Savor the fresh and vibrant flavors of Swedish Shrimp Salad, known as Skagenröra in Sweden. Enjoy tender baby shrimp tossed with creamy mayonnaise, tangy sour cream, zesty lemon juice, and aromatic dill. Serve this classic mixture on pumpernickel toast, or lettuce cups for a light and elegant dish. Elevate your appetizer game or lunch with this Scandinavian favorite that’s simple to make and bursting with flavor. Bring a taste of Sweden to your table with my Turkey Swedish Meatballs.
Finish off the bag of frozen shrimp for supper with my Bruschetta Shrimp Pasta or Pasta Arrabiata with Shrimp recipes. If you're craving a little crunch, pick up a box of popcorn shrimp in the freezer aisle to make my Bam Bam Shrimp Pasta Salad.
Jump to:
Ingredients
Find below the list of ingredients I use in my Swedish Shrimp Salad recipe.
- Frozen Salad Shrimp
- Mayonnaise
- Sour Cream
- Lemon Juice and Zest
- Onion Powder
- Salt
- Dijon Mustard
- Fresh Dill
See recipe card for quantities.
Substitutions
Explore these substitutions you can use for Swedish Shrimp Salad (Skagenröra), depending on your preferences or what you have on hand:
Shrimp Substitutions
- Crab meat – Use real or imitation crab for a different seafood twist.
- Chopped cooked lobster – For a luxurious variation.
- Flaked canned tuna – A budget-friendly, pantry option.
- Chopped cooked chicken – For a non-seafood alternative.
Dairy Substitutions
- Greek yogurt instead of sour cream – Adds tang and extra protein.
- Crème fraîche instead of sour cream – For a richer, creamier result.
- All mayonnaise – If you want to skip dairy altogether.
Herb Substitutions
- Fresh parsley or chives instead of dill – Offers a different, but still fresh, flavor profile.
- Tarragon – For a slightly sweet, anise-like note.
Flavor Boosters/Substitutes
- Lime juice instead of lemon – For a different citrus twist.
- Horseradish – Adds a spicy kick to the cream base.
Topping Substitutions
- Capers instead of lemon zest – Adds briny contrast.
- Pickled onions instead of raw onion – Milder and tangier.
- Smoked paprika or cayenne – For a hint of spice and color.
How to make Swedish Shrimp Salad
- Place the frozen cooked salad shrimps in a large bowl. Cover the frozen shrimp with cool water. Let them thaw 5-10 minutes or until fully pliable. Drain the thawed shrimp and squeeze out as much liquid from them as possible.
- Combine in a bowl, the mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, zest, onion powder, salt, and chopped dill. Stir until well combined.
- Add the thawed shrimp to the bowl of dressing. Fold them in until coated. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Prepare other toppings to serving with the shrimp salad, like pumpernickel toast, sliced cucumbers, and hard boiled eggs.
Serve the Swedish Shrimp Salad with the toppings over a bed of crisp lettuce. Top with the optional salmon roe and enjoy.
How to serve Swedish Shrimp Salad
Pair Swedish Shrimp Salad (Skagenröra) with classic Scandinavian sides for a well-rounded and satisfying dish. Serve it atop halved hard-boiled eggs for an elegant appetizer or brunch option. Add slices of buttered rye bread, crispbread (knäckebröd), or toasted sourdough for texture and contrast. Include a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette or cucumber-dill salad to keep the flavors light and refreshing. Garnish with extra lemon wedges, fresh dill, and a sprinkle of white pepper for a traditional finishing touch. For a heartier meal, serve alongside boiled baby potatoes tossed in butter and herbs.
Storing the Shrimp Salad
Store the Swedish Shrimp Salad (Skagenröra) in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep it chilled at all times and consume within 2 days for the best freshness and flavor. Avoid freezing, as the creamy dressing and shrimp texture may be compromised. Stir gently before serving if any separation occurs.
Recipe
Swedish Shrimp Salad (Skagenröra)
Ingredients
- 300 grams Cooked Frozen Salad Shrimp
- ¼ cup Mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Sour Cream
- ½ piece Lemon zest and juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 2 tablespoon Fresh Dill finely chopped
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Place the frozen cooked salad shrimps in a large bowl. Cover the frozen shrimp with cool water. Let them thaw 5-10 minutes or until fully pliable. Drain the thawed shrimp and squeeze out as much liquid from them as possible.300 grams Cooked Frozen Salad Shrimp
- Combine in a bowl, the mayo, sour cream, zest and juice of the half lemon, onion powder, salt, and chopped dill. Stir until well combined.¼ cup Mayonnaise, ¼ cup Sour Cream, ½ piece Lemon , 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard, 2 tablespoon Fresh Dill, ½ teaspoon Onion Powder, ¼ teaspoon Salt
- Add the thawed shrimp to the bowl of dressing. Fold them in until coated. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Prepare other toppings to serving with the shrimp salad, like pumpernickel toast, sliced cucumbers, and hard boiled eggs. Serve the Swedish Shrimp Salad with the toppings over a bed of crisp lettuce. Top with the optional salmon roe and enjoy.
