Refreshing Dill Shrimp Delight
Escape the heat with this Refreshing Dill Shrimp Delight, a truly delectable salad that showcases tender jumbo shrimp marinated in a zesty Italian dressing. Paired with crunchy water chestnuts, vibrant tomatoes, and aromatic fresh dill, this dish is a feast for the senses. Serve it on a bed of crisp romaine lettuce for a light and satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet healthy. Perfect for summer picnics, lunches, or casual dinners, this salad brings together the crunch of fresh vegetables and the succulence of shrimp in every bite. Treat yourself to a cooling, savory experience that is sure to impress family and friends alike.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cooked jumbo shrimp
12 ounces (thawed, cooked and peeled)
Water chestnuts
6 ounces (sliced and drained)
Onion
1 small (thinly sliced)
Fresh dill
2-3 tablespoons (chopped)
Italian dressing
1/2 cup (reduced fat or regular)
Romaine lettuce
1 head (chopped)
Tomatoes
2-3 medium (quartered)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked jumbo shrimp, sliced water chestnuts, thinly sliced onion, and chopped fresh dill.
2
Drizzle the Italian dressing over the ingredients and toss gently to blend everything evenly. Ensure the shrimp and veggies are well-coated in the dressing.
3
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for 1½ to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
4
To serve, arrange one-fourth of the chopped romaine lettuce on each of the four plates.
5
Spoon a generous portion of the marinated shrimp mixture over the lettuce, allowing the dressing to drizzle down.
6
Garnish each plate with quartered tomato wedges and, if desired, sprigs of fresh parsley or basil leaves for an elegant finish.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Refreshing Dill Shrimp Delight?
Refreshing Dill Shrimp Delight is a chilled seafood salad featuring jumbo shrimp marinated in Italian dressing with water chestnuts, dill, and tomatoes over romaine lettuce.
What kind of shrimp should I use for this recipe?
You should use 12 ounces of jumbo shrimp that have been cooked, peeled, and thawed.
How long does this salad need to chill?
The salad should be refrigerated for 1.5 to 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to cool thoroughly.
What ingredients provide the crunch in this salad?
The crunch comes from sliced water chestnuts, thinly sliced onion, and fresh romaine lettuce.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh dill?
Fresh dill is recommended for the best flavor, but you can use dried dill as a substitute, though you should reduce the amount to about 1 tablespoon.
How many people does this recipe serve?
The recipe is designed to serve four people when divided onto four plates.
What type of dressing is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of Italian dressing, which can be either regular or reduced-fat.
Is this recipe suitable for a summer picnic?
Yes, it is an ideal summer dish because it is served cold and provides a refreshing, light meal.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The 2-3 medium tomatoes should be quartered and used as a garnish for each plate.
Can I add extra garnishes to the dish?
Yes, you can garnish each plate with sprigs of fresh parsley or basil leaves for an elegant finish.
What is the first step in making Refreshing Dill Shrimp Delight?
The first step is to combine the cooked shrimp, water chestnuts, onion, and fresh dill in a large mixing bowl.
Should the water chestnuts be drained?
Yes, the 6 ounces of sliced water chestnuts should be drained before being added to the mix.
How do I ensure the shrimp is well-coated?
Drizzle the Italian dressing over the mixture and toss gently to ensure everything is evenly blended.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a light and satisfying meal that is healthy while still feeling indulgent.
What type of lettuce is best for this shrimp salad?
One head of chopped romaine lettuce is recommended as the bed for the marinated shrimp.
Can I prepare the shrimp ahead of time?
Yes, the recipe requires the shrimp to be marinated in the refrigerator for at least 90 minutes before serving.
What kind of onion should I use?
The recipe calls for one small onion, thinly sliced. Red onion works well for color, while yellow or white onions offer a milder flavor.
Is this dish gluten-free?
The main ingredients are gluten-free, but you should verify that your choice of Italian dressing is certified gluten-free.
Can I use a different type of seafood?
While this recipe specifically features jumbo shrimp, you could potentially substitute with cooked crab or lobster.
Does the recipe require any cooking?
No actual cooking is required as the recipe uses pre-cooked shrimp; it is primarily a assembly and marinating process.
How much fresh dill is needed?
The recipe suggests using 2 to 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh dill.
Can I make this salad a day in advance?
It is best served after 2 hours of chilling, as the lettuce might wilt if the entire salad is assembled too far in advance.
What is the texture of the Refreshing Dill Shrimp Delight?
The texture is a mix of succulent, tender shrimp and the crisp crunch of water chestnuts and lettuce.
Is there a specific way to plate the salad?
Yes, arrange the lettuce on the plate first, spoon the shrimp mixture on top, and garnish with tomato wedges.
Can I use frozen water chestnuts?
Canned water chestnuts that are sliced and drained are most commonly used for this type of salad.
What makes the dressing 'drizzle down'?
When you spoon the marinated shrimp mixture over the lettuce, the Italian dressing naturally coats the greens.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, this is a zesty and savory salad rather than a spicy one.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: shrimp, water chestnuts, onion, dill, dressing, lettuce, and tomatoes.
Can I use a creamy Italian dressing?
Yes, you can use either regular or reduced-fat Italian dressing based on your preference.
How should I store leftovers?
Leftovers should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator and are best consumed within 24 hours.