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Grilled Shrimp Salad

Grilled Shrimp Salad

Grilled Shrimp Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and healthy dish that combines perfectly grilled shrimp with crisp mixed greens, fresh vegetables, and a tangy homemade dressing. This quick and easy recipe takes under 30 minutes to prepare, making it ideal for a light lunch or a speedy dinner. Packed with protein, fiber, and vitamins, it offers a satisfying and balanced meal that’s versatile and customizable to your taste and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Shrimp

  • Medium or large peeled, deveined shrimp

Mixed Greens

  • Fresh lettuce, spinach, or arugula (enough for a salad bed)

Fresh Vegetables

  • Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Cucumbers, sliced
  • Red onion, thinly sliced

Herbs

  • Fresh cilantro, parsley, or basil, finely chopped

Dressing Ingredients

  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Olive oil
  • Minced garlic
  • Honey (a touch)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Seasonings for Shrimp

  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Smoked paprika

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry to ensure even grilling. Toss them with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to season. Thread the shrimp onto skewers to keep them secure while grilling.
  2. Grill the Shrimp: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the shrimp for approximately 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and develop slight charring. Avoid overcooking to keep them juicy and tender.
  3. Prep the Salad Base: While the shrimp cooks, chop the mixed greens and slice the fresh vegetables. Finely chop the fresh herbs and combine all in a large bowl to create a vibrant salad base.
  4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, a touch of honey, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to balance acidity and sweetness to your liking.
  5. Combine and Serve: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Top the salad with the grilled shrimp skewers and garnish with additional fresh herbs or cracked black pepper if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use fresh or freshly thawed shrimp for best texture and flavor.
  • Do not overcook shrimp to avoid rubbery texture.
  • Marinate shrimp briefly, no longer than 15 minutes, to maintain natural taste.
  • Prep vegetables and dressing ahead of time to save cooking time.
  • Grill shrimp quickly over high heat for a smoky finish.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled shrimp salad, healthy salad, quick dinner, gluten free, seafood salad, light lunch, summer recipe