Description
This vibrant Caesar salad features perfectly seasoned blackened shrimp with a sweet and spicy hot honey drizzle. The shrimp is coated with a smoky blend of paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, and thyme, then finished off with the heat of hot honey. Paired with crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, and creamy Caesar dressing, this dish is a fresh, bold twist on the classic Caesar salad, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons hot honey (for drizzling)
For the Salad:
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
- Optional: extra hot honey for drizzling on the salad
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp:
In a small bowl, combine the paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel and toss them in the spice mix until they’re well-coated. - Cook the Shrimp:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are pink, opaque, and slightly charred. Remove from heat. - Drizzle with Hot Honey:
Once the shrimp is cooked, drizzle hot honey over the shrimp for a sweet and spicy kick. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly. - Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, toss the chopped romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing until the lettuce is evenly coated. Add croutons and toss again. - Top the Salad:
Transfer the dressed lettuce to serving plates. Top with the blackened shrimp, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Drizzle with additional hot honey if desired. - Serve and Enjoy:
Serve immediately and enjoy this flavorful, spicy, and creamy Caesar salad!
Notes
- For a milder version, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or hot honey.
- You can make your own homemade croutons by toasting cubed bread in olive oil and garlic.
- Add extra veggies, like sliced avocado or cherry tomatoes, for added freshness and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
- Category: Salad, Main Dish, Seafood
- Method: Sautéing, Tossing
- Cuisine: American