This Fresh Greek Style Shrimp Salad is a vibrant mix of juicy shrimp, crunchy veggies, and tangy feta cheese. It’s refreshing and perfect for a light meal on warm days!
You won’t believe how easy it is to make! Just toss everything together, and you’ve got a colorful dish that tastes like summer. I love serving it with some crusty bread—so good!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are best for this salad, but you can use medium or even frozen shrimp. If you’re vegetarian, chickpeas are a great substitute for protein and add a nice texture, too.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds flavor, but if you’re low on it, any light cooking oil will work. Just keep in mind that it might change the taste slightly.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is wonderful, but if you don’t have it, garlic powder is a handy substitute. About 1/4 teaspoon will do.
Kalamata Olives: These add a nice briny flavor to the salad. You can swap them out for green olives or omit them if you’re not a fan.
Feta Cheese: Feta brings a tangy kick. If you need a non-dairy option, try a vegan feta or omit it altogether.
How Do You Cook Shrimp Perfectly?
Getting shrimp just right can be tricky! You want them cooked until they’re just pink and opaque. Here’s how:
- Heat your skillet to medium-high before adding the shrimp for an even cook.
- Toss them in your seasoned oil for a few minutes, turning halfway through. It should take about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Watch closely! Overcooking can make shrimp tough, so take them off the heat as soon as they’re done.
Fresh Greek Style Shrimp Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Fresh Veggies:
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
Extras:
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Dressing:
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Fresh Greek Style Shrimp Salad takes about 30 minutes to prepare. This includes about 10 minutes for prepping the ingredients and roughly 20 minutes for cooking the shrimp and assembling the salad. It’s quick, fresh, and perfect for any occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Shrimp:
Start by placing the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the shrimp are evenly coated. This will add great flavor to your shrimp!
2. Cook the Shrimp:
Next, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan; if you have a lot of shrimp, you may want to cook them in batches. Once cooked, remove them from the heat and let them cool.
3. Prepare the Salad Base:
While the shrimp are cooling, grab a large salad bowl. Combine the diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped parsley. This colorful mix is the heart of your salad!
4. Add the Shrimp:
Once the shrimp have cooled down, add them to the salad bowl with the veggies. Lightly toss the mixture to combine—all those flavors will blend beautifully!
5. Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and a bit more salt and pepper to taste. This dressing will elevate your salad even more!
6. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together. Make sure it’s well-coated with that delicious dressing!
7. Serve or Chill:
You can serve the salad immediately for a fresh crunch, or let it chill in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors meld together. Either way, it’s sure to be a hit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking. The best way to thaw shrimp is to place them in the refrigerator overnight or to run them under cold water in a sealed bag for about 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry before seasoning and cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use crumbled goat cheese for a similar tang, or try vegan feta if you want a dairy-free option. If you prefer to skip cheese entirely, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can add a nice flavor as well!
How Do I Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the shrimp and veggies may release moisture, so it’s best to eat it fresh. If you want to store the dressing separately, it’ll help maintain the texture of the salad.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to This Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize this salad with ingredients like bell peppers, avocados, or even arugula for extra greens. Just make sure any additions complement the Greek flavors!
