Okay – let’s not beat around the bush here. I know this is a weird one. Fruit salad? With shrimp? In mayonnaise? This so-called fruit and shrimp salad couldn’t sound any more made up, and (if we’re being honest), it doesn’t sound all that Chinese either.

But yes, it’s true – this bizarre-sounding dish is actually a popular staple at Cantonese style banquets, especially at fancy restaurants where it’s offered up as a refreshing starter. Some places even add lobster. LOBSTER!

I admit I never tried this dish until very recently, when Papa G decided to whip some up after opening a can of fruit for his Sweet and Sour Pork.

To my surprise, this unconventional salad was refreshing, juicy, and actually… good? Best of all, with Papa G’s recipe, it takes almost no time to prepare, and can be made well in advance of any big gathering.

Intrigued? keep scrolling for our delicious fruit and shrimp salad recipe. You may well find it shrimply irresistible.

The Origins of “Fruit and Shrimp Salad”

The combination of seafood, fruit, and creamy dressing isn’t unique to this recipe. In fact, upon lots of confused Googling, I found a multitude of dishes (especially across Asia) that make use of this trio.

Sometimes it comes with lobster. Sometimes, potato. If you’re feeling adventurous, sometimes eggs make their way in. Others like to deep fry shrimp and use it as a topping, while the rest of the ‘salad’ remains cold…

In any case, the origins of this dish (and its many variations) are unclear. I’ve read some articles that trace it back to 1980s Hong Kong, which explains why it’s predominantly a dish found at Cantonese restaurants, but its origin story beyond that remains a mystery.

What isn’t a mystery though is that it actually tastes delicious, and remains a popular pick for fancy Cantonese banquets.

… Curious? Keep reading to learn how to make this dish for your next gathering!

Ingredients for Our Cantonese Style Fruit and Shrimp Salad Recipe

• 24 Cooked Jumbo Shrimp
• 2.84L Can of Tropical Fruit Cocktail 
• 4 tsp (20mL) Sweetened Condensed Milk
• 4 tbsp (60mL) Mayonnaise
• Pinch of salt 

Step by Step Instructions for Our Cantonese Style Fruit and Shrimp Salad Recipe

This refreshing salad is one of the quickest dishes you’ll ever throw together. Here are the step by step instructions!

Drain your can of fruit cocktail and pour the fruit into a giant bowl.

Add sweetened condensed milk.

Add mayonnaise.

Throw in your cooked shrimp, along with a pinch of salt.

Scoop into bowls, serve with a sprig of green onion for garnish, and enjoy.

We Hope You Enjoy Our Cantonese Style Fruit and Shrimp Salad Recipe!

Let us know in the comments if you have any questions, or be sure to let us know if you’ve tested the recipe out. We’re always looking to improve our recipes and make sure they taste great for everyone.