Spicy Grilled Shrimp Salad with Jalapeño Lime Vinaigrette

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Spicy Grilled Shrimp Salad with Jalapeño Lime Vinaigrette is a fresh, vibrant, and flavorful dish that packs a punch. The tender shrimp are marinated and grilled to perfection, while the zesty vinaigrette adds a fiery kick. This salad is a perfect balance of heat, freshness, and tang, making it ideal for a light lunch, a side dish, or a quick dinner.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Mixed salad greens (such as arugula, spinach, or romaine)
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

For the Jalapeño Lime Vinaigrette:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
• 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 tsp honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, combine olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Toss the shrimp in the marinade and let them sit for about 15 minutes.
2. Grill the Shrimp: Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the shrimp onto skewers (optional) and grill for 2-3 minutes per side or until they are pink and opaque.
3. Prepare the Salad: While the shrimp is grilling, arrange the salad greens, cucumber slices, diced avocado, red onion, and cherry tomatoes on a large platter or individual bowls.
4. Make the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, chopped jalapeño, honey, salt, and pepper.
5. Assemble the Salad: Once the shrimp are cooked, place them on top of the salad. Drizzle the jalapeño lime vinaigrette over the top and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 15 minutes
Grilling time: 6-8 minutes
Total time: 36-38 minutes

Variations

• Add grilled corn or black beans for extra texture and flavor.
• Replace shrimp with grilled chicken or tofu for a different protein.
• For more heat, add extra jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the vinaigrette.
• Use a variety of greens like kale or mixed lettuce for a different base.

Storage/Reheating

Store the grilled shrimp separately from the salad to keep the ingredients fresh. The salad can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The vinaigrette can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat the shrimp on the grill or in a pan over medium heat for a few minutes before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating and grilling.

Can I make the vinaigrette ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the vinaigrette a day in advance and store it in the fridge.

Is this salad spicy?
Yes, it has a spicy kick from both the shrimp seasoning and the jalapeño vinaigrette. You can adjust the amount of jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I make this salad without grilling the shrimp?
Absolutely! You can sauté the shrimp in a pan or even use pre-cooked shrimp for a quicker option.

Conclusion

This Spicy Grilled Shrimp Salad with Jalapeño Lime Vinaigrette offers a burst of flavors that is both refreshing and fiery. Whether you’re craving a light meal or a vibrant dish to share with friends, this salad will add a lively touch to your table.

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