Ingredients:

  • 1 lb Raw Shrimp (Large, peeled, deveined, tails removed)
  • 4 cups Water or Stock (Low-sodium preferred)
  • 1/2 medium Lemon (Sliced)
  • 1 large Bay Leaf
  • 2 large stalks Celery (Finely diced)
  • 1/4 cup Red Onion or Shallot (Finely minced)
  • 2 Tbsp Fresh Dill (Finely chopped)
  • 1 Tbsp Fresh Chives (Snipped)
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (High-quality, full-fat)
  • 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
  • 1 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1/4 tsp Black Pepper

Instructions:

  1. Set Up the Poaching Liquid: In a medium saucepan, combine the water/stock, lemon slices, and bay leaf. Bring to a rapid simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat slightly so the liquid is barely simmering (not boiling violently).
  2. Poach the Shrimp: Add the prepared shrimp to the simmering liquid. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring gently, until the shrimp curl into a C-shape and turn opaque pink. Do not overcook.
  3. Halt the Cooking: Immediately remove the shrimp using a slotted spoon and plunge them into a prepared ice bath for 5 minutes. This stops residual cooking and ensures a firm, crisp texture.
  4. Dry and Chop: Drain the cooled shrimp thoroughly, pat them dry with a clean cloth, and coarsely chop the shrimp into rough 1 cm pieces.
  5. Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  6. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, place the chopped shrimp, finely diced celery, minced red onion/shallot, chopped dill, and chives.
  7. Dress Gently: Pour the dressing over the shrimp mixture. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the ingredients together until the shrimp is just coated. Avoid overmixing.
  8. Chill for Flavour: Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes (ideally 1 hour). The chilling time allows the herbs and lemon to infuse the shrimp fully.
  9. Final Check and Serve: Just before serving, give the salad a final stir and taste for seasoning. Adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.