Southern Shrimp Salad Recipe With Gullah Seasoning

Why You’ll Love this Southern Shrimp Salad

While you might think shrimp salad is just another mayonnaise-mixed dish, this Southern Shrimp Salad flips the script with its bright, fresh flavors and a little kick from that special Gullah Luv seasoning.

It’s not your average, boring salad that leaves you wondering why you bothered. Instead, it dances on your taste buds—zesty, tangy, with just enough sweetness to keep things interesting. Plus, that seasoning? It sneaks in a subtle heat that surprises without overwhelming.

And the texture? Perfectly tender shrimp mixed with crisp veggies, creating a satisfying crunch in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that makes you smile, even if you’re just eating it alone.

Honestly, who said shrimp salad had to be dull? This one proves it can be a total flavor party.

What Ingredients are in Southern Shrimp Salad?

Alright, let’s plunge into the tasty world of Southern Shrimp Salad ingredients—the real stars that come together to make this dish sing. You’re looking at a fresh, crunchy mix topped off with juicy shrimp and a creamy, tangy dressing that’s anything but boring.

The blend of veggies and that special seasoning makes it pop in all the right places, and it’s pretty forgiving if you want to tweak things here and there. So, what exactly do you need to whip up this Southern classic? Here’s the lineup:

• 2 lbs medium or small shrimp
• 1 1/4 green bell peppers, chopped
• 1 1/4 stalks celery, peeled and finely chopped
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup sweet relish
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/8 cup mustard
• 1 tablespoon Gullah Luv seasoning (or salt and pepper mix)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 3 boiled eggs (optional)

Read moreBaja-Style Crispy Fish Taco Recipe

Now, a quick heads-up about these ingredients: the shrimp is your main event, so fresh or properly thawed frozen shrimp is your best bet for flavor and texture. Don’t skimp on peeling and deveining—it makes a big difference.

The Gullah Luv seasoning is where the magic happens, but if you can’t find it, a good salt and pepper combo will do just fine. And about those eggs—totally optional, but they add a creamy richness that’s hard to resist.

The veggies? They bring that crisp, fresh crunch that balances out the creamy dressing perfectly. If you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to adjust the mayo, mustard, or sugar to hit your perfect sweet-tangy balance.

Just remember, this salad is all about layering flavors and textures, so don’t be shy with the mix!

How to Make this Southern Shrimp Salad

Alright, let’s get down to making this Southern Shrimp Salad that just might become your new favorite summertime dish. First things first, you’ll need 2 pounds of medium or small shrimp. Pop those babies into boiling water and cook them until they’re just pink and tender—don’t overdo it or you’ll end up with rubbery shrimp, and nobody wants that.

Once cooked, drain them and let them cool off enough so you can handle them without burning your fingers. Then comes the fun (and slightly tedious) part: peeling off the shells, heads, and tails, and deveining each shrimp. It’s a bit like a mini project, but totally worth it.

Now the magic really starts when you mix the shrimp with the rest of the ingredients. Grab 1 1/4 chopped green bell peppers, 1 1/4 stalks of finely chopped peeled celery, and half a chopped onion. Toss those veggies in a bowl with 1/2 cup of sweet relish, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, and 1/8 cup of mustard.

Read moreClassic Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Recipe

To bring in that Southern flair, add a tablespoon of Gullah Luv seasoning—or just a good salt and pepper mix if you don’t have that handy. Don’t forget the tablespoon of sugar; it’s the secret little touch that balances everything out. Combine everything thoroughly, then add the shrimp in, folding gently so they don’t get mashed.

Want to kick it up a notch? Chop up 3 boiled eggs and sprinkle them in. Give it one last taste, then adjust with more mayo, mustard, or sugar if you feel like it needs a little extra love.

Serve it chilled, on a bed of lettuce, with fresh tomato slices on top and a light sprinkle of parsley. It’s fresh, tangy, and just the right kind of creamy—perfect for those hot days when you want something light but still satisfying. For those who love making hearty dishes, investing in a professional chili cookware set can elevate your cooking experience and help you master your chili game.

Southern Shrimp Salad Substitutions and Variations

Now that you’ve got the classic Southern Shrimp Salad down, it’s fun to think about how to switch things up without losing that signature flavor.

Craving a little zest? Swap plain mayo for a chipotle or sriracha mayo—adds a smoky kick that wakes up your taste buds. Not a fan of shrimp? Try diced crab or even cooked chicken for a twist.

Want more crunch? Toss in chopped apples or toasted pecans; sweet and nutty vibes blend perfectly with that Gullah Luv seasoning.

And hey, if celery’s not your thing, cucumber or jicama work great. For a lighter version, swap half the mayo with Greek yogurt—same creaminess, fewer calories.

These swaps keep things interesting but never stray too far from what makes this salad Southern charm in a bowl.

What to Serve with Southern Shrimp Salad

Picking the perfect sides to serve with Southern Shrimp Salad can totally elevate your meal from “just okay” to “wow, what’s in this?”

Think about balancing that creamy, tangy shrimp mixture with something fresh, crunchy, or warm. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. Maybe toss in some buttery cornbread or warm, flaky biscuits to soak up every last bit.

If you’re feeling adventurous, roasted sweet potatoes add a sweet, caramelized contrast that pairs nicely with the Gullah seasoning’s punch. Don’t underestimate simple sliced cucumbers or pickled okra for a crunchy, tangy bite.

Basically, aim for textures and flavors that play off the shrimp salad—because, honestly, no one wants a one-note meal. Mix it up, keep it interesting, and watch your plate disappear.

Final Thoughts

Even though Southern Shrimp Salad seems pretty straightforward, it’s one of those dishes that surprises you with how complex and satisfying it can be. The blend of fresh shrimp, crisp veggies, and that special Gullah seasoning creates a harmony that’s both bold and comforting.

Don’t underestimate the power of balancing flavors—too much mayo or sugar can throw things off, so taste as you go. Adding boiled eggs? Optional, but they add a nice texture and richness.

Serving it on a bed of lettuce with tomato slices not only looks inviting but keeps each bite invigorating. This salad isn’t just a recipe; it’s a little celebration of Southern flavors that’s easy to whip up yet impressive enough to share. Trust me, it’s worth the few extra minutes.