Make this refreshing Italian shrimp salad for your next party! Packed with juicy shrimp, olives, and celery, it’s the perfect high-protein, healthy appetizer.

A family of four, two adults and two children, enjoying a shrimp salad with Italian flavors at a cozy dining table, with natural light and a warm atmosphere.

Shrimp Salad Recipe

Whenever I’m getting ready for a party or family gathering, shrimp salad is always my first choice. It’s light, refreshing, and so easy to make. This Italian-style version is fantastic with its tender shrimp, tangy olives, and crunchy celery. It’s the perfect way to add a healthy touch with a Mediterranean twist. Plus, it tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, so you can make it ahead of time and enjoy your event stress-free.

Ingredients for Four People

¼ cup chopped parsley
5 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
Black pepper to taste
Juice of 2 small lemons
1 ⅓ cups mixed Italian pitted olives
1 ¼ lbs cooked, peeled, and deveined jumbo shrimp (tails off, halved)
Kosher or Pink Himalayan salt and black pepper to season
1 cup sliced celery

Cooking Instructions

A large mixing bowl filled with shrimp, celery, olives, red onion, garlic, and parsley, ready to be mixed into a salad.

1. In a big mixing bowl, add the shrimp, celery, olives, red onion, garlic, and parsley.

2. Pour the olive oil and fresh lemon juice over the salad, then season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

A person tossing a shrimp salad with celery, olives, red onion, garlic, and parsley, preparing to place it in the fridge.

3. Toss everything well and place the salad in the fridge for a few hours (or overnight) to let the flavors blend beautifully. Once it’s nicely chilled and full of flavor, give it another mix, and it’s ready to serve!

Tips and Tricks

Cut the Shrimp in Half: Cutting the shrimp in half helps the dressing soak in better, so every bite is full of flavor.
Make Ahead: This salad is perfect for making the night before. It only gets better as it sits and the flavors meld together.
Extra Crunch: If you like a bit of extra crunch, try adding some more celery or a handful of sliced almonds right before you serve it.
Balancing Flavors: Before you serve the salad, taste it and tweak the lemon, salt, or olive oil if needed to match your taste.
Serve with Bread: This shrimp salad goes great with crusty Italian bread or on top of a bed of fresh greens for a complete meal.

Benefits of This Shrimp Salad Recipe

High in Protein: With shrimp as the star ingredient, this salad offers a great source of lean protein.
Healthy and Fresh: Loaded with fresh veggies, heart-healthy olive oil, and no heavy dressings, it’s a lighter option for any occasion.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for preparing the night before, saving you time on the day of your party or event.
Customizable: This shrimp salad is easy to tweak to your liking by adding or swapping ingredients based on what you have on hand.
Crowd-pleaser: It’s a party favorite! The bold flavors of olives, garlic, and lemon make this dish stand out on any buffet table.

Important Things About This Recipe

No Cooking Needed: This is a no-cook recipe, perfect for those hot summer days when you don’t want to turn on the stove!
Mediterranean Flavors: The olives, lemon, and garlic give this shrimp salad a classic Mediterranean taste that’s both fresh and bold.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for anyone with dietary restrictions.
Versatile: You can serve it as an appetizer, main dish, or even as a topping for crackers or salad greens.
Quick Prep: With only 15 minutes of prep time, this shrimp salad is fast and easy to whip up!

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