Slow Cooker Shrimp Salad: The Easiest Recipe EVER!

December 12, 2025

By:

Slow cooker shrimp salad! Yes, you read that right. It might sound unusual, but trust me, this is the easiest and most delicious way to prepare shrimp for a chilled, creamy salad. This recipe isn't just about convenience; it's about flavor. Slow cooking the shrimp makes them incredibly tender and infused with delicious herbs and spices. My grandmother used to poach shrimp for her famous shrimp salad and I always thought, "There has to be an easier way!" That’s how this slow cooker shrimp salad idea was born.

This recipe takes the fuss out of shrimp salad, making it perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a light and satisfying lunch. It’s a dish that reminds me of summer days spent by the beach. Get ready to enjoy a vibrant and flavorful slow cooker shrimp salad that’s both impressive and incredibly simple to make!

Why You Will Love This slow cooker shrimp salad Recipe

I love this slow cooker shrimp salad recipe for so many reasons! First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy. Simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it. The low and slow cooking method ensures that the shrimp are perfectly cooked and retain all their juicy flavor.

Plus, the flavor profile is amazing. The broth, infused with lemon, garlic, and herbs, creates a delectable base for the shrimp salad. It’s also endlessly adaptable! You can customize the recipe to suit your taste preferences by adding different vegetables, herbs, or spices. I find that serving it with a side of crispy bread or stuffed into a buttery croissant elevates it to the next level. If you’re looking for more healthy options, check out this Kardashian Salad Easy Steps article!

Ingredients Needed for This slow cooker shrimp salad Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious slow cooker shrimp salad:

1 pound peeled and deveined raw shrimp (medium or large)
1 lemon, halved
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup chopped celery
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup water

How to Make This slow cooker shrimp salad Recipe

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect slow cooker shrimp salad:

In your slow cooker, combine the water, minced garlic, juice of half of the lemon, and Old Bay seasoning.
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to the slow cooker. Toss gently to ensure the shrimp are coated in the liquid. Place the other lemon half into the slow cooker as well.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 12 hours, or on high for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until shrimp are pink and cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
Once the shrimp are cooked, immediately drain them in a colander. Rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down quickly.
In a large bowl, combine the cooled shrimp, chopped celery, red onion, and fresh dill.
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice.
Pour the dressing over the shrimp mixture and gently toss to combine. Season with additional Old Bay seasoning and black pepper to taste.

Cover the bowl and refrigerate the shrimp salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This is also a good opportunity to make some Protein Cookie Recipe while you wait.
Serve chilled and enjoy!

How to Serve This slow cooker shrimp salad Recipe

This slow cooker shrimp salad is incredibly versatile! Serve it on its own as a light lunch or appetizer. For a more substantial meal, try serving it in croissants, on toasted bread, or with crackers.

You can also add it to a bed of lettuce for a refreshing salad. Garnish with additional fresh dill, a sprinkle of paprika, or a lemon wedge for extra flair. Enjoy with a side of potato chips or a light salad. I like to serve mine with avocado slices.

How to Store This slow cooker shrimp salad Recipe

To store leftover slow cooker shrimp salad, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate immediately.

The shrimp salad will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Note that the texture of the mayonnaise may change slightly after being stored, but the flavor will remain delicious. Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the shrimp and mayonnaise may become compromised upon thawing.

Tips to Make This slow cooker shrimp salad Recipe

Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to add other vegetables like chopped bell peppers, cucumber or jalapeño for a kick.
Success Tips: Avoid overcooking the shrimp in the slow cooker. Keep a close eye on them and remove them as soon as they turn pink.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Don't skip the step of rinsing the shrimp with cold water. This stops the cooking process and prevents them from becoming rubbery.
Pro Tips for Best Results: Make sure to use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor. Fresh dill also makes a big difference!

Helpful Notes for This slow cooker shrimp salad Recipe

Using pre cooked shrimp is not recommended. The slow cooking process helps develop the flavour that raw shrimp will bring to the dish. If you want, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.

Also, consider using different types of mustard, like stone ground or honey mustard, for a unique flavour twist. Remember, cooking should be fun and adaptive!

Variation of This slow cooker shrimp salad Recipe

Seasonal Twists: Add chopped cranberries and pecans in the fall for a festive twist.
Optional Versions: Make it spicy by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
Creative Modifications: Mix in some avocado for a creamy, heart healthy addition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you cook shrimp in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can! Slow cooking shrimp in a slow cooker results in incredibly tender and flavorful shrimp, perfect for salads or other dishes. It’s a convenient and hands-off method.

How long does it take to cook shrimp in a slow cooker?

Shrimp cooks very quickly in a slow cooker. Typically, you’ll only need to cook them for 1-2 hours on low, or even less, until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them.

What are some good additions to slow cooker shrimp salad?

Popular additions to slow cooker shrimp salad include celery, red onion, mayonnaise, lemon juice, dill, and other herbs and spices. Customize your salad based on your personal preferences.

Is slow cooker shrimp salad healthy?

Slow cooker shrimp salad can be a healthy option depending on the ingredients you choose. Using light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt and incorporating plenty of vegetables can make it a nutritious meal.

Conclusion

This slow cooker shrimp salad is a game changer. It’s an easy, tasty, and endlessly customizable dish that’s perfect for any occasion. I hope you'll give this recipe a try and experience the deliciousness of slow cooker shrimp salad. Let me know in the comments how it turns out, and if you add any variations of your own!