Shrimp salad croissants are decadent and special. Perfect for picnics or a special lunch, this shrimp salad is delicious even in an avocado!
Shrimp salad croissants remind me of St. Augustine; old St. Augustine, the oldest continuously settled town in America. Why shrimp salad croissants?
I promise I'll get to it! A long, long time ago Manservant and I drove to Jacksonville, Florida where Manservant accepted his first real job, after completing his masters degree. It was 1981, which also was the year we got married.
The choices of jobs were slim at the time and it was either Jacksonville or International Falls, Minnesota. Not really much of a choice, huh? (With all due respect to International Falls. They did offer him a snowmobile as part of the deal!)
We found ourselves leaving Fort Collins with all of our belongings including our beloved Honey dog. (She used to chase the alligators at the apartment complex where we lived). Arriving in Jacksonville, I remember the first smell that greeted us was the aroma of paper mills. Not a pleasant aroma, I dare say.
Jacksonville was a new experience for us. Manservant grew up in Texas and he was a bit used to Southern ways, but for me it was like being a fish out of water.
Well, we lasted about two years in Jacksonville and actually it turned out to be a pretty good place. Except for maybe the humidity, the bugs and the sweet tea! I never could get used to sweet tea!
Luckily, a beautiful, new apartment where there was no smell of mildew and not a palmetto bug in sight was quickly found. (A palmetto bug is a polite way of saying cockroach.) Our new apartment was sprayed monthly by the management which made me feel so cockroach free. Until it didn’t.
That was about the point when I started bugging (BUGGING!) Manservant to look for a new job. Avoiding palmetto bugs became an obsession with me. I was afraid to open cabinets, especially at night, for fear of what I might find. These guys fly! And they fly at you!
But back to shrimp. Shrimp salad. On flaky croissants.
Not far from Jacksonville was the quaint little town of St. Augustine. We quickly discovered the back road to get there and on weekends it was often our quick getaway! It always felt as if we were on a mini vacation, even if we had just spent a few hours walking the narrow cobblestone streets lined with tchotchke shops. (Tchotchke – a Yiddish word meaning trinkets or items of little value.)
Amidst all those shops we discovered a little French cafe that served shrimp salad croissants. It was a cute little place with clay tiled floors and with that find we never looked for another restaurant whenever we drove down.
Driving back, I think it was on Old Route 1, passing the alligator farm on the way, made me realize I wasn’t in Colorado anymore. Yes, we did stop one time and if you’ve never been to an alligator farm it is a unique experience. There is even one in Colorado that we’ve toured.
So it is when I’m by myself, I often find my mind wandering down memory lane. I find myself thinking of the beach and how long it has been since I’ve seen one. I found myself thinking of where I’ve been and where I’ve come from and well, one thought leads to another until I find myself wanting a shrimp salad croissant.
I don’t want a turkey sandwich. I don’t want shrimp salad stuffed in a tomato or an avocado. I want the soft, salty taste of shrimp salad with little bits of crunchy celery, stuffed into the confines of a giant flaky croissant. Trust me. This is the way to eat shrimp salad.
Also just a quick tip: Try to find some arugula or spinach to place on the croissant. This helps keep the croissant from getting soggy.
I don’t want frou frou shrimp salad. I want my shrimp salad croissant with potato chips. I want an icy beer sitting in front of me. And I want to remember how far we’ve come from St. Augustine, Florida. It’s been a bittersweet journey!
Shrimp salad croissants are perfect for Mother’s Day. They are easy to make and always seem special. After all it isn’t every day, I eat a croissant. And it isn’t every day I find myself having shrimp for lunch. These are perfect for a picnic basket. Just pack the shrimp salad in a container and quickly make these up at your favorite destination! Don't forget the beer!
I prefer to buy baby shrimp for these. They are found in the freezer section though you may also find them in a can in the tuna section. Frozen shrimp is very handy to use in fried rice and great to have on hand.
They are already cooked and have a brinier taste than other shrimp, in my opinion. Take what you need from the package, put them in a strainer and run cold water over them. They will be thawed in minutes.
Don't have frozen salad (baby) shrimp? That's OK. Just chop up any cooked shrimp and you are good to go. During this pandemic, I sent Manservant to the store and he came back with a giant bag of cooked shrimp. I never buy cooked shrimp, so this is one way to use them!
I use fresh dill in this salad, but any herb will do. Tarragon would be delish, as would some fresh basil or chives.
These shrimp salad croissants often become dinner for us. Just heat up the croissant to make them extra crispy and flaky and you have a meal fit for royalty. Enjoy.
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Recipe
Shrimp Salad Croissants
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Cook Time: O
- Total Time: about 15 minutes
- Yield: 2-4 Croissants 1x
- Category: Salad/Sandwich
- Method: Stir
- Cuisine: American
Description
Shrimp Salad croissants are decadent and delicious. Perfect for lunch or brunch, these are delicious!
Ingredients
¼ c mayonnaise
1 t Dijon mustard
¼ c finely chopped green onion
¼ c chopped celery
1 chopped hard boiled egg (optional)
2 T minced Italian parsley
2 t fresh dill, minced
1 T lemon juice
1 ½ t Old Bay seasoning
1 T drained capers
8 oz salad shrimp (if frozen, make sure they are well drained)
2 -4 croissants (depends on how packed you want these)
Mixed Greens or Arugula
Instructions
Combine mayonnaise and all other ingredients except shrimp, and mix well.
Gently fold in shrimp.
I love this salad at room temperature, but it can be chilled for a few days if necessary.
Slice croissants partially though and place a few greens on the base of the croissant. Put shrimp salad directly on top of greens. Top with more greens and other half of croissant.
More to Try:
Buttery Garlic Parmesan Potato Chips
Saigon Crunch Chex Mix
Hatch Chile and Peppadew Pimento Cheese
Egg Salad
Fudge Brownies with Cookie Dough Filling
Potato Salad
Chef Mimi says
You know, I’m not a huge sandwich fan, but boy does this shrimp salad sound wonderful! I might have to make an exception!
Liz says
Printing off for a Friday dinner this Lent!!
Linger says
Whoa! You've just taken croissant sandwiches to a whole new level! There are loads of deliciousness in these photos. I'm gonna have to try these. Yum! Thanks.
Ghulam Mohyudin says
It was perfect the first time. I learn so much from you as well! Keep it up great post.
Jeff the Chef says
That shrimp salad looks so tempting! I'd have them for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
2 Sisters Recipes says
Abbe! These look amazing! Who doesn't love shrimp salad- right? Thanks for a delicious recipe!
Denise Browning says
These make an excellent brunch dish for Mother's Day!
Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) says
This is just a great post Abbe. I loved walking down memory lane with you. Your descriptions made me feel like I was there. Palmetto bugs and all. Brought back memories of me being in Florida for the first time and asking the worker at the hotel 'WHAT IS THAT????" He said, "just a palmetto bug". Terrified I replied, "It is not, it's a COCKROACH". I wanted to retreat back to Colorado as soon as I could. Anyway, I love a good shrimp salad and I'm making this recipe as soon as I can. I like your tip and the why's to buying those small shrimp - because I never do. Thanks for sharing.
John / Kitchen Riffs says
Memories are good, aren't they? So is this sandwich! Shrimp salad is awfully good all by its lonesome but even better, I'll bet, on a croissant. 🙂
Anonymous says
Monical's pizza - love that stuff!! You must be a central Illinois girl -- me too!
Anonymous says
I cannot tell you, as a native Floridian, how funny your story about Florida is. And you didn't even get into any discussions about snakes, which Florida has in large numbers as well.
A few decades ago the Orlando Sentinel ran a "Largest cockroach contest" and it was hilarious. You were supposed to mail in the actual roach. The winner was a palmetto bug from... Texas! it was over 2 inches long if I recall. The guy writing the update articles finally had to publish a request asking people to STOP sending live bugs.
I've had my share of run-ins with palmetto bugs. Hate those buggers.
Your shrimp salad recipe sounds delish. I cannot wait to try it.
Abbe Odenwalder says
Glad you enjoyed it! Now that's a pretty funny story. When my daughter was 3 years old we visited friends in Dallas. She stepped on a palmetto bug with her bare feet. We tried not to freak her out, but I think she was scarred for life! Thanks for visiting!
Anonymous says
This looks so good! I am making it this weekend. My first time here I will be back!
Abbe Odenwalder says
Pretty good place, huh? Enjoy the shrimp salad croissant!
mjskit says
Now that is the best croissant sandwich I've seen in a long time. Love that shrimp salad!!
Abbe Odenwalder says
It is a winner! And thank you!
CQUEK says
now i know what to have for breakfast. awesome recipe. thanks a lot.
Abbe Odenwalder says
Breakfast? OK Cquek. I'd have it any time of day!
Juliana says
OMG Abbe, this shrimp salad sounds and looks fabulous...and delicious in between croissant...what a beautiful meal!
Have a great week 🙂
Abbe Odenwalder says
It is Juliana and so easy and quick to make!
kankana says
Absolutely yes to that!! Fancy, easy and I bet delicious. I love shrimp , can eat everyday and who can say no to Croissants, right 🙂
Abbe Odenwalder says
You got that right!
Lea Ann (Cooking On The Ranch) says
This looks fabulous Abbe, I look forward to making this sandwich soon. Now, let's talk about those bugs. The first time I was in Florida I was in Miami Hotel at a RE/MAX convention setting up our booth. There were union guys around making sure we were setting up properly and this huge bug crawled across the floor near us. I said in horror "what is THAT?" The Florida guy said "Palmetto bug". I looked at him and practically in tears screamed "it is not... it's a COCKROACH". What I thought was an event, he found unconcerning. And they can have they damn bugs and their sweet tea. I take mine straight. Nothing like a little rant,..ok..... now I feel better. 🙂
Abbe Odenwalder says
Yeah. They try to brush it off! Rant away! I love Colorado and no bugs!
Holly @ abakershouse.com says
I love how your posts take me down memory lane-- I've spent many family spring breaks in St Augustine and in Jacksonville where my uncle lives. I've even been to that alligator farm! Can't you just picture sitting by the ocean enjoying your shrimp salad, sounds wonderful as long as you leave out the cockroaches! : )
Abbe Odenwalder says
So funny, Holly. St. Augustine is a place you never forget!
Karen Harris says
Oh gosh, memories of cockroaches, I have many growing up in Houston.That is just part of the charm of the south I guess, but thankfully so is shrimp. This salad sounds delicious Abbe..
Abbe Odenwalder says
One of Manservant's relatives from Houston gave us cockroach paste as a wedding present. No joke. I was terrified.
Anonymous says
Cockroach paste? That sounds totally disgusting.
Angie Schneider says
my my my...now that's a SANDWICH! It looks heavenly, Abbe.
Abbe Odenwalder says
Thanks Angie! It is worth it!
Liz Berg says
This is my kind of lunch! Now if I could only get Bill to make me some shrimp salad for Mother's Day...never mind. He's a terrific guy, but I don't want him messing this one up! Fun memories (except for the palmetto bugs!).
Abbe Odenwalder says
Funny, Liz! It was a good beginning!
Kitchen Riffs says
We lived in Tampa for a bit over a decade. Had loads of palmetto bugs outside, but almost never inside. Unless one of our cats would bring one in to play with. Not fun, that! Anyway, shrimp salad and croissants? Fancy! And awfully good. Thanks.
Abbe Odenwalder says
You were very lucky, John! the minute we started packing boxes to come back, they literally came out of the woodwork!
adamjholland says
Y'all call them palmetto bugs and we call them water bugs. No matter what we call them, they are bigass roaches — and they can fly across the room! Your dish? Let's just say I'd fly across the room for it! Looks wonderful. By the way, I'm a Southerner who doesn't like sweet tea either. 😉
Abbe Odenwalder says
Water bugs? We had those in Illinois and they weren't cockroaches! Oh Adam. You do surprise me!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
We used to vacation in St. Augustine when I was a young girl - we have so many photos of us at the old fort and the fountain of youth. We also loved the Marine Park - can't remember the name - but what fun days those were. I think we have crossed paths somewhere in our lives! Love this recipe - it is so classic and pretty! I bet it is really tasty 🙂
Abbe Odenwalder says
I think our paths definitely crossed! Thanks Tricia!
SavoringTime in the Kitchen says
Just the thought of palmetto bugs makes me cringe but the shrimp salad on a flaky croissant sounds wonderful! I just bought some wild caught Gulf shrimp today to make a shimp boil for our dinner tomorrow night and now I'm hoping there will be some left-overs to make shrimp salad!
Abbe Odenwalder says
I love shrimp boils. In Jacksonville they's lay paper on the table, pour out the shrimp and we would peel away! So much fun!
Barb | Creative Culinary says
Shrimp salad is so good; on croissants? Even better!
Abbe Odenwalder says
So good, isn't it? Croissants are so decadent!