Grilled shrimp salad is a perfect balance of lightness and flavor, making it a great dish for any season. This shrimp salad recipe features succulent grilled shrimp, crisp veggies, and a tangy dressing that ties everything together. You can enjoy this shrimp salad with lettuce as a healthy lunch or as a refreshing dinner. What makes this shrimp salad unique is the smoky flavor from grilling, which adds depth to the dish, setting it apart from regular shrimp salads. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, this grilled shrimp salad is easy to make, yet it delivers a gourmet feel. Plus, you can always make substitutions based on your preferences.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is best, but frozen shrimp works well too. Be sure to thaw them properly.
- Lettuce: Romaine or butter lettuce works well, but feel free to swap with spinach or arugula.
- Dressing: Use your favorite vinaigrette, or make a simple lemon-garlic dressing for added flavor.
- Veggies: Cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocados add texture and freshness.
Step-by-Step Directions
- Prepare the shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp if necessary. Marinate in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper for about 15 minutes to infuse flavor.
- Grill the shrimp: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the salad base: While the shrimp is grilling, wash and chop your lettuce, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and avocados. Place them in a large salad bowl.
- Make the dressing: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and a dash of Dijon mustard. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Assemble the salad: Toss the salad greens and veggies with the dressing until everything is evenly coated. Arrange the grilled shrimp on top.
- Serve: Sprinkle with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Pro Tips
- Don't overcook the shrimp, or they’ll become tough. Grill just until pink.
- To add extra flavor, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan over the salad before serving.
Grilled shrimp salad is a light, flavorful dish featuring smoky grilled shrimp, fresh veggies, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for a healthy, refreshing meal
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 Count cloves,garlic, minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 Count avocado,,sliced
- 1/2 Count red,onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 count cucumber,,thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (for dressing)
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar (for dressing)
- 1 tbsp honey (for dressing)
- Fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro)
- Grilled bell pepper strips for extra flavor
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15g24%
- Total Carbohydrate 10g4%
- Protein 22g44%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.