Introduction

Savor the fresh flavors of a classic Caesar salad with a twist—topped with perfectly seasoned shrimp and homemade garlicky croutons. This Shrimp Caesar Salad is a delightful combination of crisp romaine, creamy dressing, and juicy shrimp that makes a satisfying meal any day of the week.

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: 2 cloves for croutons, 3 cloves for dressing)
1 1/2 teaspoons 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: Place a skillet over high heat. In a bowl, mix the shrimp with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to season evenly.
Step 2: Add a bit of olive oil to the skillet and cook the shrimp for 2 minutes on each side until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside to cool.
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 minced garlic. Drizzle this mixture over the bread slices and toss to coat evenly.
Step 5: Arrange the bread slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the croutons are lightly golden and crisp. Remove from oven.
Step 6: In a medium bowl, combine the minced garlic (3 cloves), anchovy paste, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, sour cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to make the dressing and set aside.
Step 7: Rinse and dry the romaine lettuce, then chop it roughly. Place the lettuce in a large serving bowl and sprinkle with shredded or shaved Parmesan cheese.
Step 8: Add the cooled croutons and cooked shrimp to the lettuce. Drizzle half of the Caesar dressing over the salad.
Step 9: Gently toss the salad to combine all ingredients. Add more dressing as needed until everything is evenly coated.
Step 10: Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter dressing, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the shrimp just before serving for extra brightness.
Use romaine hearts for a crunchier texture if you prefer.
For a spicy kick, sprinkle a pinch of cayenne pepper on the shrimp during seasoning.
Make the croutons a day ahead and store them in an airtight container to keep them crisp.

Storage

Store leftover salad components separately in the refrigerator. Keep shrimp and dressing in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Croutons should be stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container to maintain crispness. When ready to serve again, toss the salad fresh to avoid sogginess. Reheat shrimp gently if desired, but they are also delicious cold.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking to ensure they brown nicely.

How do I make this salad vegetarian-friendly?

Omit the shrimp and anchovy paste, and consider adding grilled tofu or chickpeas for protein. Use a vegetarian Worcestershire sauce as some contain anchovies.

Shrimp Caesar Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 93 reviews

A classic Shrimp Caesar Salad combining succulent sautéed shrimp with homemade garlic croutons and a creamy, tangy Caesar dressing. This recipe features fresh romaine lettuce tossed in a rich parmesan and anchovy-flavored dressing, perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.

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

Ingredients

Scale

Shrimp and Seasonings

1 pound shrimp (cleaned and deveined)
Salt and pepper (to taste)
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (divided, for cooking shrimp and croutons)
2 cloves garlic (minced, for croutons)

Croutons

1/2 French baguette (cut in half, sliced into 1/4″ thick slices)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (used in dressing and for croutons)

Caesar Dressing

1 1/2 teaspoons 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

Salad Base

1 large romaine lettuce
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded or shaved, for topping)

Instructions

Cook Shrimp: Place a skillet over high heat. In a bowl, mix the shrimp with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to coat evenly. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the hot skillet, then cook shrimp on each side for 2 minutes or until browned and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside to cool.
Make Croutons: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the sliced baguette pieces into a large bowl. In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon olive oil with the minced garlic. Drizzle this mixture over the bread slices and toss until all slices are evenly coated. Arrange the bread slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until lightly golden and crisp.
Prepare Caesar Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine anchovy paste, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, sour cream, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and well blended. 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. Sprinkle the shredded or shaved Parmesan cheese over the lettuce. Add the cooled croutons and cooked shrimp on top. Drizzle half of the prepared dressing over the salad.
Toss and Serve: Gently toss the salad to combine and evenly coat the ingredients with dressing. Add more dressing if desired to your taste. Serve immediately for optimal freshness and texture.

Notes

Use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture.
Make sure the bread slices for croutons are evenly coated with garlic oil for maximum flavor.
Adjust seasoning and dressing quantity to your preference.
Serve immediately after tossing to keep croutons crunchy.
This salad can be customized with additional toppings like cherry tomatoes or bacon bits.

Keywords: shrimp caesar salad, homemade caesar dressing, garlic croutons, seafood salad, romaine lettuce salad