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Cold Shrimp Dip Recipe Perfect for Summer - Creamy, Bright, and Easy

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Shrimp: 12 ounces cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, tails off (small or medium size).
  • Cream cheese: 8 ounces, softened.
  • Sour cream: 1/2 cup (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option).
  • Mayonnaise: 1/4 cup for extra creaminess.
  • Lemon: 1, for zest and juice.
  • Celery: 1/2 cup, finely diced.
  • Green onions: 3, thinly sliced (or 1/4 cup red onion, finely minced).
  • Fresh dill: 2 tablespoons, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried).
  • Garlic: 1 small clove, finely grated (or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder).
  • Old Bay or seafood seasoning: 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons.
  • Hot sauce: 1 to 2 teaspoons, to taste.
  • Salt and pepper: To taste.
  • Optional add-ins: 1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper, 2 tablespoons capers, or 1 teaspoon prepared horseradish.
  • For serving: Crackers, kettle chips, cucumber slices, celery sticks, carrot sticks, cherry tomatoes, or toasted baguette.

Method
 

  1. Prep the shrimp: Pat shrimp dry. Chop into small, bite-size pieces (about pea to bean size). Set aside in the fridge to keep cold.
  2. Mix the creamy base: In a medium bowl, beat softened cream cheese until smooth. Stir in sour cream and mayonnaise until fully blended and fluffy.
  3. Season it right: Add lemon zest, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, Old Bay, garlic, hot sauce, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well and taste. Adjust lemon or heat as needed.
  4. Fold in the crunch: Add celery, green onions, and dill. Stir to distribute evenly.
  5. Finish with shrimp: Gently fold in the chopped shrimp so the pieces stay intact. If using optional add-ins like red pepper or capers, fold them in now.
  6. Chill to set: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 2 to 4 hours. This step lets the flavors meld and the dip firm up.
  7. Final taste check: Before serving, taste and adjust salt, pepper, lemon juice, or hot sauce. If too thick, loosen with a tablespoon of sour cream.
  8. Serve cold: Transfer to a chilled bowl. Top with a sprinkle of dill, a few sliced green onions, and a pinch of Old Bay for color. Serve with your favorite dippers.