Shrimp, Orange & Cucumber Chopped Salad
Crisp cucumber and sweet, juicy citrus provide a refreshing contrast to tender steamed shrimp in this clean, vibrant chopped salad. Whisking olive oil directly with fresh orange juice and zest creates a naturally bright dressing that ties every chilled element together.
Why this one works
- Sweet citrus juice naturally balances the savory, tender steamed shrimp.
- Diced cucumbers add a cooling, snappy crunch in every forkful.
- The dressing comes together effortlessly using fresh orange zest and juice.
- Fresh cilantro provides an aromatic, herbal finish right before serving.
What you’ll need
- 1 lb (450g) peeled shrimp Steam gently just until opaque so they stay tender and plump once chilled.
- 2 large (300g) oranges Grate the zest before peeling and segmenting to use in the dressing.
- 2 cups (300g) diced cucumber Cut into uniform, small cubes to match the size of the orange pieces.
- 1/4 cup (15g) fresh cilantro Chop just before garnishing to preserve its bright aroma and green color.
- 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil A smooth, balanced olive oil emulsifies easily with the fresh orange juice.
- 1 teaspoon (2g) orange zest
TRY THIS NEXT: If these flavors sound good to you, Orange Roasted Carrots Chicken Crunch Salad with Orange Ginger Vinaigrette is a natural one to save for next time.
What to have nearby
- Steamer basket or pot with lid
- Chef's knife and cutting board
- Whisk and small mixing bowl
- Large salad mixing bowl
Step-by-step instructions
The preparation centers on gentle steaming and careful chilling. Make sure the shrimp cool completely before assembling so they do not warm the crisp cucumber or wilt the fresh cilantro.
- 1Step 1
Steam the shrimp until pink and opaque; chill thoroughly.
- 2Step 2
Peel oranges and cut into bite-sized segments.
- 3Step 3
Dice the cucumbers into uniform cubes.
- 4Step 4
Whisk olive oil with orange zest and juice for the dressing.
- 5Step 5
Toss the shrimp, oranges, and cucumbers in a large bowl.
- 6Step 6
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve chilled.
ALSO GOOD: If these flavors sound good to you, Shrimp, Grapefruit & Almonds Chopped Salad is a natural one to save for next time.
A few things worth knowing
- Keep a close eye on the shrimp while steaming; remove them as soon as they turn pink to prevent rubberiness.
- Chill the steamed shrimp in the refrigerator before tossing to ensure the whole salad stays crisp and cold.
- Zest the oranges before cutting into segments to capture the citrus oils for the dressing.
- Whisk the olive oil and citrus juice briskly right before combining so the dressing coats the ingredients evenly.
Ways to make it your own
- Spoon the chilled salad over a bed of mixed salad greens for a fuller luncheon plate.
- Present the chopped salad inside hollowed-out avocado halves or butter lettuce cups.
Serving suggestions
This bright chopped salad pairs naturally with warm sourdough rolls, toasted flatbread, or a light grain pilaf. It also works wonderfully served chilled alongside iced herbal tea on a warm afternoon.
Storage & reheating
Keep any leftover salad tightly covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Because cucumbers and oranges release liquid over time, give the bowl a gentle toss before serving remaining portions.
Nutrition notes
Nutrition is provided as a general estimate for the listed recipe. Brands, exact portions, and ingredient swaps can change the numbers.
Quick recipe answers
Can I steam the shrimp in advance?+
Yes, steaming and thoroughly chilling the shrimp ahead of time makes the final assembly quick and keeps the salad cold.
What is the best way to cut the oranges?+
Cut away the peel and white pith completely with a sharp knife, then slice between the membranes to release neat segments.
With its cooling crunch, tender seafood, and lively citrus dressing, this salad is a straightforward dish that feels thoroughly refreshing from the first bite to the last.
Shrimp, Orange & Cucumber Chopped Salad
Chilled steamed shrimp tossed with juicy orange segments, crisp diced cucumber, fresh cilantro, and a simple citrus olive oil dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) peeled shrimp
- 2 large (300g) oranges
- 2 cups (300g) diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup (15g) fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon (2g) orange zest
Instructions
- Steam the shrimp until pink and opaque; chill thoroughly.
- Peel oranges and cut into bite-sized segments.
- Dice the cucumbers into uniform cubes.
- Whisk olive oil with orange zest and juice for the dressing.
- Toss the shrimp, oranges, and cucumbers in a large bowl.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve chilled.
Nutrition
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