Classic Caesar Salad with Grilled Shrimp Recipe

Caesar Salad is a well-loved dish known for its bold flavors and creamy dressing. Adding grilled shrimp brings a delightful twist to this classic salad, making it a wonderful main course. In this guide, you’ll learn how to prepare a Caesar Salad with Grilled Shrimp, complete with homemade croutons and a traditional Caesar dressing. This recipe is simple to make and delivers a fresh, restaurant-quality experience at home.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• Romaine lettuce: 1 large head, chopped
• Grilled shrimp: 12-15 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Parmesan cheese: ½ cup, shaved
• Croutons: 1 cup, homemade or store-bought
• Lemon wedges: for garnish (optional)

For the Croutons:

• French baguette: ½ loaf, cut into small cubes
• Olive oil: 3 tablespoons
• Salt: a pinch
• Black pepper: a pinch
• Garlic powder: ½ teaspoon

For the Caesar Dressing:

• Mayonnaise: ½ cup
• Parmesan cheese: ¼ cup, grated
• Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed
• Worcestershire sauce: 1 teaspoon
• Garlic: 1 clove, minced
• Salt: to taste
• Black pepper: to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Croutons

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place the baguette cubes on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat evenly.
3. Season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder, then bake for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Grill the Shrimp

1. Heat a grill or stovetop pan over medium-high heat. Lightly brush the shrimp with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
2. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and are fully cooked. Set aside.

Step 3: Make the Caesar Dressing

1. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic.
2. Season with salt and black pepper, then whisk until smooth and creamy. Adjust the flavors as desired.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large salad bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce.
2. Drizzle the Caesar dressing over the lettuce and toss gently to coat.
3. Top with grilled shrimp, shaved Parmesan cheese, and croutons.
4. Garnish with lemon wedges, if desired.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Caesar Salad with Grilled Shrimp as a satisfying main dish. It pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or a light soup, and it’s perfect for a lunch, dinner, or even a refreshing brunch.

Additional Tips for Caesar Salad with Shrimp

Choosing the Right Shrimp

Using large shrimp is ideal for this recipe, as they provide a nice bite and balance the flavors of the salad. If you can find fresh shrimp, it’s always a good choice; however, frozen shrimp works well too. Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before grilling to achieve a nice sear.

Enhancing the Flavor

• Add fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill on top of the salad gives it a pop of color and flavor.
• Use anchovy paste: For a more authentic Caesar dressing, consider adding ½ teaspoon of anchovy paste. It adds a rich, savory flavor that complements the shrimp perfectly.

Variations on the Dressing

You can customize the dressing to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas:

• Greek Yogurt Caesar Dressing: For a lighter version, replace half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. This adds a creamy texture with a slight tang.
• Zesty Caesar Dressing: Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the dressing for a bit of extra tanginess and depth.

Making Ahead and Storing

If you’re preparing this salad in advance, you can store each component separately to keep the salad fresh and crisp:

• Romaine lettuce: Wash, dry, and chop the lettuce. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture.

• Caesar dressing: This can be prepared up to a week in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

• Grilled shrimp: Cook the shrimp and store in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready to serve, you can eat them cold or give them a quick reheat in a skillet.

Customizing Your Caesar Salad

Caesar Salad with Grilled Shrimp is a flexible recipe that can be adjusted to your preferences:

• Add more seafood: For a special twist, you can add a mix of seafood such as scallops or crabmeat.
• Make it vegetarian: Skip the shrimp and replace them with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, asparagus, or zucchini. Roasted chickpeas are also a great addition that provides a similar texture to croutons.
• Try different greens: While romaine is the classic choice, you can also use a mix of greens, such as baby spinach or arugula, for a different flavor profile.

Serving Caesar Salad with Grilled Shrimp

For an elegant presentation, serve the salad on a chilled plate and sprinkle extra Parmesan shavings on top. You can also layer the romaine lettuce and shrimp in individual bowls for a personal touch. If you’re serving guests, consider preparing the salad tableside for added flair!

With these finishing touches, your Caesar Salad with Grilled Shrimp will impress everyone with its flavor and presentation.

A Perfect Dish for Every Occasion

Caesar Salad with Grilled Shrimp is an elegant, yet simple dish that fits any occasion. Whether you're hosting a gathering, enjoying a weekend lunch, or preparing a quick weeknight meal, this salad brings fresh flavors and delicious textures to the table. Enjoy experimenting with different variations and making this Caesar Salad with Shrimp your own!