Shrimp Rolls

The magic of New England summer flavors comes alive in these Shrimp Rolls. Tender shrimp are gently poached and chilled, then tossed in a luscious blend of mayo, lemon, mustard, and dill. Tucked into golden, buttery buns and finished with fresh chives, these rolls hit all the right notes—creamy, herby, and totally satisfying. Whether you’re planning a weekend picnic, a beach day lunch, or just craving a breezy seafood fix at home, this dish is sure to impress. It’s indulgent without being heavy, fast to prep, and infinitely more budget-friendly than its lobster cousin. A total win for any seafood lover.

Full reipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or frozen)

• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

• 2 small stalks celery, chopped

• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise

• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

• ½ teaspoon Old Bay seasoning

• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

• 4 split-top hot dog buns

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• Fresh chopped chives, for garnish

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Prepare an ice bath in a large bowl.

2. Add shrimp to boiling water and cook until bright pink and opaque, about 3 minutes. Immediately transfer to the ice bath to cool completely.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, and Old Bay. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in chopped celery and dill.

4. Pat the cooled shrimp dry and chop into bite-sized pieces. Add to the dressing and stir to combine.

5. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toast the buns, cut side down, until golden—about 30 seconds per side.

6. Fill the buns with shrimp salad and garnish with chives.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 373 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

The Perfect Shrimp Rolls Recipe You’ll Want to Make All Summer Long

If there’s one dish that screams coastal comfort and summer indulgence, it’s Shrimp Rolls. Inspired by the beloved New England classic, this version of shrimp rolls captures everything people love about lobster rolls—without the hefty price tag. It’s the perfect combination of buttery buns, chilled shrimp tossed in a light, creamy dressing, and an aromatic lift from fresh herbs like dill and chives. Whether you’re new to seafood or a long-time fan, this dish checks all the boxes for flavor, texture, and ease of preparation.

Let’s take a closer look at what makes this Shrimp Roll recipe a must-try and why it deserves a permanent spot in your seasonal meal rotation.

A Brief History of Shrimp Rolls

Shrimp rolls owe their inspiration to the iconic New England lobster roll—a dish that dates back to the early 20th century. Originally from Connecticut, lobster rolls were traditionally served warm with melted butter, before Maine popularized the cold, mayo-based version. Over time, variations emerged to make this dish more accessible and affordable, especially since lobster is a luxury item for most home cooks.

Enter: shrimp. With a similar sweetness and delicate texture, shrimp serves as an excellent substitute for lobster. It’s widely available, more cost-effective, and just as satisfying when dressed and nestled into a toasted bun. This evolution has allowed seafood lovers to enjoy the taste of the coast, no matter where they live or what their budget may be.

Why This Shrimp Roll Recipe is the Best

This recipe shines because of its balance of simplicity and flavor. It uses minimal ingredients, but each one is chosen with care to maximize the overall taste. Let’s break down why this version is considered superior:

• Affordable Yet Luxurious: Unlike lobster, shrimp is easy to source and wallet-friendly. That means you can make this dish more often without breaking the bank.
• Quick and Easy: With only 20 minutes from prep to plate, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or last-minute guests.
• Fresh and Flavorful: The lemon juice adds brightness, the Old Bay seasoning provides warmth and depth, while the herbs lift the entire dish into something that tastes fresh and thoughtfully prepared.
• Versatile: Serve it hot or cold, on buns or over salad, as sliders or full sandwiches—the options are endless.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: The shrimp salad can be made up to a day in advance, making it ideal for meal prep, potlucks, and summer picnics.

Ingredient Highlights and Flavor Profile

One of the best things about this dish is how every component works together to create layers of flavor:

• Shrimp: Light, sweet, and slightly briny, shrimp absorbs the dressing well without overpowering it. Boiling and chilling the shrimp keeps them tender and gives a satisfying bite.
• Celery: Adds crunch and freshness, giving the salad a light, snappy texture.
• Mayonnaise & Mustard: These form the creamy base of the dressing, offering tang and smoothness without being heavy.
• Old Bay Seasoning: A blend of paprika, celery salt, and spices, Old Bay is essential for that coastal, summery taste.
• Lemon Juice: Provides acidity and brightness, balancing the richness of the mayo.
• Fresh Dill & Chives: These herbs add depth and aroma, making each bite feel gourmet.

Together, these ingredients create a flavor experience that’s creamy, citrusy, slightly spicy, and totally refreshing.

Health Benefits of Shrimp Rolls

While often considered a comfort food, shrimp rolls can also be surprisingly nutritious, especially when made at home:

• High in Protein: Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Low in Calories: With only 373 kcal per serving, this dish won’t derail your diet.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Shrimp contains heart-healthy fats that can support cardiovascular health.
• Vitamins & Minerals: Shrimp is rich in selenium, iodine, and vitamin B12, all of which support immune and thyroid function.
• Portion Control: The use of hot dog buns naturally helps keep servings reasonable, and the salad base can be customized for lower-carb versions.

When served with a side of greens or a light vegetable salad, shrimp rolls become a well-rounded, nutritious meal that feels indulgent but won’t weigh you down.

Tips for the Perfect Shrimp Roll

Here are a few expert tricks to elevate your shrimp rolls from good to unforgettable:

• Use Split-Top Buns: These hold the filling better and toast more evenly.
• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Boil just until they turn pink and opaque, then immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking.
• Pat Shrimp Dry: Moisture can water down your dressing. Dry shrimp = creamier salad.
• Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors meld.
• Butter the Buns Generously: That golden crust gives each bite a satisfying crunch and elevates the whole experience.

Serving Ideas and Pairings

Shrimp rolls are extremely versatile and can be served in many ways to fit the occasion:

• Classic Summer Lunch: Serve with kettle chips, pickles, and iced tea.
• Elegant Dinner Plate: Pair with roasted asparagus and a glass of chilled white wine.
• Low-Carb Twist: Skip the bun and serve the shrimp salad on a bed of romaine or butter lettuce.
• Brunch Favorite: Add avocado slices and a poached egg for a unique take.
• Party Appetizer: Spoon shrimp salad onto toasted baguette slices for easy handheld bites.

Beverage-wise, shrimp rolls pair beautifully with dry rosé, light beer, or citrusy sparkling water. If you prefer cocktails, a gin and tonic or mojito complements the herbal notes perfectly.

Customization Options

The base recipe is a great starting point, but don’t hesitate to make it your own:

• Add Avocado: For creaminess and a buttery texture.
• Mix in Pickles or Capers: For added briny punch.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Try Different Buns: Brioche, pretzel buns, or even mini rolls for sliders.
• Go Dairy-Free: Use vegan mayo or avocado-based alternatives for a plant-based take.

Make It a Family Favorite

This recipe is great for both adults and kids. Its mild flavors are appealing to younger palates, and it’s easy to adjust the seasoning for those who prefer less spice. Plus, the short prep time makes it perfect for getting kids involved in the kitchen—whether it’s mixing the salad or buttering the buns.

You can even turn it into a build-your-own sandwich bar, especially for gatherings. Set out a big bowl of the shrimp salad, buns, and toppings like tomato slices, lettuce, and spicy mayo, and let everyone customize their rolls.

Conclusion 

There’s a reason shrimp rolls are becoming just as popular as lobster rolls—they’re simple, elegant, and absolutely delicious. With just a few quality ingredients and a little know-how, you can create a dish that’s worthy of any summer get-together or weeknight dinner.

This version strikes the perfect balance of creamy, herby, tangy, and rich—while still being approachable and light. It’s easy to prepare, visually appealing, and endlessly customizable. In short, it’s a dish that’s hard not to love. So whether you’re looking to impress at your next picnic, elevate your lunch game, or simply satisfy a seafood craving on a budget, these Shrimp Rolls are the answer. One bite, and you’ll see why this dish deserves to be a repeat player in your summer meal lineup.