Description
This vibrant Blackened Shrimp Salad features succulent shrimp, fresh greens, and colorful veggies, all tossed in a zesty dressing. It’s a perfect choice for a light lunch or dinner, offering a delicious blend of flavors and nutrients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula, spinach, and romaine)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing or your favorite dressing
Instructions
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a marinade.
- Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss them in the marinade until they are evenly coated. Let them marinate for at least 15-20 minutes.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the skillet is hot, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on one side until golden brown.
- Flip the shrimp and cook for another 2-3 minutes until opaque and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In a large salad bowl, add the mixed salad greens.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, and thinly sliced red onion.
- Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the top and add feta cheese if using.
- Once the shrimp have cooled slightly, add them to the salad bowl.
- Drizzle lime juice and your favorite dressing over the salad.
- Gently toss to combine all ingredients without breaking up the avocado too much.
- Serve the salad immediately for the best freshness. Store leftovers separately to keep everything crisp.
- Garnish with additional lime wedges or cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the level of cayenne pepper based on your spice preference.
- This salad is versatile; you can add other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch.
- For a low-carb option, skip the dressing or use a low-calorie alternative.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes