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    Home » Recipes » Salad Recipes

    Creamy Skagenröra - The Best Swedish Shrimp Salad

    Published: Aug 2, 2022 · Modified: Feb 12, 2025 by Kristi · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Cool, creamy, and packed with fresh shrimp flavor, Skagenröra (Swedish Shrimp Salad) is a Scandinavian classic that’s as delicious as it is versatile. Whether you’re making the famous Toast Skagen or looking for a quick and elegant topping for crackers, sandwiches, or even these Swedish hot dogs (yes, really), this easy shrimp salad belongs in your recipe collection.

    Skagenröra in white bowl next to a spoon and lemon wedges.

    A beloved dish in Sweden, Skagenröra is often enjoyed during festive gatherings, summer celebrations, and special occasions. It’s a staple of Midsummer feasts, a favorite at kräftskiva (crayfish parties), and a popular appetizer during the warmer months when fresh seafood is at its best. However, its creamy, luxurious taste makes it just as welcome on a holiday smorgasbord or as a light yet indulgent dish year-round.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • Variations
    • How to Make Skagenröra
    • Expert Tips
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Serving Ideas for Skagenröra
    • Related Recipes
    • Recipe

    Ingredients

    Labeled ingredients for Skagenröra (Swedish Shrimp Salad)
    • Frozen cooked shrimp - form the base of this recipe making it extra easy to prepare. Look for the smallest shrimp you can find.
    • Creme fraiche and mayonnaise - create the creamy base of the dressing. The two together create a luxurious texture and balanced flavor.
    • Dijon mustard and minced shallot - add a little something extra to the dressing without being overpowering. Some people find minced shallot or onion to be objectionable in skagenröra. If this is you, please feel free to omit it.
    • Chopped fresh dill - finishes off the dressing with herbal flair.
    • Fresh lemon juice - squeezed over the top just before enjoying adds welcome brightness.

    Variations

    • Shellfish Combination - Add a combination of shellfish rather than using all shrimp.
    • Lemon Zest - Add some lemon zest to the dressing to give it a little extra lemony zing.
    • Spicy - add some fresh or prepared horseradish or a dash or two of Tabasco sauce for a little heat.

    How to Make Skagenröra

    Small cooked shrimp on a paper towel-lined baking sheet.
    • Step 1: Begin by thawing the shrimp, either overnight in the refrigerator or by placing them in a strainer and rinsing the shrimp under cold water until they are thawed (this should only take 5 minutes or so). Transfer the shrimp to a paper towel-lined baking sheet and pat dry.
    Creamy dill dressing in a glass bowl with a whisk.
    • Step 2: Whisk the creme fraiche , mayonnaise, dijon mustard, shallot and dill together in a medium bowl.
    Skagenröra in a glass bowl with a rubber spatula.
    • Step 3: Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss gently to combine. Season to taste with salt and pepper (it's quite likely you won't need any salt depending on how salty your shrimp are to begin with so be sure to taste it first.
    Skagenröra in white bowl next to a spoon and lemon wedges.
    • Step 4: Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes or up to a day. Serve with lemon wedges.

    Expert Tips

    • Thaw the shrimp thoroughly and dry them well before adding to the dressing. Extra moisture is the enemy of skagenröra as it can create a watery dressing. Take care to eliminate as much moisture from the shrimp as possible prior to tossing them with the dressing.
    • Squeeze lemon wedges over the top rather than adding lemon juice to the dressing. This will also help keep you dressing as moisture free and creamy as possible.
    Skagenröra (Swedish Shrimp Salad) on rye bread with sliced hard boiled egg, cucumber and caviar.

    Recipe FAQs

    How should I store this Swedish shrimp salad?

    Store it tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to a day.

    Help! My skagenröra is watery! What did I do wrong?

    It's most likely that you didn't thaw the shrimp completely before tossing them with the dressing or that you didn't pat them dry thoroughly. It's also important to wait and squeeze a lemon wedge over the top of the salad before serving rather than including lemon juice in the dressing itself.

    Serving Ideas for Skagenröra

    • Use it as a topping for Toast Skagen (Swedish Shrimp Toasts). This is probably the most popular and well known use for skagenröra, and it is an incredibly simple and elegant appetizer.
    Skagenröra on top of toasted white bread with caviar on top.

    Pile it on rye bread along with a few complimentary ingredients such as sliced hard-boiled egg, cucumbers and fish roe. This makes for a very tasty and substantial open face sandwich.

    Skagenröra on rye bread with sliced hard boiled egg and sliced cucumber and topped with caviar.

    Simply spoon it on top of rye crackers. Sometimes simple is best.

    Make Swedish Hot Dogs (Tunnsbrödrulle) - This very uniquely Swedish way of enjoying a hot dog is not to be missed: Soft flatbread is wrapped around mashed potatoes, a hot dog, crispy fried onions, ketchup, mustard and a spoonful or two of skagenröra. I know it sounds kind of crazy but it is SO unexpectedly delicious.

    Shrimp salad on flatbread with mashed potatoes, a hot dog and lettuce.

    Related Recipes

    Looking for more Scandinavian-inspired salad recipes? Give these a try!

    • Close up of lemon cucumber salad (featured image).
      Lemon Cucumber Salad with Dill
    • Roasted beet salad on a platter next to a napkin.
      Roasted Beet Salad with Arugula, Rye and Creamy Herbed Skyr Sauce
    • Egg salad in a bowl with a spoon next to crackers and dill sprigs.
      Creamy Egg Salad with Dill and Capers
    • Spinach, asparagus and red pepper salad on a plate.
      Barley Salad with Asparagus, Red Pepper and Spinach

    If you tried this Creamy Skagenröra - The Best Swedish Shrimp Salad recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the comments below. I love hearing from you!

    Recipe

    Close up of a bowl of Skagenröra (Swedish Shrimp Salad) next to a spoon and lemon wedge.

    Creamy Skagenröra - The Best Swedish Shrimp Salad

    A simple and traditional Swedish shrimp salad flavored with fresh dill.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: appetizers, salads
    Cuisine: Nordic, Scandinavian, Swedish
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 83kcal
    Author: Kristi

    Ingredients

    • ¼ cup mayonnaise
    • ¼ cup creme fraiche
    • 1 small shallot minced (optional)
    • 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
    • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
    • 12 ounces small frozen precooked shrimp thawed, drained and patted dry
    • Lemon wedges for serving

    Instructions

    • Whisk mayonnaise, creme fraiche, shallot, mustard and dill together in a medium bowl. Gently fold in shrimp. Season to taste with salt and pepper (it may not need any additional salt depending on how salty the shrimp is). Chill for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours before serving. Serve with lemon wedges.

    Notes

    • Thaw the shrimp thoroughly and dry them well before adding to the dressing. Extra moisture is the enemy of skagenröra as it can create a watery dressing. Take care to eliminate as much moisture from the shrimp as possible prior to tossing them with the dressing.
    • Squeeze lemon wedges over the top rather than adding lemon juice to the dressing. This will also help keep you dressing as moisture free and creamy as possible.
    Variations:
    • Lemon:  Add a half teaspoon of lemon zest to the dressing.
    • Spicy:  Add Tabasco sauce, freshly grated horseradish or prepared horseradish to the dressing to taste.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 83kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 4mg | Sodium: 79mg | Potassium: 18mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 17IU | Vitamin C: 0.5mg | Calcium: 3mg | Iron: 0.1mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @TrueNorthKitchen or tag #truenorthkitchen!

    More Nordic/Scandinavian Salad Recipes

    • Close up of a bowl of Creamy Tarragon Chicken Salad.
      Creamy Tarragon Chicken Salad
    • Close up of Easy Quick Pickled Mushrooms in a white bowl.
      Easy Quick Pickled Mushrooms
    • Featured image for Kale and Butternut Squash Salad.
      Kale and Butternut Squash Salad
    • Midsummer Salad with greens, salmon, eggs and potatoes in a wreath shape on a white plate.
      Midsummer Smoked Salmon Salad

    Comments

    1. Shalea says

      October 26, 2024 at 10:26 pm

      5 stars
      I was visiting my fiancée in Sweden back in August and this recipe minus the shallots tastes just like the salad we picked multiple times on the trip. Been craving it since being back in Arizona and I’ve made it 4 times in the last 2 weeks. 10/10. Adding this recipe to my book. Thank you soooo much for posting this gem!

      Reply
      • Kristi says

        October 27, 2024 at 5:01 pm

        So glad you enjoyed it!

        Reply
    2. Libby says

      June 19, 2023 at 6:01 am

      5 stars
      Made this for an early midsommar celebration and it was amazing! I couldn't find the mini salad shrimp unfortunately, so I ended up chopping up some larger sized shrimp and it was perfect.

      Reply
      • Kristi says

        June 21, 2023 at 5:32 pm

        Sometimes I think the larger shrimp are tastier so maybe it was good thing. Thanks so much for your comment!
        Kristi

        Reply
    3. Erin says

      March 27, 2023 at 4:32 pm

      We made this and the pickled mustard seeds to top it off for a Progressive Dinner with our neighbors and everyone raved about it. Definitely the favorite of the night.

      Reply
      • Kristi says

        March 31, 2023 at 11:08 am

        Hi Erin,
        How good of you to share the Nordic deliciousness with your neighbors! Thanks so much for your comment. Those pickled mustard seeds are something else!
        Kristi

        Reply
    4. Kristi says

      August 02, 2022 at 4:02 pm

      5 stars
      Delicious and easy classic Swedish recipe!

      Reply
    5 from 3 votes

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