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Shrimp Caesar Salad 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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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