Links below are affiliate links. We earn a commission on purchases at no extra cost to you.
Soulful Southern Shrimp Salad Recipe With Gullah Spice
Savor the coastal magic of this Gullah-spiced Southern shrimp salad that combines creamy textures with crunchy vegetables for a soulful summer delight.
Why You’ll Love this Southern Shrimp Salad
If you’ve been searching for the perfect summer dish that’s both impressive and effortless, this Southern Shrimp Salad will absolutely win you over.
The combination of tender shrimp, crunchy bell peppers, and celery creates a symphony of textures that dance on your palate.
What really sets this recipe apart is the Gullah Luv seasoning, lending an authentic coastal Carolina flavor that you can’t find in ordinary seafood salads.
The sweet relish and tangy mustard balance perfectly with the creamy mayonnaise, while the optional boiled eggs add a velvety richness that elevates every forkful.
What Ingredients are in Southern Shrimp Salad?
Creating a truly memorable Southern Shrimp Salad starts with gathering the right ingredients. This classic coastal recipe brings together the perfect balance of seafood, crunchy vegetables, and creamy dressing that makes it a staple at summer gatherings, church potlucks, and family dinners across the South. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—quality ingredients coming together to create something far greater than the sum of its parts.
- 2 pounds medium or small shrimp
- 1¼ green bell peppers, chopped
- 1¼ stalks celery, peeled and finely chopped
- ½ onion, chopped
- ½ cup sweet relish
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ⅛ cup mustard
- 1 tablespoon Gullah Luv seasoning (or salt and pepper mix)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 boiled eggs (optional)
- Lettuce leaves (for serving)
- Tomato slices (for garnish)
- Parsley (for garnish)
When shopping for this recipe, the quality of your shrimp matters tremendously. Fresh Gulf or Atlantic shrimp will give you the sweetest flavor, but good quality frozen shrimp works well too—just make sure to thaw them properly in the refrigerator overnight. And about that Gullah Luv seasoning? It’s an authentic coastal Carolina spice blend, but if you can’t find it, a good quality salt and pepper mix will work as a substitute, though you might want to add a pinch of paprika and a dash of garlic powder to get closer to that distinctive Lowcountry flavor profile.
How to Make this Southern Shrimp Salad
Start by boiling 2 pounds of medium or small shrimp until they’re perfectly cooked through. Once done, remove them from the water and let them cool completely before peeling off the shells, heads, and tails. Don’t forget to devein them too—nobody wants that gritty vein running through their beautiful salad!
While your shrimp are cooling, chop up 1¼ green bell peppers, 1¼ stalks of peeled celery (finely chopped), and ½ an onion to create that perfect crunchy base.
In a large mixing bowl, combine your chopped vegetables with ½ cup of sweet relish, ¼ cup of mayonnaise, and ⅛ cup of mustard. Add 1 tablespoon of Gullah Luv seasoning (or substitute with salt and pepper mix if you can’t find this Southern specialty) and 1 tablespoon of sugar to balance the flavors. Mix everything thoroughly before gently folding in your prepared shrimp.
This is where the magic happens—give it a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Want it creamier? Add a touch more mayo. Need more zing? A little extra mustard does wonders.
For a truly exceptional depth of flavor, consider slow-simmering your seasoning mixture in a high-end Dutch oven that distributes heat evenly throughout the cooking process.
For the finishing touch, chop up 3 boiled eggs and fold them gently into the mixture. The eggs are technically optional, but they add such a lovely richness that I can’t imagine skipping them.
To serve this Southern classic properly, arrange it on a bed of crisp lettuce, top with fresh tomato slices, and sprinkle lightly with parsley for that perfect pop of color. The contrast between the cool, creamy shrimp mixture and the fresh vegetables creates a dish that’s as beautiful as it’s delicious. Doesn’t that just sound like summer on a plate?
Southern Shrimp Salad Substitutions and Variations
While this classic Southern shrimp salad recipe is absolutely delicious as written, you’ll be happy to know that it’s incredibly versatile and adaptable to whatever ingredients you might’ve on hand.
I’m a firm believer in making recipes your own! Swap the green bell peppers for red or yellow ones for a sweeter flavor profile.
Don’t have Gullah Luv seasoning? Old Bay works wonderfully, or mix paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise. Canned shrimp can work in a pinch, though fresh is divine.
Add diced avocado or cucumber for extra texture!
What to Serve with Southern Shrimp Salad
Now that you have your perfectly seasoned shrimp salad ready to serve, let’s talk about what to pair with this Southern classic to create a complete meal.
I love serving this vibrant shrimp salad with buttery, toasted croissants or fresh baguette slices for a delightful lunch option.
For a more substantial dinner, try pairing with crispy hush puppies, tangy coleslaw, or garlic-buttered corn on the cob.
Fresh iced tea with mint sprigs complements the savory flavors beautifully, while a chilled glass of Pinot Grigio elevates the entire experience.
Don’t forget some lemon wedges on the side!
Final Thoughts
After making this Southern Shrimp Salad countless times, I’m convinced it’s one of those versatile recipes that deserves a permanent spot in your culinary repertoire.
The balance of sweet relish, tangy mustard, and that distinctive Gullah Luv seasoning creates something truly special—a dish that honors coastal Southern traditions while satisfying modern palates.
Don’t worry if you can’t find Gullah seasoning; a good salt and pepper mix works beautifully too.
The recipe’s magic lies in its adaptability. Add more mayonnaise for creaminess, extra mustard for zing, or another boiled egg for richness.
Trust your taste buds!
