This Costco Shrimp Salad Recipe is a creamy and refreshing recipe, which is made with tender shrimp and Old Bay seasoning. It’s the perfect light lunch, ready in about 20 minutes plus chilling time.
Jump to RecipeCostco Shrimp Salad Recipe Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound medium raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lemon, halved
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- Water for boiling
For the Salad:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped celery stalks
- ¼ cup chopped red onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
How To Make Costco Shrimp Salad Recipe
- Prepare the poaching liquid: Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the shrimp. Squeeze the lemon halves into the water and add the squeezed halves to the pot, along with the bay leaf and 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning.
- Poach the shrimp: Heat the pot over medium heat until small bubbles begin to form at the bottom. Do not let the water come to a full boil. Add the shrimp and cook for 3-4 minutes, just until they turn pink and opaque.
- Cool the shrimp: Immediately remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate in a single layer to cool down. Once cooled, you can chop them into bite-sized pieces if desired.
- Make the dressing: In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Mix well until the dressing is smooth.
- Combine the salad: Add the chopped celery, red onion, and fresh dill to the dressing and stir to combine. Gently fold in the cooled shrimp until everything is well-coated.
- Chill and serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve chilled.

Recipe Tips
- How do I avoid overcooking the shrimp? The key is to poach them gently in water that is not at a rolling boil. As soon as the shrimp turn from translucent grey to pink and opaque, they are done. Immediately remove them from the hot water to stop the cooking process.
- Can I use pre-cooked shrimp to save time? Yes, absolutely. If you use pre-cooked shrimp, you can skip the poaching steps. Simply chop the shrimp and add them to the dressing. You may want to add an extra pinch of Old Bay to the dressing to make up for the flavor from the poaching liquid.
- What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning? Old Bay is a classic seafood seasoning. If you don’t have it, you can make a simple substitute by mixing equal parts paprika, celery salt, and a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- How can I make this salad lighter? For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. This will add a tangy flavor and increase the protein content while reducing the fat.
What To Serve With Shrimp Salad
This versatile shrimp salad is delicious served in a variety of ways for a light lunch or elegant appetizer.
- Piled high on a buttery croissant or soft brioche roll
- Scooped into crisp lettuce cups (like butter lettuce or romaine) for a low-carb option
- Served as a dip with buttery crackers or pita chips
- On top of a sliced avocado or a piece of toasted sourdough bread
How To Store Shrimp Salad
Refrigerate: Store the shrimp salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best enjoyed within 2 days for the freshest flavor and texture. Freeze: Freezing is not recommended for this recipe, as the mayonnaise-based dressing will separate and the celery will become watery upon thawing.
Costco Shrimp Salad Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 204kcal
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 16g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0.04g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
- Sodium: 240mg
- Potassium: 263mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
- Vitamin A: 107IU
- Vitamin C: 11mg
- Calcium: 67mg
- Iron: 1mg
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
FAQs
This is a popular “copycat” recipe that aims to replicate the flavor and texture of the famous shrimp salad from the Costco deli. While not the official recipe, it’s a beloved version that many enjoy making at home.
This can happen if the shrimp are not cooled and drained properly before being added to the dressing. Patting the cooled shrimp with a paper towel can help remove any excess moisture.
Yes! Feel free to customize it. A chopped hard-boiled egg, some diced avocado, or a handful of small cooked pasta shells (like ditalini) would all be delicious additions.
Try More Recipes:
Costco Shrimp Salad Recipe
Course: SaladsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings15
minutes5
minutes204
kcalA creamy, refreshing, and easy-to-make shrimp salad with crisp celery and classic Old Bay seasoning, just like the version from the Costco deli.
Ingredients
1 lb. raw shrimp
1 lemon, 1 bay leaf, 2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
½ cup mayonnaise
1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
¼ tsp smoked paprika, ⅛ tsp black pepper
¼ cup chopped celery, ¼ cup chopped red onion
2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
Directions
- Poach the shrimp in a pot of water with lemon, bay leaf, and 1 tsp of Old Bay until just pink and opaque (do not boil).
- Remove the shrimp and let them cool completely.
- In a large bowl, mix the mayonnaise, Dijon, lemon juice, and remaining seasonings to make the dressing.
- Stir the chopped celery, red onion, and fresh dill into the dressing.
- Gently fold in the cooled shrimp until well-coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- Chilling the salad for at least an hour is crucial for the flavors to meld together.
- For the best texture, poach the shrimp gently in simmering water rather than boiling it.
- This salad is perfect for making ahead for a quick lunch or easy party appetizer.
- Serve in sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or with crackers.
