Seaside Shrimp Salad

There's something about a chilled shrimp salad that feels like the ocean found its way to the table. Light, fresh and quietly elegant, it carries the ease of warm coastal days - the kind where the air moves gently and everything slows down just enough to be savored. Each bite is cool and simple, touched with a hint of sea breeze and sun, inviting you to linger a little longer.

This is a dish for open windows, soft light and the quiet rhythm of summer - where freshness speaks for itself and less is always more. When I dine out at an oceanside restaurant, this delectable dish is one of my favorite meals to relish in. And, I always find a way to make it my own.

SERVES 2 - 3

Ingredients:

6 - 8 large shrimp, cooked

1/4 cup diced purple onion (some call it red)

1/4 cup celery, chopped

1/2 avocado, diced

1 lemon, squeezed

1 tsp. white vinegar

1/4 cup (favorite) mayonnaise

Fresh Dill

Sea Salt

Peppercorns (optional)

Garnish:

3 Cherry tomatoes, sliced in halves

1/2 Cucumber sliced

Lemon wedge

Directions:

1. Remove tails from shrimp. Cut each shrimp in three bite size pieces. In a large bowl, add shrimp, onion, celery, lemon, vinegar, fresh dill and mayonnaise. Mix all ingredients gently. Add diced avocado and fold slowly with a rubber spatula.

If mixture is watery, add more mayonnaise. If too thick due to mayonnaise, add more lemon juice to get a smooth, creamy consistency (not too thick and not too watery).

2. Serve shrimp salad over a bed of lettuce with cherry tomatoes and a lemon wedge on the side. Sprinkle peppercorns on top.

Optional:

Add shaven parmesan cheese for garnish.

Sprinkle bacon bits or sliced cooked bacon on top.

*As a tradition, add Old Bay Seasoning to the mix.*

Try this:

*You can add all ingredients to a hoagie roll known as a Shrimp Boat. 

*Stuff shrimp salad inside of 1/2 an avocado.

Fully Cooked or Raw: You can choose which ever you prefer. Fully cooked shrimp works well for a quick and easy light dish. Raw shrimp calls for a peeling, deveining and cooking process.

This dish is a quick and easy warm weather delight! And, can be served in many different ways.

Enjoy!