Name: New York Deli Shrimp Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: American
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)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 9 reviews

“`html

If you’re craving a dish that sings with the vibrant flavors and comforting nostalgia of a classic deli, this New York Deli Shrimp Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s a delightful combination of tender shrimp, bright lemon notes, and that unmistakable hint of Old Bay seasoning that brings everything together. Creamy, crisp, and bursting with fresh herbs, this salad is as satisfying as it is easy to make. Whether you’re serving it for a casual lunch or an impressive appetizer, it perfectly captures the spirit of a bustling deli right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a wooden board with several cooking ingredients neatly placed. At the bottom left, a bowl filled with small, white and pink shrimp sits. Above the bowl, a small metal cup holds yellow mustard. To the right of the mustard, a white plate displays two small piles of seasoning powder, one orange and one black. A glass bowl with a white creamy sauce is near the center. Next to it, a bright green celery stalk stands vertically. Two whole yellow lemons are set to the bottom right of the celery. In the top right corner, there is a bunch of fresh green dill. A red onion is near the top left, on the wooden board. In the bottom right corner, a small black bowl contains white salt, red, and white seasoning powders. The whole setup is on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of the New York Deli Shrimp Salad Recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients. Each component plays a pivotal role—from the plump, juicy shrimp bringing the star protein, to the pungent Old Bay seasoning adding that signature zip, and the finely diced celery and onion delivering just the right amount of crunch and freshness.

Shrimp (1.5 pounds, 31-40 count): Choose peeled, deveined shrimp with tails removed for ease and a tender bite.
Baking soda (1/2 teaspoon): Helps tenderize shrimp for a perfect texture.
Diamond Crystal Kosher salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning the shrimp precisely.
Water (8 cups): Used for poaching shrimp gently to lock in moisture.
Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon plus 2 ounces): Adds bright acidity, elevating the entire salad.
Old Bay seasoning (2 teaspoons plus 1/2 teaspoon): The unmistakable spice blend that defines this recipe’s character.
Finely diced celery (1/2 cup): Offers crisp texture and a clean, refreshing flavor.
Finely diced red onion (1/4 cup): Brings a mild bite and gorgeous color contrast.
Minced dill (1 tablespoon plus more to taste): Infuses the salad with bright herbal notes.
Mayonnaise (3/4 cup): Creates a luscious, creamy base to marry all the flavors.
Celery seed (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle earthy undertone to the dressing.
Dijon mustard (2 teaspoons): Lends a gentle pungency and depth to the sauce.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Final seasoning to balance and enhance every bite.

How to Make New York Deli Shrimp Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Start by gently mixing the shrimp with baking soda, kosher salt, and 2 teaspoons of Old Bay seasoning. This little seasoning bath boosts flavor and tenderness, so let the shrimp rest for 15 to 20 minutes before you move on. Meanwhile, you can prepare the sauce, saving time and preventing any flavor waiting around.

Step 2: Poach the Shrimp

In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to a rolling boil. Once boiling, carefully add the shrimp and cook for only 90 seconds—just until they turn slightly opaque. As soon as they’re done, plunge them into a prepared ice water bath to shock and halt cooking instantly. This keeps the shrimp juicy and perfectly tender. Drain and pat dry with paper towels.

Step 3: Mix the Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, additional lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning, celery seed, minced dill, Dijon mustard, finely diced celery, and red onion. Taste and season generously with salt and pepper to get the dressing just right—it should be vibrant and balanced, with layers of herbaceous and tangy flavors.

Step 4: Combine and Chill

Toss the cooled shrimp into the dressing, making sure each piece is beautifully coated. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, though overnight is ideal for those luscious flavors to mingle and deepen. This chill time is where magic happens, turning simple ingredients into a deli-worthy masterpiece.

Step 5: Ready to Serve

Before serving, you can pour the salad through a colander to drain any excess liquid if you prefer a drier texture. Give it a gentle stir, sprinkle a bit more fresh dill if you like, and it’s ready to delight your guests.

How to Serve New York Deli Shrimp Salad Recipe

A close-up view of a sandwich with three main layers inside a soft, golden-brown bun. The bottom layer is filled with shrimp coated in a creamy white sauce with visible small bits of red onion and green herbs, giving it a textured and chunky look. On top of this shrimp mix, there is a layer of fresh, light green shredded lettuce, adding crunch and color contrast. The whole filling is held by a smooth, slightly shiny top bun with a warm brown color. The sandwich is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A little fresh dill sprinkled on top adds a pop of green and fresh aroma. For added texture and elegance, some finely chopped chives or a lemon wedge on the side can brighten the plate beautifully. A dusting of Old Bay seasoning can also make a colorful, flavorful finish.

Side Dishes

This shrimp salad shines alongside classic deli rye bread or buttery croissants, making indulgent sandwiches. It also pairs wonderfully with crisp lettuce leaves for low-carb wraps or alongside chilled potato salad and pickled vegetables if you’re going extra traditional.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform this salad into little lettuce cups or stack it on toasted baguette slices for elegant finger foods at your next party. You can also spoon it into halved avocado shells for a fresh, vibrant, and visually stunning appetizer that’s sure to wow.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your shrimp salad tightly covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, maintaining its bright, creamy texture and flavors that only deepen with time.

Freezing

Freezing shrimp salad is not recommended, as the mayonnaise and fresh vegetables won’t hold their texture well once thawed. For best results, always enjoy this salad fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If it’s chilled, simply let it sit out for about 10 minutes before serving to bring out all its beautiful flavors.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before mixing with seasoning. Using fresh or well-thawed shrimp ensures your salad stays juicy and tender.

Is there a substitute for Old Bay seasoning?

If you don’t have Old Bay on hand, you can create a simple blend of paprika, celery seed, cayenne pepper, and black pepper as a quick alternative, but the distinctive taste of Old Bay really gives this salad its authentic deli vibe.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, the base is mayonnaise which is naturally dairy-free, so as long as you use dairy-free mayo, this recipe works perfectly for those avoiding dairy.

How long should I marinate the shrimp salad?

For the tastiest results, refrigerate your shrimp salad for at least 2 hours, but overnight will let the flavors really soak in and create that authentic New York deli flavor profile.

What’s the best way to serve this to guests?

Serve it chilled on a platter with some fresh dill garnish, crackers, or rye bread slices. Its crisp texture and bright notes make it inviting and perfect for social gatherings.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the warmth and comfort of a classic deli dish like this New York Deli Shrimp Salad Recipe. It’s simple to make, bursting with flavor, and sure to become a favorite that you’ll want to share over and over. Give it a try and bring a little deli magic into your kitchen today—you won’t regret it!

“`