Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad Recipe

If you’re looking to shake up your salad routine, my Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad is the sassy, flavor-forward dish you’ve been craving! This zesty twist on the classic Caesar brings together smoky, spice-crusted shrimp, crisp greens, and a tangy yogurt-based dressing for a meal that’s as effortless as it is impressive.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about the simple but essential lineup that makes this Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad so crave-worthy. Each ingredient plays its own starring role—the spices bring smoky warmth, the shrimp turn sweet and juicy, and the fresh Romaine provides that all-important crunch!

• Raw Shrimp (1 lb): Look for large, peeled, and deveined shrimp—they cook fast and stay tender for this salad.
• Paprika: This is the backbone of your blackened spice blend, giving shrimp a smoky-sweet vibrance and irresistible color.
• Garlic Powder: Essential for its savory punch—it perfumes both the shrimp seasoning and the creamy dressing.
• Thyme & Cumin: Together, these earthy, herbal notes make your blackened shrimp taste deeper than you’d expect.
• Sea Salt, Onion Powder & Black Pepper: These basics round out every layer of flavor, from shrimp to greens.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the shrimp so they get that gorgeous blackened sear.
• Greek Yogurt: The secret to a lighter, creamier Caesar dressing that skips the mayo but packs a protein boost.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and balances the richness in your dressing—freshly squeezed is best!
• Dijon Mustard, Red Wine Vinegar & Worcestershire Sauce: The trinity of tang in this dressing, bringing subtle bite and depth.
• Romaine Lettuce: Crisp, cool, and the perfect canvas for bold flavors—choose fresh, perky leaves.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional, but a generous shaving over the top elevates Caesar to its classic, irresistible finish.

Variations

One of my favorite things about making Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad is how effortlessly you can shake it up! Don’t be shy—swap in what you love or need to use up. It’s customizable for every diet, mood, and what’s in your fridge.

• Chicken Instead of Shrimp: Quickly blacken sliced chicken breast for a land-and-sea remix, or to suit shellfish allergies.
• Make It Crunchier: Toss in homemade croutons, toasted pepitas, or roasted chickpeas for extra bite and flavor.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use your favorite non-dairy yogurt for the dressing and skip the cheese for a creamy, tangy vegan spin.
• Add More Veggies: Layer in cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, or grilled zucchini to make it even more colorful and hearty.

How to Make Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad

Step 1: Prep & Season the Shrimp

If you haven’t already, peel and devein your shrimp and pat them dry with a paper towel—dry shrimp sear best! In a small bowl, whisk together paprika, garlic powder, thyme, cumin, sea salt, onion powder, and black pepper. Toss the shrimp thoroughly in this spice blend so every piece is beautifully coated and ready for that signature blackened crust.

Step 2: Blacken the Shrimp

Heat a good swirl of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Once shimmering hot, add your seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 1-2 minutes per side—once they curl up and turn from translucent to opaque pink, they’re done! Don’t overcook; you want them juicy, not rubbery. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step 3: Whip Up That Creamy Caesar Dressing

In a bowl or jar, combine Greek yogurt, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire, garlic powder, black pepper, and sea salt. Mix until creamy and dreamy. Taste and adjust acidity or salt if needed—your salad dressing, your rules!

Step 4: Build Your Salad

Add crisp Romaine lettuce to a big salad bowl (or individual plates for a dinner-party vibe). Drizzle the Caesar dressing over and toss gently to coat every leaf. For an extra refreshing touch, chill in the fridge for five minutes before assembling with shrimp!

Step 5: Finish & Serve

Top your chilled, dressed greens with a generous heap of blackened shrimp. Shower with freshly grated Parmesan, if you like, and serve immediately. That contrast of fiery shrimp against cool, creamy greens is pure perfection—dig in!

How to Serve Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad

Garnishes

Garnish with extra Parmesan curls, a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, and maybe a handful of chopped fresh parsley or lemon zest. Not only does this boost flavor, it also adds that final pop of color and freshness!

Side Dishes

This salad stands tall on its own, but it’s even dreamier alongside warm, crusty bread, a bowl of creamy soup, or a platter of roasted potatoes. For a summer meal, a simple melon salad or grilled corn would be fantastic!

Creative Ways to Present

You can serve your Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad in a huge family-style bowl, on individual chilled plates for a dinner party, or even stuff it into toasted pita pockets for a handheld twist. Try layering it in mason jars for a picnic-perfect lunch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover blackened shrimp into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For the best texture, store the salad, shrimp, and extra dressing separately, then toss together just before eating.

Freezing

While you can freeze cooked shrimp, they’re at their snappy best when fresh. If you do freeze them, let them cool, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months—just note their texture may soften upon thawing. Avoid freezing the assembled salad and yogurt dressing for best results.

Reheating

To reheat shrimp, use short 15-second bursts in the microwave, or gently warm them in a skillet. Only heat as much as you need to avoid overcooking and keep those shrimp juicy. Serve over freshly tossed greens for a “just-made” taste!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad—bold, fresh, and full of personality! Whether it’s a weeknight upgrade or a sunny brunch centerpiece, it’s bound to become one of your favorite go-to meals. Go ahead and give it a whirl—you’ll be hooked after your first bite!

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