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If you’re looking for the perfect shrimp salad—creamy, flavorful, and packed with just the right amount of seasoning—you’ve come to the right place! I’ve taken my mom’s classic recipe and perfected the balance, so every bite is fresh, zesty, and never bland. Serve it on a buttery toasted bun or a bed of crisp greens, and you’ll see why this one’s a keeper!
Why This is the Best Shrimp Salad Sandwich Recipe
Seafood has always been a big deal in my family, thanks to my mom being from Baltimore. And if there’s one thing I learned early on, it’s that Old Bay belongs on just about everything—especially shrimp. She made shrimp salad every now and then, and when she did, it was always a treat. Creamy, zesty, and packed with that classic seafood seasoning, it was one of those simple dishes that felt a little extra special.
I took her recipe and tweaked it just slightly, fine-tuning the ingredients until I found the perfect balance—just enough seasoning to bring out the best in the shrimp without overpowering it. And now, I get to share it with you! This shrimp salad is fresh, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you pile it onto a buttery toasted bun or serve it over greens, I promise you’ll be making it on repeat!
Nikki’s Recipe Rundown
- Taste: Classic seafood flavor with a creamy, zesty kick from Old Bay and lemon.
- Texture: Tender shrimp with crunchy celery in a smooth, creamy dressing.
- Ease: Super simple—just mix, chill, and serve!
- Pros: Quick to make, easy to customize, and great for meal prep.
- Considerations: Needs some chill time for the best flavor, so plan ahead.
- Repeat Worthy: 100% yes! This is a keeper for summer lunches, light dinners, and potlucks.
Shrimp Salad Sandwich Ingredients
- Shrimp – Use cooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp for convenience. Chop them into bite-sized pieces for the best texture.
- Mayonnaise – The creamy base that ties everything together. Use a good-quality mayo for the best flavor (Duke’s is my favorite).
- Celery – Adds the perfect crunch and freshness. Slice it thin for even texture.
- Lemon Juice – Brightens up the flavors and balances the richness. Fresh is best!
- Old Bay Seasoning – The key to that signature seafood flavor. Don’t skip it!
- Black or White Pepper – White pepper is milder than black pepper, with a slightly earthy taste that blends well.
- Onion Powder – Adds depth without overpowering the dish.
- Worcestershire Sauce – A little umami boost to round out the flavors.
💡Shortcut Ideas 💡
- I get my shrimp for my supermarket seafood counter already prepared. I usually have to pull the shells off the tails and cut them into thirds; if you can get the tails already off, even better.
How to Make Shrimp Salad Sandwich
Step 1: Prep the Shrimp
Chop the cooked shrimp into bite-sized pieces. I like to cut a large shrimp into 3 bites, but you can adjust to your taste.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Old Bay, pepper, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. This is where all the flavor magic happens!
Step 3: Combine & Chill
Toss the shrimp and celery into the dressing and gently stir until everything is well coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour. I know waiting is hard, but trust me, the flavors need time to mingle!
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Step 4: Toast the Buns
Now you just have to decide on your favorite bread, or you can skip the bread! This is also great on a bed of lettuce with some sliced tomatoes! We love this on toasted white bread, sourdough, or even on a croissant. I think one of my favorites is on a toasted French bread, hoagie roll, or hot dog bun.
To toast the buns: Brush the inside and outside of your buns with melted butter.
Place them on a baking sheet and broil on low for a few minutes. Keep an eye on them—golden brown is the goal, not burnt!
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Once the buns are perfectly toasted, spoon that creamy shrimp salad inside. Add lettuce, tomato, or any of your favorite toppings.
Best Shrimp Salad Sandwich Recipe Tips
- Chill time is key! Let the salad sit in the fridge for at least an hour. This helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
- Chop shrimp evenly – Keeping the pieces uniform ensures every bite is balanced.
- Shrimp Spread – If you’d like this to be smoother or more like a spread, you can pulse the ingredients in a food processor.
- Adjust seasoning to taste – Want more zest? Add a bit more lemon juice. Need more spice? Up the Old Bay!
- Don’t skip toasting the buns or bread– That buttery, golden crunch makes a big difference in flavor.
What to serve with shrimp salad sandwiches
Shrimp salad sandwiches pair perfectly with so many sides, whether you’re keeping it casual or dressing it up a bit. For a classic combo, serve them with a side of crispy potato chips or creamy coleslaw—simple, easy, and always a hit.
If you’re looking for a lighter option, try spooning the shrimp salad over fresh greens for a seafood salad bowl. It’s refreshing and a great way to switch things up.
For a summer spread, pair your sandwich with buttery corn on the cob, deviled eggs, and a cold glass of sweet tea. The flavors are fresh, bright, and perfect for warm-weather meals.
And if you’re serving this for brunch, go all out with flaky croissants and a side of pasta salad or fresh fruit salad. It’s light yet indulgent and makes a beautiful, effortless meal.
Want something extra? A bowl of tomato soup or a seafood chowder makes a great choice.
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Best Shrimp Salad Sandwich Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, cooked, deveined, & shells removed
- 2 stalks celery, diced or chopped
For the Shrimp Salad Dressing
- 5 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons old bay seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black or white pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- salt, (to taste, this will depend on your seasoning)
Instructions
- Prepare Shrimp – Cut shrimp into bite-sized pieces.
- Make the Dressing – In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Old Bay, white pepper, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce, until well combined.5 tablespoons mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 2 teaspoons old bay seasoning, ½ teaspoon black or white pepper, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Combine – Add the celery and shrimp to the dressing and gently stir to coat.1 lb large shrimp, 2 stalks celery
- Chill – Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve & Enjoy – Stir before serving, salt to taste, and enjoy on toasted buns, croissants, sandwich rolls, or over a bed of lettuce. Add lettuce, tomato, or any favorite toppings.
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Notes
- Prep the Buns – Split the buns and brush both the inside and outside with melted butter.
- Toast – Place the buns on a baking sheet, cut-side up.
- Broil – Set the oven to low broil and toast for a few minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Nutrition Information
Nutritional Disclaimer
Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
©️Soulfully Made
I’ve never had shrimp salad. I don’t know why. It looks delicious!! I’ll be putting this on the menu.
When it comes to Shrimp Salad, I think less is more. Love the simplicity of your recipe.
Thank you so much Jackie! I totally agree with you about simplicity 🙂
This does bring back memories. We live in Maryland – the land of Old Bay and after seeing your gorgeous photos I’m craving this for dinner…
Monica I love recipes that you can taste a memory! What part of Maryland are you in? I need to get back there one day. My grandparents move to Florida later in life and have both passed away. Haven’t been there in years. I treasure these beautiful memories! Thank you! 🙂
Aw that sounds like wonderful memories! And the shrimp salad looks wonderful. I’m going to have to get some shrimp and try this. I do love shrimp salad but have never made it.
Thank you Denise! I hope you love it as much as I do! It’s so easy to put together!
Oh, boy, such a simple yet enticing recipe! I’d love one of your sandwiches!!
I love it’s simplicity! Come on by Liz. I will make you one!
I haven’t had shrimp salad in ages! Double yum!
Thank you Cindy! I don’t eat it often, but find when the weather starts warming up I crave it!
This would be perfect on the beach. I’m imagining my dream day with these sandwiches and sand and sun!!
I agree! The beach is calling my name!
Oh I am right there with you! Now I want to go to the beach 😉
Yummy looking/sounding shrimp salad sandwich! Also, thanks for all of the links to the other seafood recipes.
Thank you Cee! I am so glad you stopped by! I hope you enjoy! There are some fabulous recipes from our #SundaySupper Family!
Yum! Your shrimp salad sandwich looks delicious.
Thank you Arlene!