Dinner

Creamy New York Deli Shrimp Salad Recipe

ByMatteo Rossi March 5, 2026March 5, 2026

Introduction

This Creamy New York Deli Shrimp Salad is a delightful and easy-to-make dish that brings the flavors of a classic deli right to your home. With a perfect balance of tangy lemon, creamy mayonnaise, and a hint of spice, it’s a refreshing treat that can be enjoyed on its own or as a sandwich filling.

A filled white bowl with a creamy shrimp salad, showing about two layers of medium-sized cooked shrimp that are pink-orange with slight char marks. The shrimp are mixed in with a thick white creamy sauce that has visible green herbs and small pieces of light purple onion mixed evenly throughout, giving texture and color contrast. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb shrimp (cooked, rinsed, and tails removed)
0.5 cup mayonnaise (or use Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
0.5 tsp garlic powder
0.5 tsp paprika
0.5 tsp salt
0.25 tsp pepper
1 stalk celery (finely diced)
2 tbsp chives (chopped)

Instructions

Step 1: Place the cooked shrimp in a colander under cold water to rinse off any excess. Pat them dry with paper towels, ensuring each shrimp is dry and ready for mixing.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Whisk until smooth and creamy to form the base of the salad.
Step 3: Add the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to blend all the seasonings evenly.
Step 4: Toss in the finely diced celery and chopped chives. Mix lightly until evenly distributed, adding a fresh crunch to the salad.
Step 5: Gently fold the shrimp into the mixture using a spatula, being careful not to break the shrimp pieces. Aim for an even coating of the dressing.
Step 6: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt without compromising creaminess.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle spicy kick.
Mix in finely chopped dill or parsley for an herby twist.
Serve on toasted rye bread or in a croissant for a classic deli-style sandwich.

Storage

Store the shrimp salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best flavor and texture, consume within this timeframe. When ready to serve, give it a gentle stir and enjoy cold or at room temperature.

How to Serve

A close-up image shows a bowl filled with creamy shrimp salad. The bottom layer is a white creamy sauce speckled with finely chopped green herbs, topped with plump, orange and pink cooked shrimp scattered unevenly. Some shrimp pieces have small slices of red onion, showing a translucent purple color mixed in. The shrimp are coated lightly with the sauce, giving a shiny and moist texture. The bowl itself is white with a dark rim placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use raw shrimp for this recipe?

This recipe calls for cooked shrimp to ensure safety and proper texture. If you have raw shrimp, cook them first by boiling, steaming, or sautéing before using.

How can I make this shrimp salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the shrimp salad up to a day in advance. Keep it refrigerated and covered tightly. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing evenly.