Description
This Shrimp Caesar Salad recipe combines tender, seasoned shrimp with crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a creamy homemade Caesar dressing. Ready in just 25 minutes, it makes a perfect light yet satisfying meal for four. The shrimp are pan-seared to perfection and complemented by the classic tangy, garlicky dressing and Parmesan cheese for a fresh twist on a beloved salad.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 1 pound medium shrimp, deveined (tail on or peeled)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (or substitute standard paprika)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Salad
- 8 cups chopped romaine hearts (about 2 to 3 hearts)
- 1 recipe Homemade Croutons (or purchased)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese shavings
Caesar Dressing
- 1 medium garlic clove, minced or grated
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about ½ lemon)
- ¾ cup high quality mayonnaise (or ¼ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup Greek yogurt, and 1 tablespoon olive oil)
- ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon anchovy paste or Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Caesar dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, mayonnaise (or the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and olive oil mixture), Dijon mustard, anchovy paste or Worcestershire sauce if using, kosher salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the dressing is creamy and smooth. Store any leftover dressing in a covered jar in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Season the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp with kosher salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin. Toss until the shrimp are evenly coated with the seasonings.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, turning with tongs, until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the salad: Place the chopped romaine hearts in a large salad bowl. Add the croutons and Parmesan cheese shavings. Add the desired amount of Caesar dressing and toss well to evenly coat all the greens.
- Serve: Divide the salad among plates or bowls. Top each serving with warm cooked shrimp. Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- If you prefer a lighter dressing, substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt as indicated.
- Anchovy paste adds classic Caesar flavor but can be omitted for a milder taste.
- To save time, use store-bought croutons.
- Pat shrimp dry thoroughly before seasoning to ensure better searing and flavor.
- Serve immediately after assembling to keep the croutons crunchy.
