customized to suit different tastes.
Key Features of the Shrimp Salad Sandwich
- Fresh Shrimp: The star of this dish is the shrimp, cooked until tender and slightly caramelized, adding sweetness and richness to the sandwich.
- Creamy and Tangy Filling: The combination of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, dill, celery, and green onions creates a creamy, flavorful base for the shrimp.
- Toasted Buns: Toasting the bread with mayonnaise instead of butter adds an extra layer of flavor while providing the perfect crunch.
- Citrus Brightness: A touch of lemon juice ties all the flavors together, cutting through the richness of the mayonnaise and enhancing the shrimp’s natural sweetness.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Highlights
The Shrimp Salad Sandwich is not only tasty but also offers several health benefits:
- Rich in Protein: Shrimp is a low-calorie, high-protein seafood option, providing 20 grams of protein per serving. Protein is essential for muscle repair and overall health.
- Low in Calories: With just 320 calories per serving, this sandwich is a great choice for a light yet satisfying meal.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Shrimp contains omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their heart and brain health benefits.
- Packed with Vitamins and Minerals: Shrimp is a good source of vitamins B12 and D, as well as minerals like selenium, zinc, and iron.
- Balanced Macronutrients: The sandwich provides a good mix of protein, carbohydrates, and healthy fats, making it a balanced meal option.
Tips for Making the Perfect Shrimp Salad Sandwich
To ensure your Shrimp Salad Sandwich is as delicious as possible, keep these tips in mind:
- Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh shrimp if possible. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely before cooking.
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Overcooking can make shrimp rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and slightly opaque.
- Chill the Shrimp Mixture: Let the shrimp salad mixture chill in the refrigerator for at least 10-15 minutes before assembling the sandwiches. This enhances the flavor and makes the sandwich more refreshing.
- Toast the Buns: Spreading mayonnaise on the buns before toasting ensures they’re golden and crispy, adding both flavor and texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the shrimp salad mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed. A little extra lemon juice or dill can make a big difference.
Serving Suggestions
The Shrimp Salad Sandwich is versatile and can be served in various ways to suit the occasion:
- As a Light Meal: Serve the sandwich on its own for a simple yet satisfying lunch or dinner.
- With a Side Salad: Pair the sandwich with a green salad, coleslaw, or a fresh cucumber and tomato salad for a balanced meal.
- With Chips or Fries: For a more indulgent option, serve the sandwich alongside potato chips, sweet potato fries, or even a handful of kettle chips.
- As Part of a Picnic: Pack the shrimp salad mixture and toasted buns separately for a picnic or outdoor gathering. Assemble the sandwiches on-site for freshness.
- Open-Faced Style: Skip the top bun and serve the shrimp salad on a single slice of toasted bread for a lighter, open-faced sandwich.
Variations to Try
This recipe is highly adaptable, allowing you to put your own spin on the classic shrimp salad sandwich. Here are a few variations to explore:
- Avocado Twist: Add sliced avocado to the sandwich for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
- Spicy Version: Mix a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper into the shrimp salad for a spicy kick.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the shrimp salad in lettuce wraps instead of buns for a low-carb, gluten-free version.
- Herb Variations: Swap out dill for parsley, cilantro, or tarragon to change the flavor profile.
- Brioche Upgrade: Use toasted brioche buns instead of hot dog buns for a richer, more indulgent sandwich.
- Add Crunch: Incorporate finely diced red bell peppers or pickles into the shrimp salad for added crunch and flavor.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This recipe is great for meal prep and can be stored for later use. Follow these storage tips to keep your shrimp salad sandwich fresh:
- Make Ahead: Prepare the shrimp salad mixture up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Store Leftovers: Leftover shrimp salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble the sandwiches just before serving to maintain the bread’s texture.
- Avoid Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the mayonnaise and shrimp can change when thawed.
Conclusion
The Shrimp Salad Sandwich is a classic recipe that combines the best of creamy textures, fresh flavors, and satisfying crunch. Perfect for seafood lovers, this sandwich delivers restaurant-quality taste with minimal effort. Its simplicity and versatility make it an excellent choice for any occasion, whether you’re preparing a quick lunch, hosting a gathering, or enjoying a casual dinner.