Mediterranean Shrimp Caesar Salad
This Mediterranean twist on a classic Caesar salad features juicy, seasoned shrimp served over crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a homemade Caesar dressing with bright lemon notes. The shrimp adds a fresh seafood element, making it hearty enough for a main course while still feeling light and refreshing.
Total Time: 20 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 minutes
Servings: 2–3
Ingredients
For the Salad:
Romaine lettuce, chopped
Croutons
Grated Parmesan cheese
For the Caesar Dressing:
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 anchovy fillets (optional; can replace with 1 tbsp mayonnaise for creaminess)
1 egg yolk (optional, for classic texture)
1 garlic clove, minced or grated
1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Shrimp:
Shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 garlic clove, grated or 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Lemon zest (optional)
Paprika or cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions
Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, anchovy fillets (or mayo), egg yolk (if using), garlic, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking until dressing is emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Cook the Shrimp
Pat shrimp dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic, and paprika or cayenne if using.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, toss romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing until evenly coated.
Top with croutons, Parmesan cheese, and cooked shrimp.
Garnish with lemon zest, if desired.
Serve
Serve immediately while shrimp is still warm for the best flavor.
Tips
Dry the Shrimp Well: This helps them sear instead of steaming.
Control the Garlic: Raw garlic in the dressing is strong—adjust the amount to your preference.
Make It Creamier: If you prefer a richer dressing, add a spoonful of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.
Serve Immediately: Caesar salad is best eaten fresh so the croutons stay crisp.
Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: It melts better into the dressing and has a stronger flavor than pre-grated.
Variations
Grilled Shrimp: Instead of pan-searing, grill the shrimp for a smoky flavor.
Herbed Shrimp: Toss shrimp with oregano, parsley, or basil before cooking for a Mediterranean twist.
Add More Veggies: Include cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, or roasted red peppers for extra color and freshness.
Whole-Grain Version: Serve over a bed of cooked farro or quinoa for a more filling salad.
Dairy-Free: Skip the Parmesan and use a dairy-free Caesar-style dressing.
Spicy Kick: Increase paprika or use harissa paste on the shrimp for deeper heat and flavor.
Q&A
Q: Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
A: Yes, the dressing can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Whisk or shake before using.
Q: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
A: Yes, but for the best flavor, quickly sauté them in olive oil with garlic and spices to warm and season them.
Q: What can I use instead of anchovies?
A: A teaspoon of capers or a spoonful of mayonnaise can mimic the salty richness anchovies add.
Q: How can I make it healthier?
A: Reduce the oil in the dressing slightly and use plain Greek yogurt for creaminess instead of mayonnaise.
Q: How long will leftovers last?
A: Dressed salad doesn’t store well as the lettuce wilts, but undressed components can be stored separately for up to 2 days.
Nutrition Facts
(Per serving, based on 3 servings)
Calories: ~320
Protein: 27g
Fat: 19g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: ~720mg
Final Conclusion
This Mediterranean Shrimp Caesar Salad combines the classic, creamy Caesar flavor with the freshness of perfectly seasoned shrimp. Crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, salty Parmesan, and zesty homemade dressing make it a balanced mix of textures and tastes. It’s easy to prepare, quick to assemble, and elegant enough for entertaining while still being a nutritious, satisfying meal.