Mediterranean Shrimp & Egg Salad with Creamy Dressing
This Mediterranean shrimp and egg salad is light, protein-packed, and refreshing. Juicy shrimp and hearty hard-boiled eggs are layered over a crisp bed of greens with colorful vegetables like cucumber, cherry tomatoes, corn, and broccoli. A creamy, tangy dressing brings it all together, making it a satisfying option for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep. The balance of lean protein, fresh produce, and a zesty dressing makes this salad both nourishing and full of flavor.
Time: 25 minutes
(10 minutes prep, 15 minutes cooking)
Ingredients
Salad Base
4 cups mixed greens or lettuce (romaine, arugula, or spring mix)
Main Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced or halved
Vegetables
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, sliced or diced
1 cup sweet corn kernels (fresh, grilled, or canned)
1 cup steamed broccoli florets
Creamy Dressing (basic version)
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon capers, finely chopped (optional)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or mayonnaise (for creaminess)
Instructions
Prepare the shrimp:
If not pre-cooked, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes until pink and opaque. Drain and set aside to cool.
Cook the eggs:
Place eggs in a saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce to a gentle simmer and cook for 9–10 minutes. Transfer to an ice bath, peel, and slice or halve.
Steam the broccoli:
Steam broccoli florets for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp. Rinse with cold water to stop cooking and preserve color.
Assemble the salad:
On a large platter or in bowls, layer the greens, cucumber, tomatoes, corn, and broccoli. Top with shrimp and eggs.
Make the dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, capers (if using), Greek yogurt or mayo, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving, or serve it on the side.
Tips & Variations
Seafood Swaps: If shrimp isn’t available, try grilled salmon, tuna, or even canned sardines for a Mediterranean twist.
Make it Lighter: Skip the yogurt/mayo and keep the dressing as a lemon-olive oil vinaigrette for a fresher, lighter version.
Add More Veggies: Roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or sliced avocado make great additions.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of paprika, cayenne, or chili flakes to the dressing for a subtle heat.
Egg Variation: Use soft-boiled eggs for a creamier texture that blends into the salad.
Meal Prep Friendly: Keep the dressing in a separate container if making ahead so the greens stay crisp.
Cheese Boost: Crumbled feta or shaved Parmesan can be sprinkled on top for extra Mediterranean flavor.
Q&A
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before adding to the salad. Cooked frozen shrimp works perfectly, too.
Q: How can I make this salad vegan?
A: Replace shrimp with chickpeas or marinated tofu and swap the eggs for extra vegetables or avocado. Use a plant-based yogurt or mayonnaise for the dressing.
Q: Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, prep the vegetables, shrimp, and eggs separately. Store the dressing in a separate container. Assemble right before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.
Q: How do I keep the shrimp juicy?
A: Avoid overcooking; shrimp cooks quickly in just 2–3 minutes. Let it cool slightly before adding to the salad.
Nutrition
(per serving, approx. 4 servings)
Calories: 320
Protein: 28 g
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Carbohydrates: 14 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugars: 5 g
Sodium: 380 mg
(Values may vary slightly depending on dressing and optional ingredients.)
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Shrimp & Egg Salad with Creamy Dressing is a protein-rich, vibrant, and satisfying dish that balances fresh vegetables with tender shrimp and hearty eggs. The creamy, tangy dressing complements the flavors perfectly, making it ideal for a light lunch, dinner, or even meal prep. It’s a simple, healthy, and flavorful way to enjoy Mediterranean-inspired cuisine any day of the week.