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Blackened Shrimp Salad Recipe with Creamy Avocado Lime Dressing

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A quick and flavorful blackened shrimp salad paired with a creamy avocado lime dressing, perfect for a fresh and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cups mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, romaine)
  • 1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
  • Juice of 1 large lime (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 small clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, toasted pepitas

Instructions

  1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  2. In a small bowl, combine smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to make the blackening seasoning.
  3. Toss the shrimp in the blackening seasoning until evenly coated.
  4. Heat olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering (about 2-3 minutes).
  5. Add shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding the pan.
  6. Cook shrimp for 2 minutes on one side until a dark crust forms, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until opaque and cooked through.
  7. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside to rest.
  8. In a blender or food processor, combine avocado, lime juice, Greek yogurt, honey or maple syrup, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add water or olive oil if needed to reach desired consistency.
  9. In a large bowl, toss mixed greens with a few tablespoons of the avocado lime dressing, reserving some for drizzling.
  10. Add optional toppings like cherry tomatoes or red onion if desired.
  11. Arrange blackened shrimp on top of the dressed greens.
  12. Drizzle additional dressing over the shrimp and sprinkle with toasted pepitas if desired.
  13. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry to ensure a good sear and avoid steaming. Use a hot cast iron skillet for the best blackened crust. Adjust cayenne pepper to control spice level. Dressing can be made ahead and refrigerated. Toss greens gently to avoid bruising. Serve immediately for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: blackened shrimp salad, avocado lime dressing, quick shrimp salad, healthy shrimp recipe, easy dinner, summer salad