For the Shrimp Salad:

• 1 pound Cooked Shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the show! For the best flavor and texture, opt for medium to large shrimp. You can purchase pre-cooked shrimp to save time, ensuring it’s thoroughly thawed if frozen. Alternatively, you can easily cook your own shrimp by boiling, steaming, or sautéing until pink and opaque. Freshly cooked shrimp, cooled quickly, will always yield the most succulent results. Consider using wild-caught shrimp for a more robust flavor and sustainable choice. If using larger shrimp, you may want to roughly chop them into bite-sized pieces for easier eating in the sandwich.
• ½ cup Mayonnaise: The creamy base that binds the salad together. Full-fat mayonnaise provides the richest flavor and texture, but you can use light mayonnaise or even Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative, although this will alter the richness and tang. Consider using a high-quality mayonnaise made with olive oil or avocado oil for a more nuanced flavor profile. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade mayonnaise can elevate the salad to gourmet levels, offering a fresher and more customized taste.
• ¼ cup Celery, finely diced: Celery adds a crucial element of crispness and subtle vegetal flavor that cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise and shrimp. Finely dicing ensures it’s evenly distributed throughout the salad and doesn’t overpower the other ingredients. Look for crisp, firm celery stalks for the best texture. If you prefer a milder celery flavor, you can blanch the diced celery briefly in boiling water and then immediately plunge it into ice water to retain its crispness and mellow its taste.
• ¼ cup Red Onion, finely diced: Red onion brings a pungent, slightly sharp bite that adds depth and complexity to the salad. Finely dicing is essential to prevent large chunks of onion from dominating each bite. If you find red onion too strong, you can soak the diced onion in cold water for 10–15 minutes to mellow its sharpness. Alternatively, you could use shallots for a milder, sweeter onion flavor, or even green onions for a more delicate onion note.
• 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice: Lemon juice brightens the entire salad, adding a zesty tang that complements the sweetness of the shrimp and cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always preferred for its vibrant flavor and lack of preservatives. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice can be used, but aim for a high-quality brand. Lime juice can also be used for a slightly different citrusy twist.
• 1 tablespoon Fresh Dill, chopped: Fresh dill provides a delicate, herbaceous aroma and flavor that pairs beautifully with seafood, especially shrimp. Chop the dill finely to release its fragrant oils and ensure even distribution throughout the salad. If fresh dill isn’t available, you can substitute with dried dill, but use only about 1 teaspoon as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor. Other herbs that complement shrimp salad include parsley, chives, or even a touch of tarragon for a more sophisticated flavor.
• ½ teaspoon Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients in the salad, bringing them into balance. Start with ½ teaspoon and adjust to taste, considering the saltiness of your mayonnaise and shrimp. Sea salt or kosher salt are preferred for their pure flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper, freshly ground: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth and spice that complements the other flavors. Grind it fresh for the most aromatic and flavorful result. White pepper can also be used for a milder peppery note and to maintain the pristine white color of the salad.
• Pinch of Paprika (optional, for garnish): Paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor and a beautiful pop of color when sprinkled on top of the finished salad. Sweet paprika is typically used, but smoked paprika can also be used for a more intense smoky flavor. This is primarily for visual appeal and a very subtle flavor nuance.

For the Sub Sandwiches:

• 4 Sub Rolls or Hoagie Rolls: The foundation of our sandwiches! Choose fresh, sturdy sub rolls or hoagie rolls that can hold the generous amount of shrimp salad without becoming soggy. Italian bread rolls, French rolls, or even brioche rolls can work well. Look for rolls that are slightly crusty on the outside and soft on the inside. Toasting the rolls lightly before filling can enhance their texture and prevent them from becoming soggy.
• Lettuce Leaves (such as Romaine or Butter Lettuce): Lettuce adds a refreshing crunch and a layer of coolness that complements the creamy shrimp salad. Romaine lettuce provides a crisp bite, while butter lettuce offers a softer, more delicate texture. Wash and dry the lettuce leaves thoroughly before using. Spinach leaves or mixed greens can also be used for a more nutrient-dense option.
• Tomato Slices (optional): Tomato slices add a juicy, slightly acidic element that can enhance the sandwich. Choose ripe, firm tomatoes and slice them thinly. Roma tomatoes or beefsteak tomatoes are good choices. If you prefer, you can also use cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered.
• Red Onion Rings (optional, for garnish): Thinly sliced red onion rings add a visual appeal and an extra layer of onion flavor. These are optional but can elevate the presentation of the sandwiches.
• Pickles or Dill Pickle Spears (optional, for serving): Pickles or dill pickle spears offer a tangy, crunchy contrast to the creamy shrimp salad, providing a delightful side accompaniment. Dill pickles are particularly well-suited to seafood.