Elevate Your Summer Meals: Creamy Lemon Tarragon Asparagus and Shrimp Potato Salad Recipe

Bright, fresh, creamy, and wonderfully herby – this Asparagus and Shrimp Potato Salad offers a delightful and refreshing twist on the traditional potato salad. It’s a perfect dish to celebrate the flavors of summer, combining the best of land and sea in one vibrant bowl.

As the days grow long and the sun graces us with its warmth, there’s a natural inclination towards lighter, colder fare. Summer in northern Alberta, much like many other regions, brings with it a bounty of fresh produce and a desire for meals that are both satisfying and cooling. This time of year, my garden becomes a true haven, bursting with life, and among its many treasures, fresh asparagus stands out as a particular delight. We find ourselves incorporating it into almost every meal, exploring its versatility from raw crunchiness in salads to perfectly oven-roasted spears. The delicate flavor also shines when lightly steamed, ready to be dipped into a rich Hollandaise, or adds a vibrant touch to spicy stir-fries and fluffy omelets.

There’s a special joy in beginning the day with a trip to the garden. Knife and basket in hand, I search for the newest asparagus spears peeking through the rich earth. As soon as they reach their ideal height, they are harvested for the kitchen. But not before I snap off one or two to enjoy right there, tasting the essence of the garden. Their crisp texture and subtly grassy flavor are reminiscent of fresh green peas, offering a burst of juicy sweetness that truly captures the spirit of spring and early summer.

My culinary preferences during the warmer months often gravitate towards distinct flavors and textures. I have a profound appreciation for the crispness of raw asparagus, especially when it’s nestled within a vibrant salad. Summertime simply calls for a good potato salad – it’s a staple for potlucks, picnics, and backyard barbecues. And the bright, zesty tang of lemon? It’s a flavor enhancer that I find irresistible in nearly any dish. This particular recipe masterfully brings these three beloved elements together, creating a harmonious blend that is both familiar and exciting.

What sets this Asparagus and Shrimp Potato Salad apart is its refreshing character. It’s a bright, fresh, and slightly unexpected interpretation of a classic comfort food, making it an absolutely wonderful centerpiece for a leisurely summer luncheon, a light dinner, or a memorable addition to any festive gathering. The combination of tender potatoes, succulent shrimp, and crisp asparagus, all coated in a vibrant lemon-tarragon dressing, delivers a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds delighted.

Key Tips for Perfect Potato Salad: Kitchen Frau Notes

Crafting the perfect potato salad begins with selecting the right ingredients and understanding how they interact. For this Asparagus and Shrimp Potato Salad, the choice of potatoes is crucial. Opt for firm, waxy varieties such as Yukon Gold, Red Bliss, or new potatoes. These types hold their shape beautifully when cooked, providing a pleasant bite and ensuring your salad isn’t mushy. Avoid starchy baking potatoes like Russets, as they tend to become too fluffy and fall apart, making for a less appealing texture in a salad.

While fresh asparagus is truly the star of this dish, if it’s not in season or readily available, you have excellent alternatives. Defrosted frozen peas or finely diced celery can offer a similar pop of green color and a welcome textural contrast. For those looking to experiment, finely chopped bell peppers or even blanched green beans could also work well, adjusting the cooking time as needed to maintain a slight crispness.

The dressing’s herbaceous notes are paramount, and tarragon, with its delicate anise-like flavor, is an ideal complement to seafood. However, don’t hesitate to experiment! Chervil or dill would also work beautifully, imparting a slightly different but equally delicious aromatic profile. Even common herbs like fresh parsley or basil can elevate the other ingredients significantly if tarragon isn’t on hand. Consider the flavors you love and make this recipe truly your own. Fresh cilantro can also provide a unique, bright twist for those who enjoy its distinct taste.

This salad is absolutely divine when freshly made, but it also makes for fantastic leftovers. If you find yourself enjoying it the next day, you might notice that the bright lemon flavor has mellowed, as much of it gets absorbed by the potatoes overnight. A simple fix will bring it back to life: just before serving on day two, give the salad a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of additional fresh herbs. This quick refresh will restore its vibrant tang and herbaceous zing, making it taste as good as it did on day one.

Asparagus and Shrimp Potato Salad with a Creamy Lemon Tarragon Dressing

This recipe yields a vibrant, flavorful salad that’s perfect as a side dish or a light main course. The creamy lemon tarragon dressing ties all the fresh ingredients together beautifully.

• 2½ lbs (1.15kg) firm waxy potatoes, peeled and cut into 1″ cubes (approx. 2 lbs or 900gm weight after peeling)
• 1 lb (450gm) cooked shrimp (fresh or frozen, thawed if needed), tails removed
• 1 bundle fresh asparagus (about 1lb or 450gm)
• 1 cup finely sliced green onions (~ 6 to 8 medium green onions)

For the Creamy Lemon Tarragon Dressing:

• ½ cup (120ml) good quality mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest (from about 1 large lemon)
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice (from about 1 large lemon)
• ½ teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon (or substitute with chervil, dill, parsley, or basil for different flavor profiles)

Instructions:

Begin by preparing your potatoes. Place the peeled and cubed potatoes into a steamer insert or basket. Set this over a pot of simmering water, ensuring the water does not touch the potatoes. Cover the pot with a lid and steam the potatoes until they are just tender when pierced with a fork, typically 10 to 15 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, as they should hold their shape. Once tender, remove the lid and let the potatoes cool down to room temperature. Spreading them in a single layer on a clean cookie sheet can help them cool more quickly and allow any residual moisture to evaporate, preventing a watery salad.

While the potatoes are cooling, prepare the asparagus. Hold each spear near the bottom and bend it until the tough, woody end snaps off naturally. Discard the woody ends. Then, cut the fresh asparagus spears into thin slices on a steep diagonal. This not only makes them visually appealing but also ensures a delicate crunch in every bite.

Next, prepare the vibrant dressing. In a small bowl, combine all the dressing ingredients: mayonnaise, grated lemon zest, freshly squeezed lemon juice, sea salt, freshly ground pepper, and the chopped fresh tarragon. Whisk everything together thoroughly until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary, ensuring a perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and herbaceous flavors.

In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the cooled potatoes, the prepared shrimp, the diagonally sliced fresh asparagus, and the finely sliced green onions. Pour the creamy lemon tarragon dressing over the mixture. Using a large spatula or spoon, carefully toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Be gentle to avoid breaking up the tender potatoes.

This salad can be served immediately for a fresh and bright experience, or for enhanced flavor, cover and chill it in the refrigerator for at least a few hours. Chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making the salad even more delicious.

This recipe generously serves 4 to 6 people, making it ideal for a family meal or a small gathering. Enjoy the delightful blend of textures and tastes!

Guten Appetit!

Are you eager to receive new Kitchen Frau recipes directly to your email inbox? Sign up here and you’ll not only get delicious recipes but also a handy and useful kitchen tip along with each one. We promise no spam, just great food!

If you enjoy my recipes and culinary insights, be sure to follow me on social media! You can find me on Instagram for visual inspiration, Pinterest for recipe ideas, Twitter for quick updates, and Facebook for community engagement. Your support truly makes my day!

You might also like these other delightful recipes:

Shrimp Salad with Lemon Dill Dressing

Classic German Potato Salad

Unique Sauerkraut Potato Salad

Shrimp Curry: A Taste of Bangladesh