You know, some days, all you crave is something light yet absolutely packed with flavor. This Easy Keto Cajun Shrimp Caesar Salad is like a jazz festival for your taste buds, with shrimp that dances in spices and a dressing that sings creamy, tangy notes. I stumbled upon this gem while trying to cut carbs—not my favorite thing, but hey, the shrimp’s smoky Cajun kick makes it worth every bite.
Steps
- Begin by preparing the shrimp: peel and devein them, then pat them dry using paper towels. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add some olive oil. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn pink and opaque. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- To make the Caesar dressing, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and well combined.
- In a large bowl, toss chopped romaine lettuce with the prepared Caesar dressing until the leaves are evenly coated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Arrange the salad by placing the dressed lettuce on a serving platter. Top it with the cooked shrimp, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and croutons for added crunch.
- Serve the shrimp Caesar salad immediately, garnished with lemon wedges if desired. Enjoy the salad as a refreshing and satisfying meal or side dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/3 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup croutons
FAQ
- Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for the Shrimp Caesar Salad?
- Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before adding them to the salad for the best texture.
- What type of lettuce is best for a Caesar salad?
- Romaine lettuce is the traditional choice for Caesar salad because of its crisp texture and ability to hold up well to the dressing.
- How can I make the Caesar dressing healthier?
- To make the dressing healthier, consider using Greek yogurt as a base instead of mayonnaise, and opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil.
- Is this recipe keto-friendly?
- Yes, this Shrimp Caesar Salad recipe is suitable for a ketogenic diet as it is low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats.
- Can I add other ingredients to this salad?
- Absolutely! Feel free to customize your salad by adding ingredients like avocado, cherry tomatoes, or Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and texture.
Tips
- Ensure your shrimp is fresh or properly thawed before cooking, as this will enhance the overall flavor and texture of the salad.
- Consider grilling the shrimp for a smoky flavor that complements the classic Caesar dressing.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a more robust and authentic taste compared to pre-packaged options.
- To keep the lettuce crisp, assemble the salad just before serving and dress it lightly to prevent wilting.
Equipment
- Shrimp Deveiner – Useful for cleaning shrimp efficiently.
- Salad Spinner – Helps in washing and drying lettuce leaves quickly.
- Grill Pan or Griddle – If you want to grill the shrimp and don’t have access to an outdoor grill.
- Immersion Blender or Food Processor – For making homemade Caesar dressing if the recipe calls for it.
- Zester or Microplane – For zesting lemons or grating Parmesan cheese finely.
