Zesty Old Bay Shrimp Salad Recipe with Lemon and Celery

Looking for a light supper or a satisfying lunch? This creamy Old Bay Shrimp Salad is an easy, Maryland-inspired recipe that delivers bright, savory flavors with minimal effort.

If you enjoy seafood, this salad pairs beautifully with flaky croissants or crisp lettuce cups for a simple, elegant meal.

This Old Bay Shrimp Salad combines plump, tender shrimp with a creamy, tangy dressing and the unmistakable savory warmth of Old Bay seasoning. A touch of sriracha adds gentle heat, while fresh dill and red onion bring brightness and crunch. It’s quick to make and easy to adapt to your tastes.

Why this recipe works

Fast and simple — ready in about 30 minutes, including cooking and cooling time.

Bold, familiar flavor — Old Bay seasoning adds an iconic Maryland-style kick that complements shrimp perfectly.

Highly adaptable — make it creamier, spicier, or lighter by swapping mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or adjusting hot sauce.

Great year‑round — works for summer sandwiches, potlucks, holiday gatherings, or a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

All ingredients are easy to find at most grocery stores. The ingredient list below includes the amounts used in the recipe so you can prep quickly.

• Shrimp: 32 large shrimp, thawed and deveined (remove shells and tails after boiling).
• Cold water: 1.5 cups (for the shrimp boil).
• Old Bay Seasoning: 1 tablespoon for boiling, plus 1 teaspoon for the dressing.
• Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons fresh, to toss with the cooked shrimp.
• Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup (or substitute Greek yogurt or Miracle Whip to taste).
• Sriracha: 2 teaspoons, or adjust to preferred heat (substitute cayenne or other hot sauce if desired).
• Salt and pepper: 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste.
• Red onion: 1/4 cup finely chopped (or use green onions).
• Fresh dill: 1 1/2 tablespoons chopped, plus extra for garnish (or swap parsley).
• Bread or serving: 4 croissants (split) or bread of choice, crackers, or lettuce cups.

Other common ingredients you might like

• Celery: Finely diced for extra crunch.
• Celery seed or celery salt: For extra flavor when you want less crunch.
• Dijon mustard: A teaspoon adds a pleasant tang.

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot, bring 1.5 cups cold water and 1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning to a boil.

Step 2: Add the shrimp, stir, cover, and boil for 3 to 5 minutes until the shrimp are pink and just cooked through (time varies with shrimp size).

Step 3: Drain the shrimp and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking. Remove shells and tails if left on, then pat the shrimp dry.

Step 4: Place the shrimp in a large bowl, squeeze 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice over them, and toss to coat. Allow to cool if needed.

Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 teaspoons sriracha, 1 teaspoon Old Bay, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

Step 6: Add cooled shrimp, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, and 1.5 tablespoons chopped fresh dill (and 2–3 tablespoons finely diced celery if using) to the dressing. Mix until evenly coated.

Step 7: Taste and adjust seasonings. Garnish with additional dill and serve on croissants, bread, crackers, or lettuce cups.

Serving suggestion

This Old Bay Shrimp Salad is versatile and portable:

• Sandwiches and wraps: Heap onto buttery croissants, brioche, or whole-grain bread with sliced cucumber and avocado.
• Pasta salad: Fold into cooked farfalle or penne for a coastal-inspired pasta salad.
• Salad cups: Spoon into butter lettuce or endive leaves for light, elegant servings.
• Appetizer: Serve in endive leaves or on crostini alongside pickles and flatbreads.

Common questions and answers

Recipe Tips

• Large 31/40 shrimp work well for texture and presentation.
• Short on time? Use precooked shrimp—just toss with lemon and dressing.
• Try air-frying frozen shrimp as an alternative to boiling for a slightly firmer bite.
• Always taste the dressing and adjust heat, salt, or acidity before combining with the shrimp.
• This salad is equally suited to summer picnics and winter potlucks—easy to scale up for a crowd.

How to store

Store Old Bay Shrimp Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best quality and food safety, consume within 3–4 days.

More easy salad recipes you’ll love

• Rotisserie Chicken Salad
• Ground Beef Taco Salad
• Cherry Tomato Caprese Salad
• Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

Recipe

Old Bay Shrimp Salad

Author: Nikole Berg

Yield: 4 servings

Prep time: 10 mins • Cook time: 20 mins • Total time: 30 mins

Ingredients

• 1.5 cups cold water
• 1 tablespoon Old Bay Seasoning (for boiling) + 1 teaspoon for dressing
• 32 large shrimp, thawed and deveined
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons sriracha (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1.5 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• 4 croissants, split (or bread of choice, crackers, or lettuce cups)

Instructions

1. Bring water and 1 tablespoon Old Bay to a boil in a large pot. Add shrimp, cover, and boil 3–5 minutes until shrimp are pink.
2. Drain and rinse with cold water; remove shells and tails if needed. Pat dry and toss with lemon juice.
3. Whisk mayonnaise, sriracha, 1 teaspoon Old Bay, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Add shrimp, red onion, and dill to the dressing; mix until combined. Adjust seasoning and chill if desired.
5. Serve on croissants, bread, crackers, or in lettuce cups. Garnish with extra dill.

Notes

• Nutrition information does not include bread.
• Use precooked shrimp to save time—just skip the boiling step and add lemon before tossing with dressing.
• Taste the dressing first and adjust hot sauce, salt, or lemon as needed.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 172 kcal • Carbohydrates: 2 g • Protein: 16 g • Fat: 11 g • Sodium: 238 mg