Few lunches compare to a shrimp salad sandwich. Cool, creamy, with just the right crunch, and packed with sweet, briny flavor, it’s like summer between two slices of bread. Whether you’re using freshly boiled Key West pink shrimp or thawed pre-cooked ones, a good shrimp salad sandwich can be elegant enough for a brunch or simple enough for a beach picnic.
So, let’s break down how to make the best version of this seafood classic, from the fundamentals of ingredients to more advanced upgrades.
First Things First: Use the Right Shrimp
The key to a great shrimp salad begins with high-quality shrimp. Wild-caught Key West pink shrimp are perfect because of their sweet, delicate flavor and firm texture. Use small to medium shrimp for sandwiches (such as 41/50 or 51/60 count), so the pieces aren’t too large.
Boil them yourself:
Bring a pot of salted water with a bay leaf and a lemon slice to a boil. Add peeled shrimp and cook for just 2–3 minutes, until pink and curled. Then plunge them into an ice bath to stop the cooking.
Shortcut option:
Use high-quality pre-cooked shrimp, such as those from Eaton Street Seafood Market, and simply chop them up. Just ensure they are fully thawed and dried before using.
The Base Recipe: Classic Shrimp Salad
Here’s a simple, delicious recipe that never fails:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cooked shrimp (peeled, deveined, and chopped)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (Duke’s or Hellmann’s preferred)
- 1 tbsp Dijon or whole grain mustard
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice (plus zest if you’re fancy)
- 1 tsp Old Bay or a pinch of cayenne
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill or parsley (optional)
Directions:
- In a large bowl, combine mayo, mustard, lemon juice, celery, and seasoning.
- Fold in chopped shrimp.
- Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. More lemon? More salt? You’re the boss here.
Bread Choices: Don’t Phone It In
The shrimp salad is the highlight, but the bread provides important support. Pick something soft enough to bite easily yet sturdy enough to hold the filling.
Top picks:
- Buttery croissants (for a brunchy vibe)
- New England–style split-top hot dog buns (lobster roll style)
- Soft brioche or potato rolls
- Sourdough sandwich slices
- Toasted everything bagels
- Mini Hawaiian rolls for shrimp salad sliders
Lightly toasting the bread adds texture and prevents it from becoming soggy. Butter is optional but recommended.
Add-Ons and Upgrades
This is your chance to get creative and make the shrimp salad sandwich uniquely yours. Here are some mix-ins and toppings that go well with shrimp:
Crunchy:
- Shredded romaine or butter lettuce
- Sliced cucumber or radish
- Thinly sliced red onion
- Chopped pickles or capers
Creamy:
- Avocado slices
- A smear of cream cheese or aioli on the bread
- Greek yogurt instead of mayo (or 50/50 blend)
Zesty:
- Extra lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lime
- A dash of hot sauce (Crystal or Tabasco, please)
- Chopped fresh herbs like tarragon, basil, or chives
Extra indulgent:
- Bacon crumbles (we’re not judging)
- A sprinkle of grated parmesan
- A soft-boiled egg on top
Make-Ahead Tips
- Shrimp salad can be prepared 1–2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Wait to assemble the sandwiches until right before serving to prevent soggy bread.
- Packing lunch? Use a wrap, pita pocket, or croissant to keep things portable.
Serving Suggestions
Shrimp salad sandwiches are versatile and go with just about anything summery and fresh.
Serve with:
- Potato chips or kettle chips
- A cold pasta or potato salad
- Sliced watermelon or pineapple
- Pickled vegetables
- An icy glass of lemonade, rosé, or even a crisp beer
A Word on Vibes
Shrimp salad sandwiches are not just a food, they’re a vibe. Think:
- Post-beach lunch
- Sunday brunch
- Fancy picnic
- Quick-but-fancy work-from-home lunch
- “I didn’t feel like cooking, but still want something special” kind of dinner
They’re elegant but unfussy, rich but refreshing. Whether you’re serving them on a paper plate or a silver tray, they just work.
Where to Get the Best Shrimp
If you want to create the perfect shrimp salad sandwich, you need shrimp that are worth the effort. That’s where Eaton Street Seafood Market comes in. They offer Key West pink shrimp that are wild-caught, sweet, and ready to impress—delivered straight to your door, anywhere in the lower 48.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp salad sandwiches are the unsung heroes of the seafood world. They’re quick, customizable, and delicious, whether you go classic or creative. All you need are quality shrimp, a creamy dressing, good bread, and a little chill time.
So, next time you see a bag of shrimp and wonder what to cook, remember: You’re only a few ingredients from lunch perfection.
