Apple Almond Shrimp Salad – Irresistible, Quick & Flavor-Packed!

Light, crisp, and bursting with flavor, this apple almond shrimp salad is one of those dishes that checks all the boxes: quick, protein-packed, and refreshingly fruity; perfect for warm evenings or busy weekday lunches. As a mom of two always juggling between school drop-offs and dinner prep, I’m forever grateful for simple recipes like this one. I first made this salad on a whim during a late-summer picnic, tossing together leftover shrimp, sweet apples, and a handful of toasted almonds. It instantly became a favorite; and now, it’s a weekly go-to in our house.

The apple almond shrimp salad offers a delightful crunch and a balance of savory and sweet that even my picky eater loves. What makes it extra special is how effortlessly it comes together. If you enjoy fresh, fruity combinations, you might also love my pineapple cucumber salad or the cozy twist in this pineapple stuffing; both are reader favorites.

So, whether you’re meal-prepping or just craving something a little different, give this apple almond shrimp salad a try. It’s fresh, fast, and full of flavors your whole family will adore!

Apple Almond Shrimp Salad

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• Author: Maddie
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A light, crunchy Apple Almond Shrimp Salad with apples and toasted almonds in a creamy dressing. Great for meal prep or quick lunches.

 

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Ingredients

– 1 lb cooked shrimp, chopped

– 1 red apple, diced

– 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted

– 2 celery stalks, chopped

– 3 tbsp Greek yogurt or mayo

– 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

– 1 tsp honey

– 1 tbsp lemon juice

– Salt & pepper to taste

 

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Instructions

1. Toast almonds in a dry skillet until golden and fragrant.

2. Combine chopped shrimp, apple, celery, and almonds in a large bowl.

3. Whisk Greek yogurt (or mayo), mustard, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.

4. Pour dressing over salad and toss gently to coat.

5. Chill for 10 minutes or serve immediately.

 

Notes

– Use Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for best texture.

– Substitute with dairy-free yogurt or mayo if needed.

– Store in fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: dinner, Lunch, Salad
• Method: No-cook (or Light sauté if shrimp is raw)
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 460mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 165mg

Why You’ll Love This Apple Almond Shrimp Salad?

There’s something magical about the way crisp apples, tender shrimp, and toasty almonds come together in this apple almond shrimp salad. It’s bright, satisfying, and layered with texture. Whether you’re tossing it together for a quick weekday lunch or packing it for a picnic, this salad feels fresh every single time. Here’s why you’ll find yourself making it on repeat:

• Ready in under 30 minutes:
  With just a bit of chopping and mixing, you’ll have this wholesome salad on the table in no time. No fancy tools or long prep needed.
• Great for meal prep:
  It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it perfect for packed lunches or no-fuss dinners throughout the week.
• Uses pantry and fridge staples:
  Shrimp, apples, almonds, Greek yogurt (or mayo); these are all simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
• Crunchy, creamy, and full of flavor:
  The sweet apples and nutty almonds balance the creamy, zesty dressing, while the shrimp brings protein and that light seafood freshness.
• Easy to customize:
  Want this dairy-free apple almond shrimp salad? No problem. Add grapes or dried cranberries for extra sweetness, or swap almonds for walnuts if that’s what’s in your pantry.
• Kid-approved and family-friendly:
  Even picky eaters love the texture and mild flavor, making it a perfect dish for school lunches or family-style meals.
• Healthy and filling:
  Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich fruit, and healthy fats, this salad is as nourishing as it is tasty.

If you’re looking for a vibrant, feel-good dish that delivers big on texture and flavor, this apple almond shrimp salad might just be your new favorite. Up next, I’ll walk you through exactly what you need to make it.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

To make this crunchy and satisfying apple almond shrimp salad, you’ll need just a few wholesome ingredients. Everything comes together in a creamy, lightly sweet dressing that lets the shrimp and apples shine. Below is the full ingredient list, grouped for convenience:

For the Salad:

• 1 lb cooked shrimp, chopped (peeled, deveined, and tail-off for ease)
• 1 red apple, diced (like Fuji or Honeycrisp for a juicy crunch)
• 1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted (adds that irresistible nutty crunch)
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped (for crisp, fresh texture)

For the Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt or mayo (Greek yogurt keeps it lighter, mayo adds richness)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (for a gentle kick)
• 1 teaspoon honey (just enough sweetness to balance the tang)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (brightens everything up)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-ins:

• 1/4 cup red grapes or dried cranberries, halved or chopped (for a fruity twist)
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (adds color and freshness)
• Lettuce leaves or whole grain wraps for serving, if desired

Tip: Toast almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until golden and fragrant; this brings out their full flavor and adds amazing crunch.

These ingredients come together to create a colorful, textured salad that’s light yet satisfying. Whether you serve it over greens, in a sandwich, or on its own, you’re in for something truly special.

How to Make Apple Almond Shrimp Salad? Step-by-Step Instructions:

This apple almond shrimp salad comes together in a handful of simple steps. It’s beginner-friendly, quick, and absolutely delicious from the very first bite. Follow these easy instructions and you’ll have a fresh, crunchy salad on the table in 20 minutes or less.

Step 1: Cook and Chill the Shrimp:

If using raw shrimp, boil or sauté them for 3–4 minutes until pink and opaque. Then transfer to an ice bath or refrigerate to cool completely. If using pre-cooked shrimp, give them a quick rinse and pat dry.

Step 2: Dice the Produce:

Chop the apple into small, bite-sized cubes (leave the peel on for color and crunch). Finely chop the celery. If adding grapes or cranberries, prep those now too.

Step 3: Toast the Almonds:

In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast sliced almonds for 2–3 minutes. Stir often and remove from heat once golden and fragrant. Set aside to cool.

Step 4: Make the Dressing:

In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or mayo), Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. The dressing should be creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet.

Step 5: Combine the Salad:

In a large mixing bowl, toss together the shrimp, diced apple, celery, and toasted almonds. Pour the dressing over top.

Step 6: Toss and Chill:

Gently mix everything until coated evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Let the salad chill in the fridge for 10 minutes to meld the flavors.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy:

Serve chilled on a bed of lettuce, inside wraps, or alongside your favorite grain. For a slightly sweet twist, consider adding in a few grapes or a sprinkle of cranberries.

Pro Tip: For the best texture, add the almonds right before serving to keep them extra crisp.

Tips & Variations:

One of the best things about this apple almond shrimp salad is how easy it is to customize. Whether you’re accommodating dietary needs or just working with what you’ve got in the kitchen, these helpful tips and swaps will make sure your salad turns out delicious every time.

Ingredient Swaps & Dietary Options:

• Dairy-Free? Swap the Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt or use all mayo. You can also use mashed avocado for a creamy texture with healthy fats.
• Nut-Free? Replace almonds with roasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch.
• No mustard? A splash of apple cider vinegar can stand in for Dijon in the dressing.
• No shrimp? Try cooked chicken breast or even canned tuna as a protein swap.

Flavor Variations:

• Make it sweeter: Add red grapes (halved), dried cranberries, or a small handful of raisins.
• Add a savory twist: A sprinkle of blue cheese or feta adds tang and saltiness.
• Turn up the heat: A dash of cayenne or a teaspoon of horseradish in the dressing adds subtle warmth.

Make-Ahead & Storage:

• Meal prep tip: Make the dressing ahead and store separately. Combine everything just before serving for maximum crunch.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving again.
• Avoid watery salad: Pat shrimp dry and use crisp apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp. Don’t overdress; just enough to coat!

Pro Tips:

• Uniform chopping = better texture. Dice apples and celery evenly so each bite has a balance of flavor.
• Toast almonds just before serving to maintain their crunch and bring out their nutty aroma.
• Taste before serving. Sometimes a pinch more lemon juice or salt brings everything together.

This apple almond shrimp salad is endlessly adaptable, so don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Serving Suggestions:

This apple almond shrimp salad is as versatile as it is flavorful. Whether you’re serving it as a light lunch, a no-fuss dinner, or as part of a weekend brunch, it fits beautifully into just about any meal. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy and present this refreshing salad:

Serve It Classic Style:

• On a bed of greens: Spoon the salad over a plate of arugula, spinach, or spring mix for a light and elegant meal.
• Lettuce cups: Scoop the salad into crisp romaine or butter lettuce leaves for a refreshing low-carb wrap.

Sandwich & Wrap Options:

• Whole grain wraps: Roll it up in a tortilla or flatbread with some extra lettuce or shredded cabbage for crunch.
• Open-faced toast: Pile it high on toasted sourdough or multigrain bread, maybe with a slice of avocado underneath.
• Croissants or rolls: For a more indulgent option, stuff the salad into a flaky croissant; perfect for brunch or baby showers.

Meal Pairing Ideas:

• Pair with a simple side like this lemon garlic roasted asparagus or a cup of creamy butternut squash soup.
• Add it to a lunch spread alongside these crisp honey-glazed carrots or our quick quinoa salad for a colorful, nourishing plate.

Occasions to Serve:

• Meal prep lunches: Store in jars or small containers for grab-and-go lunches during the week.
• Light summer dinners: No oven required! A chilled seafood salad is perfect when it’s too hot to cook.
• Entertaining guests: Spoon into small cups or endive leaves for easy appetizers that look as pretty as they taste.

Need a refreshing finish? Try serving this salad alongside our honey yogurt fruit dip for a complete warm-weather menu.

No matter how you plate it, this apple almond shrimp salad brings brightness, crunch, and comfort to the table in every bite.

Nutrition Info:

This apple almond shrimp salad isn’t just delicious; it’s a smart, well-rounded meal that packs a punch of protein, fiber, and healthy fats. It’s satisfying without being heavy, making it a perfect choice for health-conscious eaters and busy families alike.

Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings total):

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Sugar: 6g
• Fiber: 3g
• Cholesterol: 165mg
• Sodium: 460mg

Why This Salad Works Nutritionally

• High in protein: Shrimp delivers a lean source of protein that helps keep you full and supports muscle health.
• Heart-healthy fats: Almonds and olive-oil-based mayo or Greek yogurt bring healthy fats that are good for your heart and skin.
• Lower in carbs: Apples and celery provide crunch and fiber without spiking your sugar intake.
• Naturally gluten-free: This salad fits perfectly into a gluten-free diet. Just be sure your condiments are GF-certified.
• Balanced macros: The mix of protein, fat, and carbs makes this a well-rounded option for a light lunch or dinner.

Tip: To lighten it up further, use non-fat Greek yogurt instead of mayo and skip the honey. You’ll shave off about 50 calories per serving without sacrificing flavor.

Looking for more protein-packed ideas like this one? Head over to our Healthy Lunches category for fresh and satisfying recipes you’ll love all week long.

Conclusion

This apple almond shrimp salad has truly earned a permanent spot in my weekly meal plan. It’s light yet filling, packed with texture, and comes together faster than most salads with half the flavor. If you love recipes that balance sweet and savory with a little crunch in every bite, this one’s for you.

I’ve made this apple almond shrimp salad for lazy weekend lunches, quick dinner side dishes, and even baby showers; it’s always a hit. The shrimp adds lean protein, the apples bring that refreshing bite, and the almonds? Well, they seal the deal with their nutty crunch. It’s a salad that feels special without needing anything fancy.

So go ahead, give this apple almond shrimp salad a try and see why it’s one of my most requested recipes. Don’t forget to leave a comment, rate it, or tag me on Facebook with your version; I love seeing your delicious spins on my recipes.

And if this recipe made your day easier or tastier, you’ll find more like it in our shrimp recipes and quick healthy lunch ideas. Let’s keep cooking simple, flavorful, and fun; together.

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