Description
This Shrimp Caesar Salad combines tender, flavorful shrimp with crisp romaine lettuce, homemade or purchased croutons, and a creamy, tangy Caesar dressing made from scratch. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a refreshing and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner, featuring classic Caesar flavors enhanced by perfectly seasoned and seared shrimp.
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)
- 1 recipe Homemade Croutons (or purchased)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese shavings
Caesar Dressing
- 1 medium garlic clove, minced or grated
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
- 3/4 cup high quality mayonnaise (or 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, and 1 tablespoon olive oil)
- 1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon anchovy paste or Worcestershire sauce (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 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 mayo, Greek yogurt, and olive oil mix), Dijon mustard, anchovy paste or Worcestershire sauce, kosher salt, and black pepper until the dressing is creamy and smooth. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Season and cook 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. Mix until the shrimp are evenly coated. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the shrimp. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side, turning with tongs, until the shrimp are just opaque and cooked through.
- Assemble the salad: Place the chopped romaine hearts in a large salad bowl. Add the croutons, Parmesan cheese shavings, and your desired amount of Caesar dressing. Toss well to coat all the greens evenly.
- Serve: Divide the salad among plates or bowls and top each serving with warm, cooked shrimp. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can use pre-cooked shrimp to save time; just warm them before adding to the salad.
- For a lighter dressing, substitute part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt as suggested.
- Anchovy paste adds authentic Caesar flavor but can be omitted or replaced with Worcestershire sauce for a milder taste.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor in both the dressing and salad topping.
- Homemade croutons enhance the salad but store-bought ones work well in a pinch.
- Serve immediately after assembling to keep the lettuce crisp and the shrimp warm.
