Have you ever tried a salad that looks simple but surprises you with layers of flavor in every bite? Many people think salads are light or plain, but this recipe shows how a few everyday ingredients can create something rich and satisfying. This dish brings together shrimp, broccoli, eggs, and cheese in a creamy dressing that tastes like something you would find in a high-end deli. If you have ever wondered how to make a salad that feels special without taking much time, you will find the answer here.

Table of Contents

Overview

Deli-style Shrimp & Broccoli Salad, also known as デリ風エビブロッコリーサラダ in Japanese, is a creamy and hearty salad that combines tender shrimp, steamed broccoli, soft-boiled eggs, and rich Camembert cheese. What makes this dish stand out is the balance of flavors. The shrimp adds a savory note, the broccoli brings freshness, the eggs offer richness, and the Camembert adds a soft and creamy finish. Everything is coated in a dressing made with mayonnaise, whole grain mustard, soy sauce, and a little garlic.

This recipe is quick to make, taking about 20 to 25 minutes from start to finish. It is also simple enough for beginners, yet impressive enough to serve at gatherings or as a café-style side dish. Many Japanese delis sell this type of salad because it is filling, colorful, and keeps well in the fridge. It has become a popular dish for bento boxes, lunch spreads, and easy weekend meals.

Quick Facts Deli-style Shrimp & Broccoli Salad (デリ風エビブロッコリーサラダ)

Difficulty

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Easy

Total Time

20–25 minutes prep to mix

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Essential Ingredients

Key Ingredients (材料)

Deli-style Shrimp & Broccoli Salad

These fresh and simple ingredients create the rich, creamy, and deli-style flavor of this shrimp and broccoli salad. Each card explains the role of the ingredient and how you can substitute it when needed.

1

Broccoli (1 share)

Broccoli adds bright color, crunch, and mild sweetness to the salad. Steaming it keeps the texture soft yet firm so it blends well with the creamy dressing.

Substitution ideas:

• Cauliflower florets
• Asparagus pieces
• Green beans for a firmer bite

2

Vannamei Shrimp (10 pieces)

Shrimp adds tenderness and savory flavor. It cooks fast and absorbs dressing well, making it the perfect protein for this deli-style salad.

Substitution ideas:

• Cooked chicken pieces
• Smoked salmon chunks
• Firm tofu for a lighter option

3

Boiled Eggs (4 pieces)

Eggs add richness and a soft texture that balances the crisp broccoli and tender shrimp. They also help make the salad filling and wholesome.

Substitution ideas:

• Soft-boiled eggs for a creamier bite
• Chopped avocado for an egg-free option
• Firm tofu cubes for added protein

4

Camembert Cheese (120g)

Camembert brings creamy depth and a mellow aroma. Its soft texture blends smoothly with the dressing and adds richness to each bite.

Substitution ideas:

• Brie cheese
• Cream cheese cubes
• Mozzarella for a lighter flavor

5

Creamy Dressing Mix

The dressing brings everything together with a balanced mix of mayonnaise, beet sugar, whole grain mustard, soy sauce, garlic, salt, and black pepper. It creates a smooth, tangy, and slightly sweet coating.

Substitution ideas:

• Honey instead of beet sugar
• Dijon mustard instead of whole grain mustard
• Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing

6

Olive Oil & Water

Olive oil adds flavor and helps the shrimp cook evenly. Water is used to steam the broccoli so it stays bright and tender without becoming soggy.

Substitution ideas:

• Any neutral cooking oil
• Vegetable broth for steaming vegetables

Step-by-Step Instructions

Below is a clear set of instructions rewritten into four simple, unique steps based on the recipe you provided.

Step 1: Prepare the Broccoli and Shrimp

Cut the broccoli into small florets and slice the stems into thin rings. Wash them well and set aside. Cut open the backs of the shrimp and remove the shells and veins. Clean the shrimp with a light rub of potato starch and salt, rinse, and pat dry.

#Step 2: Cook the Shrimp and Steam the Broccoli

Heat olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat and cook the shrimp until they turn pink and lightly browned. Remove them from the pan. Add the broccoli to the same pan, sprinkle water over it, cover with a lid, and steam for a few minutes until tender.

Step 3: Prepare the Cheese, Eggs, and Dressing

Cut the Camembert cheese into small cubes. Chop the boiled eggs into bite-size pieces. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, beet sugar, whole grain mustard, soy sauce, grated garlic, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Place the cooked shrimp, steamed broccoli, chopped eggs, and cubed cheese into the bowl of dressing. Mix gently so the ingredients stay whole and well coated.

Secrets to Success and Expert Tips

These simple but important tips will help you make a creamy, balanced, and perfectly seasoned Deli-style Shrimp & Broccoli Salad every time:

• ♥
  Cook the shrimp just until firm
  Overcooking makes shrimp dry and rubbery. Cooking them only until they turn pink keeps the texture tender and juicy.
• ♥
  Steam the broccoli to keep it crisp
  Light steaming keeps the florets bright and slightly crunchy. This helps the salad keep its shape and prevents sogginess.
• ♥
  Use cold ingredients before mixing
  Chilling the cooked shrimp and broccoli slightly helps the dressing cling better and keeps the textures firm.
• ♥
  Cube the Camembert while cold
  Cold cheese cuts cleanly and keeps its shape when mixed. Soft cheese warms quickly and can turn mushy.
• ♥
  Mix gently to protect the ingredients
  Fold the salad instead of stirring quickly. This keeps the eggs, broccoli florets, and cheese cubes from breaking apart.

Assembly

To assemble the salad, use a large bowl so that you can fold the ingredients without crushing them. Place the shrimp, broccoli, eggs, and cheese in layers, then add the dressing on top. Use a spoon or spatula to fold the mixture from the bottom up. This helps coat the ingredients evenly.

If you want to present the dish beautifully, serve it in a shallow bowl or a clear glass container. The colors of the shrimp and broccoli look bright against the creamy dressing. You can add a small sprinkle of black pepper on top or a few extra mustard seeds for texture.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This salad stores well in the refrigerator for one to two days. Keep it in an airtight container so the broccoli stays crisp. Because this is a creamy salad, it should not be left at room temperature for long periods. If preparing ahead, cook the shrimp and steam the broccoli earlier in the day and chill them separately. Add the dressing shortly before serving to keep the texture fresh.

The eggs and cheese also hold up well, but mixing everything too far in advance might make the dressing thicken. If you want to loosen the salad when serving leftovers, add a small spoon of mayonnaise or a splash of olive oil.

Recipe Variations

This salad is very flexible, and you can adjust the ingredients to match your taste or what you have at home. Here are some easy and delicious ways to customize your Deli-style Shrimp & Broccoli Salad:

1

Try New Proteins

You can swap the shrimp for other proteins to create new versions of the salad:

• Cooked chicken breast for a lighter taste
• Smoked salmon for a richer, deeper flavor
• Firm tofu cubes for a vegetarian option

2

Boost the Vegetables

Add extra vegetables for more color and texture:

• Cherry tomatoes for sweetness
• Asparagus or green beans for crunch
• Baby spinach for a softer green

3

Try New Dressing Flavors

Change the dressing to match your preferred flavor style:

• Lemon-mayo dressing for a fresh citrus style
• Sesame-miso dressing for a Japanese twist
• Greek yogurt dressing for a lighter version

4

Try New Serving Styles

Serve the salad in different ways depending on the meal:

• Serve on toasted bread like a deli-style sandwich
• Use as a topping for a fresh green salad
• Serve in a small bowl for a café-style side dish

More Variation Recipes to Try

For more deli-style inspiration, you can try the Japanese Vermicelli Salad with Maitake Mushrooms, a light noodle salad with earthy flavor. Another option is Unajiro’s Tartar Salad Chirashi, a colorful dish with a creamy topping and fresh vegetables.

Conclusion

Deli-style Shrimp & Broccoli Salad デリ風エビブロッコリーサラダ is a simple dish with rich flavors and satisfying textures. It is easy to prepare, quick to assemble, and full of ingredients that work well together. With its mix of shrimp, broccoli, eggs, and cheese, this salad offers a fresh yet hearty option for lunch or dinner. This recipe allows for creativity, so feel free to explore different ingredients and make it your own.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well. Thaw them fully before cooking and pat them dry to avoid extra moisture.

How long does the salad stay fresh?

It stays fresh for one to two days in the refrigerator when stored in a sealed container.

Is this salad healthy?

The salad includes protein from shrimp and eggs, vitamins from broccoli, and calcium from cheese. It is filling and balanced, especially when eaten as part of a complete meal.

Can I make the dressing lighter?

You can replace some of the mayonnaise with plain yogurt or add a small amount of olive oil to reduce thickness.

Can I change the cheese?

Yes, Brie, cream cheese, or even mild cheddar can be used as substitutes.

Can I serve this warm?

The salad is best served chilled or at room temperature, but the shrimp and broccoli can be mixed while slightly warm for a softer texture.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @jp.dishes on Instagram so we can see your delicious creation!