The Hot Honey Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad is everything you could want in a show-stopping, effortless meal: juicy blackened shrimp coated in sweet and spicy hot honey, cool and crisp romaine, a luxurious Caesar dressing, and just the right amount of Parmesan and garlicky croutons. What makes this salad irresistible is the way each bite brings together layers of bold flavor, little pops of crunch, and a touch of zesty freshness from lemon. When you’re craving a salad that’s as exciting as it is satisfying, let this become your new go-to!

Hot Honey Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Hot Honey Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad starts with simple, bold ingredients that play off each other beautifully. Each item is easy to find, yet totally essential for dialing up the flavor, texture, and color in every forkful.

Shrimp: Large shrimp provide juicy, sweet bites that stand out as the star of the salad.
Olive Oil: Helps the spices adhere to the shrimp and adds richness to the dish.
Blackened Seasoning: A mix of spices that lends smoky heat and deep color to the shrimp.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and vibrant reddish hue for eye-catching appeal.
Garlic Powder: A hint of savory depth rounds out the flavor profile.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing the seasoning mix to life and balancing flavors.
Hot Honey: Provides an addicting sweet-heat kick that glazes the shrimp perfectly.
Romaine Lettuce: Crisp, refreshing greens that form the backbone of the salad.
Caesar Dressing: Creamy, tangy, and garlicky, it unites all the other elements.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty richness that ties together the salad’s flavors.
Garlic Croutons: Offer golden crunch and a burst of garlicky flavor in every bite.
Lemon Wedges: Squeezing fresh lemon brightens the dish and perks up the flavors beautifully.

How to Make Hot Honey Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad

Step 1: Season the Shrimp

Start with your peeled and deveined shrimp in a large bowl. Drizzle olive oil over them, then sprinkle on the blackened seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Toss well so every piece gets nicely coated. This ensures that every bite of shrimp is bursting with bold, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor—the perfect base for your Hot Honey Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat a large skillet over medium-high until it’s good and hot, which helps you get those irresistible seared edges. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer—don’t overcrowd! Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until the shrimp are just opaque and lightly charred, then scoop them out of the pan. You want them juicy and tender, with hints of that blackened crust.

Step 3: Glaze with Hot Honey

While the shrimp are still piping hot, drizzle two tablespoons of hot honey over them. Toss gently so they all get kissed with sweet, spicy glaze. The heat of the shrimp helps the honey soak in and really cling, turning ordinary shrimp into something finger-licking fantastic.

Step 4: Prep the Greens

In a roomy bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce. Pour the Caesar dressing right on top, and toss it all together until every leaf is well coated. Using fresh, crisp romaine is key here—it stands up to the bold shrimp without wilting too quickly.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

Arrange the Caesar-dressed romaine on your serving plates or a big platter. Top with the hot honey blackened shrimp, shower the whole thing with grated Parmesan, and sprinkle with crunchy garlic croutons. It’s that easy! Serve right away, with plenty of lemon wedges on the side for those bursts of brightness.

How to Serve Hot Honey Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad

Garnishes

To finish your Hot Honey Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad, keep things simple yet vibrant. A handful of extra Parmesan, a fine grating of lemon zest, or even a scattering of chopped fresh parsley all work wonders. Don’t forget those lemon wedges—the squeeze of juice right before digging in lifts every single flavor.

Side Dishes

Although this salad is a meal on its own, you can round it out with a creamy corn chowder or a chilled glass of crisp white wine. Buttery garlic bread is perfect for mopping up extra dressing, and a simple tomato salad brings a touch of juicy sweetness to the table.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, layer the Hot Honey Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad in wide-mouthed glasses for an appetizer, or serve it as lettuce wraps for easy, hand-held bites at a party. If you’re feeling fancy, spoon it into freshly hollowed sourdough rolls for a playful, hearty lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Hot Honey Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad in an airtight container in the fridge. For best results, store the salad, shrimp, and croutons separately to prevent sogginess—then assemble fresh when ready to enjoy.

Freezing

While you can freeze cooked shrimp on their own, it’s best to avoid freezing the assembled salad, as lettuce loses its crispness when thawed. If you do freeze shrimp, store them in a single layer in a freezer bag for up to one month, then thaw in the fridge before reheating or adding to a fresh salad.

Reheating

To enjoy shrimp leftovers warm, quickly reheat them in a hot skillet or microwave just until heated through—overcooking can make them rubbery. Add to your salad right before eating to keep things fresh and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this salad?

You definitely can, but for maximum flavor and texture, cooking raw shrimp with the blackened seasoning yields juicier, more flavorful results. If using pre-cooked shrimp, toss them in the seasoning and warm gently before drizzling with hot honey.

What’s the best way to make homemade hot honey?

Combine your favorite honey with a pinch of red pepper flakes and gently heat until the flavors infuse. Let it cool to room temperature before using; it’s delicious and keeps in the refrigerator for weeks!

Is there a vegetarian alternative for the shrimp?

Absolutely! Try swapping the shrimp for crispy chickpeas or pan-seared tofu tossed in the same hot honey-blackened spices. Both alternatives deliver wonderful flavor and absorb the glaze beautifully.

How spicy is this salad?

The beauty of this Hot Honey Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad is that you control the heat. Add more or less hot honey based on your spice preference, or tone it down further by choosing a mild honey or omitting the extra blackened seasoning.

What can I use instead of romaine lettuce?

Feel free to swap romaine for any sturdy leafy greens you love—kale, little gem, or even baby spinach all work well, lending their own flavor and crunch.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a truly memorable salad with vibrant flavor, irresistible crunch, and a little bit of sweet heat, this Hot Honey Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad is the one to try. I promise, it’ll become a craveable favorite you’ll want to share with everyone you know—enjoy every spicy, crisp, lemony bite!

Hot Honey Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 16 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Hot Honey Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad recipe combines the bold flavors of blackened seasoning and hot honey with classic Caesar salad ingredients for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon blackened seasoning
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons hot honey

For the Salad:

6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
1/2 cup Caesar dressing
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup garlic croutons
Lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp: Toss shrimp with olive oil, blackened seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until coated.
Cook the Shrimp: Sear shrimp in a skillet until opaque and charred, then drizzle with hot honey.
Assemble the Salad: Toss romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing, top with shrimp, Parmesan, and croutons.
Serve: Serve immediately with lemon wedges.