When the craving for a quick, healthy, and flavor-packed meal strikes, this Easy Shrimp Caesar Salad Recipe is here to save the day. There’s something undeniably satisfying about the combination of crisp Romaine lettuce, tender, juicy shrimp, and creamy Caesar dressing topped with a generous sprinkle of parmesan and crunchy croutons.
But the true star of this recipe? Its simplicity—you can have it prepped and ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a light lunch between meetings. I first fell in love with Caesar salads during a summer trip to the coast.
Every restaurant had its own take on the classic, but the seafood variations always stood out. This recipe combines that coastal inspiration with an effortless approach that doesn’t sacrifice flavor or quality.
Shrimp, a low-calorie protein packed with nutrients like selenium and vitamin B12, makes this salad a satisfying choice for anyone looking to keep their meals light yet indulgent. And let’s talk about that shrimp!
A quick sear in olive oil brings out their natural sweetness while adding a golden, slightly crisp edge. Pair that with the savory tang of the dressing and the freshness of the greens, and you’ve got a dish that feels restaurant-worthy without leaving your kitchen.
This salad has been trending recently among health-conscious foodies and meal preppers alike. With studies showing that shrimp’s high protein content can help with weight management and muscle maintenance, it’s no wonder it’s a popular choice for those focusing on nutritious yet satisfying meals.
Serve this alongside Keto Sheet Pan Shrimp for a seafood-themed spread or try it as a complement to Low Carb Shrimp Enchiladas. The possibilities are as endless as they are delicious.
What Makes This Recipe Special?
- Coastal Inspiration at Home: This salad brings the fresh, vibrant flavors of seaside dining into your kitchen without the hefty price tag or travel.
- Effortless Elegance: Despite its simplicity, this dish looks and tastes like something you’d order at a high-end restaurant. It’s perfect for impressing guests or elevating your solo lunch game.
- Customizable Goodness: Swap out croutons for roasted chickpeas or experiment with a homemade Caesar dressing to make it your own.
- Quick and Nutritious: With shrimp’s lean protein and the salad’s fiber-rich greens, this recipe keeps you full and energized without weighing you down.
- A Recipe That Sticks: Once you try it, it’ll quickly become a staple—versatile enough for variations yet reliable in its deliciousness.
Shrimp Caesar Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Small blender or food processor
- Skillet
- Small blender or food processor
Ingredients
Salad and Shrimp
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 lb large shrimp 20 to 24 per pound, peeled and deveined, tails removed
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 head of romaine chopped, about 4 cups
Dressing
- 1 large garlic clove
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
- 1 lemon zested and juiced
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- ¼ cup Stonyfield Greek yogurt
- 1 ts capers drained
Croutons
- ¼ black pepper
- 4 slices French bread or other crusty bread, cubed
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Blend Greek yogurt, parmesan, garlic, capers, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, and black pepper in a small blender or food processor to make the dressing.
- Preheat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Toss shrimp with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Transfer shrimp to the preheated skillet and cook until opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F for the croutons.
- Cut bread into bite-sized pieces and place them on a baking sheet.
- Toss bread with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
- Bake the bread for 5-10 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- In a large salad bowl, add chopped romaine lettuce.
- Toss the lettuce with the prepared dressing, cooked shrimp, and croutons.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- Add anchovies or anchovy paste to the dressing for an authentic Caesar flavor.
- Use pre-cooked shrimp for an even quicker version of the recipe.
- Substitute gluten-free bread to make the croutons for a gluten-free salad.
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 316kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Fibre | 2g |
| Fat | 13g |
| Protein | 11g |
| Cholesterol | 5g |
Tips To Ease Your Job!
- Use Pre-Washed Lettuce: Save time by using pre-washed, chopped romaine lettuce from the grocery store.
- Buy Cooked Shrimp: Opt for pre-cooked shrimp to skip the cooking step entirely. Just season and toss them in the salad.
- Ready-Made Croutons: Use store-bought croutons for convenience when short on time.
- Meal Prep the Dressing: Make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Multi-Task: While the shrimp cooks on the stove, prepare the croutons in the oven to streamline the process.
