Curry Shrimp Salad

Cold shrimp salad sounds like something your Great-Aunt Gladys made back in the day with Jell-O. This curry shrimp salad is not that. It comes on strong with a jolt of curry powder and soy sauce stirred into sweet, tangy Miracle Whip. The shrimp are firm and briny, balancing perfectly with the salad’s crisp celery, juicy water chestnuts and sharp green onions. A handful of toasted almonds adds a nutty finish just before serving, making every bite a study in texture and flavor—no Jell-O required.

Curry Shrimp Salad Ingredients

• Cooked large shrimp
• Sliced water chestnuts
• Celery
• Green onions
• Miracle Whip
• Soy sauce
• Curry powder
• Slivered almonds

Directions

Step 1: Prep the salad ingredients

In a bowl, combine the shrimp, water chestnuts, celery and green onions.

Step 2: Make the curried dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the Miracle Whip, soy sauce and curry powder.

Step 3: Combine and chill

Pour the dressing over the shrimp mixture and stir until evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least two hours to allow the flavors to develop. Just before serving, sprinkle the salad with the toasted slivered almonds.

How to Store Curry Shrimp Salad

Store shrimp curry salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure the shrimp stays cold the entire time—don’t leave the salad out at room temperature for more than two hours. Give it a quick stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Can you make curried shrimp salad ahead of time?

Cold salads like shrimp salad are ideal make-ahead recipes. In fact, refrigerating the salad for a couple of hours improves the flavor because the shrimp and vegetables soak in the dressing. For the best texture, wait to sprinkle the almonds on top until just before serving.

Curry Shrimp Salad Tips

Can you use frozen shrimp in shrimp salad recipes?

Frozen shrimp work well in shrimp salad as long as they’re thawed properly before use. For the best texture, thaw previously cooked shrimp overnight in the refrigerator or place them in a colander and rinse under cold water until fully thawed. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before mixing them into the salad. Alternatively, you can cook frozen shrimp and let them cool completely before adding them to the salad.

What kind of curry powder is best for curried shrimp salad?

Mild yellow curry powder is the best choice for curried shrimp salad because it adds warmth and depth without overpowering the other ingredients. If you prefer more heat, try a hot curry blend or add a pinch of cayenne for extra spice.

How do you serve curried shrimp salad?

Curried shrimp salad pairs well with lettuce leaves, homemade crisp crackers or avocado for a refreshing and satisfying meal. You can also serve it as a sandwich filling on croissants or scoop it up with air-fryer potato chips for a more casual option. A simple fruit salad or chilled cucumber soup makes a great side.