Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad is a fun twist on the classic Caesar. It tops the crunchy romaine lettuce with spicy, blackened shrimp that are full of flavor. It's pretty easy to whip up, making it a great choice for a quick dinner or a delicious lunch. Plus, it's a neat way to jazz up a salad if you’re tired of the same old, same old!

Save This Recipe 💌
The Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad is a variation of the classic Caesar salad, incorporating spicy, flavorful blackened shrimp for added protein. This combination offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it an ideal choice for a family meal or a dinner party.
If you like this salad recipe, you may also love our Scallop Salad or Blackened Shrimp and Avocado Salad with Grilled Corn.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Spicy: The blackened shrimp adds a delicious kick to the traditional Caesar salad.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes, it's perfect for busy weeknights.
- Impressive Presentation: A beautiful dish that's sure to impress guests.
Ingredients
- Shrimp: Fresh shrimp, perfect for blackening.
- Romaine Lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, a classic base for Caesar salad.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds a rich, savory flavor.
- Cucumber: Adds a cool, refreshing crunch.
- Croutons: For that perfect crunchy texture.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance the flavors.
- Olive Oil: Used for cooking the shrimp.
- Blackening Seasoning: A blend of spices to give the shrimp its signature flavor.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
How to Make Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad
STEP ONE: Prepare the Shrimp
Rinse and pat dry the shrimp. Season with blackening seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and blackened. Remove from heat.
STEP TWO: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, anchovy paste, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and grated Parmesan cheese. Gradually whisk in olive oil until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
STEP THREE: Prepare the Salad
In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, sliced cucumber, grated Parmesan cheese, and croutons.
STEP FOUR: Assemble the Salad
Top the salad with the cooked blackened shrimp. Drizzle with homemade Caesar dressing. Toss the salad gently to coat evenly with dressing. Serve immediately.
Substitutions & Variations
- Shrimp: Substitute with blackened sea scallops or grilled chicken.
- Romaine Lettuce: Use kale or mixed greens for a different texture.
- Anchovy Paste: Replace with anchovies or Worcestershire sauce for a similar flavor.
- Method: Grill the shrimp or cook them in the air fryer.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Using fresh romaine and fresh shrimp.
✔️ DO Add dressing gradually to avoid a soggy salad.
Storage
Store leftover Caesar salad with blackened shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep dressing and shrimp separate for best results. To reheat shrimp, warm them gently in a skillet over medium heat.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, but homemade dressing gives the best flavor.
It's a blend of spices typically including paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
Yes, blackening seasoning typically has a spicy kick due to ingredients like paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste.
Related
- Blackened Scallop Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing
- Blackened Shrimp and Avocado Salad with Grilled Corn
- Old Bay Shrimp Salad on a Bed of Greens
More Salad Recipes You'll Love ♥️
Did You Like This Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad Recipe?
- Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Star Rating if think this Shrimp Caesar is amazing!
📖 Recipe
Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad
Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 head romaine lettuce chopped
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cucumber sliced
- 1 cup croutons
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon blackening seasoning
Caesar Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoon anchovy paste
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry the shrimp. Season with blackening seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and blackened. Remove from heat.
- In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, minced garlic, anchovy paste, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and grated Parmesan cheese. Gradually whisk in olive oil until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, sliced cucumber, grated Parmesan cheese, and croutons.
- Top the salad with the cooked blackened shrimp.
- Drizzle with homemade Caesar dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the salad gently to coat evenly with dressing. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Shrimp: Substitute with blackened sea scallops or grilled chicken.
- Romaine Lettuce: Use kale or mixed greens for a different texture.
- Anchovy Paste: Replace with anchovies or Worcestershire sauce for a similar flavor.
Comments
No Comments