Introduction

Savor the fresh flavors of this Shrimp Caesar Salad, a delightful twist on the classic. Juicy, seasoned shrimp, homemade garlic croutons, and a creamy Caesar dressing come together for a satisfying and easy meal perfect for any day.

Shrimp Caesar Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

1/2 French baguette (cut in half and sliced into 1/4″ thick slices)
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
5 cloves garlic (minced, divided)
1 1/2 teaspoon anchovy paste
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 pound shrimp (cleaned and deveined)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 large romaine lettuce
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded or shaved)

Instructions

Step 1: In a bowl, mix the shrimp with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika until evenly coated.
Step 2: Heat a skillet over high heat and add a little olive oil. Cook the shrimp for 2 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread slices in a large bowl.
Step 4: In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons olive oil with 2 cloves of minced garlic. Drizzle this mixture over the bread slices and toss until they are evenly coated.
Step 5: Arrange the bread slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden and crisp. Remove and let cool.
Step 6: In a medium bowl, combine the remaining minced garlic, anchovy paste, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to make the Caesar dressing and set aside.
Step 7: Rinse and dry the romaine lettuce thoroughly. Chop it and place in a large serving bowl. Sprinkle with shredded Parmesan cheese.
Step 8: Add the cooled croutons and cooked shrimp to the bowl. Drizzle half of the dressing over the ingredients and toss gently to combine. Add more dressing if needed to coat everything evenly.
Step 9: Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

For extra crunch, add toasted pine nuts or walnuts to the salad.
Swap shrimp for grilled chicken if preferred.
Use gluten-free bread for the croutons to make it gluten-free friendly.
Make the dressing a day ahead for deeper flavor, but toss salad and add croutons just before serving.

Storage

Store any leftover shrimp Caesar salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the croutons dry and store them in a sealed bag at room temperature. Reheat the shrimp gently in a pan or enjoy cold. Assemble and dress the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this salad?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Just be sure to thaw them completely, pat dry, and remove excess moisture before cooking to avoid soggy texture.

How can I make the dressing dairy-free?

You can replace the mayonnaise and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives or use a simple olive oil and lemon juice dressing with anchovy paste to keep the Caesar flavors.

Shrimp Caesar Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 80 reviews

This Shrimp Caesar Salad combines succulent sautéed shrimp with crisp romaine lettuce, homemade garlic croutons, and a rich, tangy Caesar dressing. A delightful twist on the classic Caesar salad, it offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that make it a satisfying and refreshing meal.

Author: zara
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Croutons

1/2 French Baguette, cut in half and sliced into 1/4” thick slices
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Dressing

3 cloves garlic, minced
1 1/2 teaspoon anchovy paste
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Shrimp

1 pound shrimp, cleaned and deveined
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

For the Salad

1 large romaine lettuce
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded or shaved

Instructions

Cook Shrimp: Place a skillet over high heat. In a bowl, mix the shrimp with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Add olive oil to the hot skillet and cook the shrimp for 2 minutes on each side until browned. Remove from pan and set aside to cool.
Make Croutons: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the bread slices in a large bowl. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil with minced garlic and drizzle this mixture over the bread slices. Toss until the bread is evenly coated with the garlic oil. Arrange the slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until golden and crisp.
Prepare Caesar Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine minced garlic, anchovy paste, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. Set aside.
Assemble the Salad: Rinse and dry the romaine lettuce, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. Place the lettuce in a large serving bowl and sprinkle with shredded Parmesan cheese. Add the cooled croutons and shrimp. Drizzle half of the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to evenly coat all ingredients. Add more dressing if desired to taste.
Serve: Serve the salad immediately to enjoy the crisp textures and vibrant flavors at their best.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate shrimp for 10-15 minutes before cooking.
Use day-old baguette for croutons to ensure maximum crispiness.
Adjust the amount of anchovy paste in the dressing based on your taste preference.
To make it gluten-free, substitute the baguette with gluten-free bread.
Serve immediately after assembling to keep croutons crunchy.

Keywords: Shrimp Caesar Salad, Caesar dressing, garlic croutons, seafood salad, easy shrimp recipe, homemade croutons