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Grilled Shrimp Salad

Grilled Shrimp Salad

Grilled Shrimp Salad is a fresh, vibrant, and healthy dish that combines smoky grilled shrimp with crisp mixed greens, colorful vegetables, and a zesty lemon-herb dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or an impressive meal for guests, this salad is nutritious, flavorful, and easy to customize for any palate or diet.

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp Marinade

  • 1 lb medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Salad Base

  • 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, romaine)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, sliced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 avocado, diced

Dressing

  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh herbs (basil, cilantro, or parsley), chopped

Optional Garnishes

  • Crumbled feta cheese
  • Toasted pine nuts, almonds, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds
  • Fresh microgreens
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry thoroughly. Toss them in olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Allow the shrimp to marinate for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  2. Grill the Shrimp: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the shrimp onto skewers if desired and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink, opaque, and slightly charred. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Assemble the Salad Base: While the shrimp cooks, combine mixed greens, sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and diced avocado in a large bowl.
  4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh herbs. Adjust seasonings to taste for a perfect balance of tanginess.
  5. Toss and Serve: Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients. Top the salad with the grilled shrimp and garnish with extra herbs or a squeeze of lemon for added freshness before serving.

Notes

  • Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Grill shrimp just until opaque to keep them juicy and tender.
  • Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Even a quick 10-minute marinade infuses delicious taste into the shrimp.
  • Use Fresh Herbs: They brighten the dressing and elevate the overall flavor profile.
  • Pat Ingredients Dry: Excess moisture on salad components can water down dressing and flavors.
  • Keep It Colorful: Variety in veggies not only improves nutrition but makes the dish visually appealing.

Nutrition

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