Why You’ll Love this Southern Coastal Shrimp Salad
Three irresistible qualities make this Southern Coastal Shrimp Salad a must-try recipe for your summer table.
First, it’s invigoratingly versatile—perfect as a light lunch, elegant appetizer, or potluck showstopper. Can you imagine anything better on a sweltering afternoon?
Second, the balance of flavors is impeccable. Sweet relish and sugar play against tangy mustard, while crisp bell peppers and celery provide just the right textural contrast to tender shrimp.
Finally, it’s wonderfully customizable. Need more zip? Add extra Gullah Luv seasoning. Prefer creamier texture? Fold in additional mayo.
What Ingredients are in Southern Coastal Shrimp Salad?
This classic Southern Coastal Shrimp Salad brings together the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that transport you straight to a breezy seaside picnic. The foundation of this recipe is, of course, plump, tender shrimp, which pairs beautifully with crisp vegetables and a creamy, well-seasoned dressing. Can you already taste that invigorating first bite? The ingredient list is straightforward but creates that unmistakable coastal flavor profile that makes this dish so beloved across the Southern states.
- 2 pounds medium or small shrimp
- 1¼ green bell peppers, chopped
- 1¼ stalks celery, peeled and finely chopped
- ½ onion, chopped
- ½ cup sweet relish
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ⅛ cup mustard
- 1 tablespoon Gullah Luv seasoning (or salt and pepper mix)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 boiled eggs (optional)
- Lettuce leaves, for serving
- Tomato slices, for garnish
- Parsley, for garnish
When shopping for this recipe, the quality of your shrimp matters tremendously. Fresh is fantastic if you can get it, but good-quality frozen shrimp, thawed properly, works wonderfully too. And about that Gullah Luv seasoning—it’s a traditional coastal Carolina blend, but don’t worry if you can’t find it. A simple mix of salt, pepper, and perhaps a touch of paprika will do the trick. Remember, the mayonnaise amount is just a starting point; some folks like their shrimp salad creamier, others prefer it more dressed-down. You’re the captain of this culinary ship, so adjust to your taste.
How to Make this Southern Coastal Shrimp Salad
Preparing this coastal classic starts with properly cooking your 2 pounds of shrimp. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, then add your shrimp and cook just until they turn pink and opaque—usually about 2-3 minutes. Nobody wants rubbery shrimp, right?
Once cooked, immediately remove them from the hot water and let them cool completely. When they’re cool enough to handle, peel off those shells, heads, and tails, then run your knife along the back of each shrimp to remove that dark vein (which, between us, is actually the shrimp’s digestive tract).
While your shrimp are cooling, you can prepare the flavorful base by combining 1¼ chopped green bell peppers, 1¼ finely chopped celery stalks, and ½ chopped onion in a large mixing bowl.
To this crisp veggie mixture, add ½ cup of sweet relish for that hint of sweetness, ⅛ cup of mustard for tang, and ¼ cup of mayonnaise for creaminess. Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of Gullah Luv seasoning (or your salt and pepper mix) and 1 tablespoon of sugar, then mix everything thoroughly until well combined. The dressing should have a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet—the holy trinity of Southern salad dressings, if you ask me.
Now comes the satisfying part—fold your cooled, deveined shrimp into this vibrant mixture, gently tossing until every piece is gloriously coated.
Give it a taste and add more seasoning if needed; this is your moment to perfect the flavor. For extra richness, chop up those 3 boiled eggs and fold them in (though they’re optional, they add a wonderful texture and protein boost).
Need more creaminess? Add a touch more mayonnaise or mustard to reach your desired consistency.
To serve, arrange crisp lettuce leaves on plates, spoon generous portions of your shrimp salad over top, garnish with fresh tomato slices, and finish with a light sprinkle of parsley for that professional touch.
Don’t we all deserve a little coastal elegance on our plates?
For a different preparation method, consider using a professional grade fryer to create crispy popcorn shrimp as a crunchy topping for your salad.
Southern Coastal Shrimp Salad Substitutions and Variations
While the classic Southern Coastal Shrimp Salad recipe is already delicious as-is, you might need to make substitutions based on dietary restrictions or simply what’s available in your pantry.
Can’t find Gullah Luv seasoning? Old Bay or a simple mix of salt, pepper, and paprika works nicely.
For a lighter version, swap mayo for Greek yogurt or avocado. Red bell peppers add a sweeter note than green ones, and dill pickle relish creates a tangier profile than sweet relish.
Not a mustard fan? Leave it out or try a dash of horseradish instead. For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne.
What to Serve with Southern Coastal Shrimp Salad
Southern Coastal Shrimp Salad shines as a stand-alone dish, but pairing it with complementary sides can transform your meal from simple to spectacular.
I’m partial to crusty French bread or buttery crackers that provide the perfect crunch against the tender shrimp and creamy dressing.
For a complete summer spread, add chilled gazpacho or a watermelon-feta side salad.
Corn on the cob, brushed with herb butter, makes for a sweet accompaniment that screams “coastal cookout.”
Can you imagine a better porch-sitting, sunset-watching meal?
Sweet tea or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc? Either way, you can’t go wrong.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on this Southern Coastal Shrimp Salad recipe, I’m convinced it’s not just about the ingredients—it’s about the stories we share around the table.
This dish, with its perfect balance of sweet relish, tangy mustard, and that special Gullah Luv seasoning, speaks to the rich coastal traditions of the South.
What makes this recipe special? Perhaps it’s the way the tender shrimp mingles with crisp vegetables.
Or maybe it’s how versatile it is—elegant enough for company, simple enough for lunch.
The best recipes aren’t just instructions. They’re invitations to create moments, memories.
Wouldn’t you agree?
