Best Ensalada de Gambas Recipe [Shrimp Salad]

When it comes to easy Spanish salad recipes, it doesn’t get more tasty than the ones that are made with seafood.

The ensalada de gambas, also known as shrimp and cucumber salad, is the perfect example of that.

For that reason, we made this article with all of the tips and tricks to nail this Spanish salad recipe, and we included some ideas for ingredient replacements in case you need them.

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Background of the Dish

There isn’t an exact date for the creation of this ensalada de gambas, but it has been present in the region since the 1800s.

Thanks to the large fishing industry that has existed in Andalusia for hundreds of years, this salad recipe has managed to remain a popular one and stand out above other Spanish salads.

Nowadays, you can find it at any restaurant in Andalusia served as tapas or as a main dish, but it’s always better to make it at home.

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Things You’ll Need for Ensalada de Gambas

To make this Spanish summer salad you need shrimp (or prawns) cucumber, tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, and olive oil for the classic dressing.

Ingredients

• 500 gr fresh or frozen prawns
• 1 iceberg lettuce (or romaine lettuce)
• 1 red onion
• 3 tomatoes
• 1 green pepper
• 1 cucumber
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley to garnish (optional)

How to Make Ensalada de Gambas – Step by Step Guide

1. The first step on the ensalada de gambas varies according to the type of gambas that you buy. If the shrimp are frozen, then thaw them following the package instructions. If they are fresh, then clean, peel, and devein them before cooking.

2. Now grab a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the prawns and cook them for 3 to 4 minutes, until they are pink and cooked through. Remove them from the heat and let them cool.

3. In the meantime, wash, peel, and cut the cucumber into thin slices. Also, wash and cut the green pepper into strips or small squares, removing the seeds.

4. After that, peel and cut the onion julienne style or into small cubes if you prefer.

5. For the next step on this shrimp cucumber salad, wash the lettuce, separate the leaves, and chop them into large pieces. Wash the tomato and cut it into small cubes.

6. Then, grab a large bowl and combine the lettuce, onion, tomatoes, green bell pepper, and cucumber.

7. After that, add the cool prawns to the simple Spanish salad and mix everything gently.

8. Now, dress the salad with olive oil, white wine vinegar, salt, and pepper to taste. Keep in mind that you can adjust the amounts to taste.

9. Then, give the salad a good toss so that all of the ingredients get combined and covered with the dressing.

10. As an optional step, you can decorate the shrimp and cucumber salad with chopped fresh parsley on top.

11. Finally, you can serve the cucumber shrimp salad right away or let it chill for an hour in the fridge.

Substitution of Ingredients

The best part about almost all of the Spanish salad recipes is that you can play a lot with the ingredients, especially with the vegetables.

With the ensalada de gambas you can do the same, for example, use any type of bell pepper, tomato, or onion.

You can inspire yourself with other salads from Spain like the mango avocado shrimp salad or the shrimp cocktail salad, and mix those ingredients with the ones of this recipe.

For example, you can use the same dressing as the one in the Spanish shrimp cocktail, or add mango and avocado to give more freshness and creaminess to this Spanish fish salad.

Tips on Serving Ensalada de Gambas

The ensalada de gambas stands out from other traditional spanish salads because you can choose to serve it cold or warm.

This Spanish salad can also work as a main dish, but you would have 3 portions with the amount listed on this recipe.

You can also serve the ensalada de gambas as a tapa (appetizer), or make something like a salad bar and serve it with other Spanish salads, like the Spanish mixed green salad, or the ensalada campera.

How to Store Ensalada de Gambas

As well as other salad recipes from Spain like the ensalada de bacalao or the ensalada de salmon, you can store the ensalada de gambas in the fridge or in the freezer.

In both cases, let the Spanish style salad come to room temperature and place it in a covered container before adding the salad dressing.

You can store the ensalada de gambas in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then dress it and serve it.

If you are planning on freezing it, then you’ll have to add the tomatoes and lettuce later to the Spanish seafood salad, because those vegetables don’t freeze well.

Then, let the ensalada de gambas thaw overnight in the fridge and serve it cold.

Recipe Card: Ensalada de Gambas

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