Easy and Refreshing Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe

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This cucumber prawn salad is one of those recipes that feels like a treat but is so simple to whip up. I’ve always loved how this salad combines fresh and creamy flavors, with a little kick from the sweet chili sauce. It’s perfect for days when you want something light but still satisfying, thanks to the filling rice and high-protein king prawns.

What makes this dish even better is its versatility. Whether you’re serving it as a side dish for a Christmas dinner or packing it for a summer BBQ, it works for just about any occasion. It’s even been trending on TikTok recently with people sharing their creative twists on this recipe, so you know it’s a hit.

If you’re not into prawns, you can easily swap them out for chicken or even tofu, making this salad customizable to everyone’s preferences. Have a look at how I make it below!

Why This Salad Fits Any Occasion

This cucumber prawn salad is a go-to for so many events. I think it’s perfect as a side dish for Christmas dinners, especially if you’re looking to balance out heavier mains. The crisp cucumbers and light yogurt-based sauce make it feel refreshing and festive.

For summer BBQs, this salad is just as amazing. The combination of prawns, rice, and the sweet-and-spicy sauce pairs perfectly with grilled dishes. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, which is always a win for entertaining.

Plus, if you’re someone who loves trying viral recipes, this one’s been making waves on TikTok, with different versions popping up everywhere. It’s the kind of dish that feels trendy yet timeless, and it’s one I never get tired of making.

Gather Your Ingredients

To make this salad, you’ll need a handful of simple, fresh ingredients. The base includes cucumbers, king prawns, rice, and a creamy yet tangy sauce made from Greek yogurt, mayo, and sweet chili sauce. I love using Greek yogurt for the sauce because it’s high in protein and gives the salad a rich, creamy texture without being too heavy.

Cucumbers are the star of this recipe, bringing a fresh crunch that keeps the salad light. I prefer peeling mine to avoid any bitterness or residue on the skin, but that’s totally up to you.

King prawns are my favorite for this dish because they’re quick to cook and add a lovely seafood flavor, but you can swap them for chicken if that’s more your style. Optional ingredients like lemon, grated cheese, or a dash of sriracha let you customize the flavors to your liking.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this fresh and flavorful cucumber prawn salad:

• 3 cucumbers (peeled and sliced thin)
• 200g of rice (cooked and cooled)
• 250g king prawns (can be substituted with chicken)
• 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt (or sage yogurt)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce

Optional Ingredients and Substitutes

These optional ingredients and substitutions can help you customize the salad to your taste or adapt it to what you have on hand:

• Lemon juice for a zesty kick
• Salt and pepper to season
• Grated cheese for a creamy addition
• Sriracha for extra heat
• Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for garnish

Start by Cooking the Rice

The first step is to cook your rice and let it cool completely before adding it to the salad. I usually cook it in advance to save time, especially if I’m making this dish for a dinner party or BBQ. Rice adds a hearty element to the salad, making it more filling and perfect as a standalone meal or side dish.

Once the rice is cooked, spread it out on a baking sheet or a plate to cool faster. You don’t want warm rice wilting the cucumbers or making the sauce too runny. If you’re in a pinch, you can even use pre-cooked rice from the store—it’s such a convenient option and works just as well.

Slice the Cucumbers

Next, it’s time to prep the cucumbers. Use a mandoline to get thin, even slices that add a delicate texture to the salad. I always remind myself to be super careful with mandolines; they’re sharp, and it’s so easy to nick your fingers. My trick? I eat the ends of the cucumber so there’s no risk of cutting myself!

The thin slices make it easier for the cucumbers to soak up the flavors of the sauce. They also mix beautifully with the rice and prawns, giving each bite a perfect balance of textures.

Whip Up the Sauce

Now for the magic: the sauce. In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayo, and sweet chili sauce. This trio creates a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy dressing that ties the whole salad together. I usually taste as I mix to get the perfect balance of flavors. If you like more heat, you can add a drizzle of sriracha or even a pinch of chili flakes.

This sauce is what makes the salad so irresistible. It’s light enough to let the fresh ingredients shine but flavorful enough to elevate the entire dish.

Assemble the Salad

Once your rice is cooled, cucumbers sliced, and sauce ready, it’s time to put everything together. Start by adding the rice to your serving bowl, followed by a layer of cucumber slices and then the king prawns on top.

Drizzle the sauce over the ingredients and gently toss everything until it’s evenly coated. The prawns get a nice glaze from the sauce, while the rice and cucumbers soak up all the flavor. It’s the kind of dish that looks as good as it tastes!

Serve or Save for Later

You can serve the salad immediately, but I find it tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a bit. The flavors meld together, making each bite even more delicious. If you’re not planning to eat it all at once, keep the ingredients separate in the fridge and mix them right before serving. It’s a great make-ahead option for busy days.

This cucumber prawn salad is simple, fresh, and perfect for any occasion. It’s one of those recipes that’s as easy to make as it is to love, and I can’t wait for you to try it!