Shrimp Caesar Salad

When you combine the crisp freshness of romaine lettuce, the savory crunch of homemade croutons, and the creamy tang of a rich Caesar dressing, you get a classic salad that has stood the test of time. Now, add tender, perfectly seasoned shrimp to the mix, and you’ve elevated this dish into a complete, restaurant-quality meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

This Shrimp Caesar Salad is both indulgent and healthy, featuring a lighter Greek yogurt-based Caesar dressing that still delivers the bold flavors you love. Freshly grated Parmesan, zesty lemon, and salty capers give the dressing its signature punch, while the shrimp add a deliciously sweet, briny flavor. The result? A salad that feels luxurious yet light, perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a starter for a special occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High protein, low fuss – Shrimp cooks in minutes, making this a quick and satisfying option.
• Healthier Caesar dressing – Uses Greek yogurt for creaminess without excess mayo or cream.
• Restaurant-worthy presentation – Elegant enough for guests, simple enough for a weekday.
• Customizable – Add avocado, cherry tomatoes, or grilled vegetables for extra flair.
• Make-ahead friendly – Prep the dressing and croutons in advance for easy assembly.

Ingredients Breakdown

Serves: 4

For the Dressing

• ¼ cup Stonyfield Greek yogurt – Adds a creamy, tangy base with extra protein.
• ¼ cup shaved Parmesan cheese – Gives that signature salty, nutty Caesar flavor.
• 1 large garlic clove – A bold, aromatic foundation for the dressing.
• 1 tablespoon capers, drained – Adds briny depth and complexity.
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – For tangy sharpness and emulsification.
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced – Fresh citrus brightens the dressing.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Balances the richness.

For the Salad and Shrimp

• 1 head romaine, chopped (about 4 cups) – Crisp, refreshing, and the classic Caesar base.
• 1 pound large shrimp (20–24 per pound), peeled and deveined, tails removed – Sweet, juicy protein for the salad.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil – For cooking the shrimp.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Mild seasoning for the shrimp.

For the Croutons

• 4 slices French bread (or other crusty bread), cubed – The perfect base for homemade croutons.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – Helps the bread crisp up beautifully.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the crouton flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a subtle kick.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder – Infuses the croutons with savory depth.

Tools You’ll Need

• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Large mixing bowls
• Baking sheet (for croutons)
• Skillet or grill pan (for shrimp)
• Blender or food processor (for dressing)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Tongs or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Dressing

1. In a blender or food processor, combine Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, garlic clove, capers, Dijon mustard, lemon zest, lemon juice, and black pepper.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
3. Transfer to a jar or container, cover, and refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 2: Prepare the Croutons

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Place bread cubes in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Toss until bread is evenly coated.
4. Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer.
5. Bake for 10–12 minutes, tossing halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
   Tip: For extra crunch, leave them in for an additional 2 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

1. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
2. Season shrimp with salt and black pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
5. Remove from heat immediately to avoid overcooking.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. Place chopped romaine in a large serving bowl.
2. Add cooked shrimp and croutons.
3. Drizzle with dressing, tossing gently to coat.
4. Sprinkle with additional shaved Parmesan for garnish.
5. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Pro Tips for Perfect Shrimp Caesar Salad

• Dry shrimp before cooking – Moisture prevents browning and can make shrimp rubbery.
• Use fresh Parmesan – Pre-grated cheese won’t melt or blend as smoothly into the dressing.
• Chill the lettuce – Crisp, cold romaine makes the salad extra refreshing.
• Make dressing ahead – It tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge.
• Serve immediately after tossing – This keeps the lettuce crisp and the croutons crunchy.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This salad offers a satisfying mix of textures — crisp lettuce, creamy dressing, crunchy croutons, and tender shrimp — with flavors that are bright, salty, tangy, and slightly briny.

Perfect Pairings:

• Wine – Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the lemony notes.
• Bread – Warm garlic bread for an extra indulgent side.
• Soup – Pair with tomato basil soup for a cozy lunch.
• Vegetables – Grilled asparagus or roasted zucchini for extra greens.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	~360 kcal
Protein	30 g
Carbohydrates	18 g
Fat	18 g
Fiber	3 g

This is a balanced, high-protein meal that works well for healthy eating plans.

Variations to Try

• Avocado Shrimp Caesar – Add creamy avocado slices for extra richness.
• Grilled Shrimp Caesar – Grill shrimp for smoky depth.
• Kale Caesar Salad – Swap romaine for chopped kale.
• Spicy Shrimp Caesar – Add cayenne or chili flakes to the shrimp seasoning.
• Lighter Croutons – Use whole-grain bread or air-fry for less oil.

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Dressing – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Croutons – Keep at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Shrimp – Best eaten fresh but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Assembled Salad – Not recommended for storage as lettuce will wilt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw fully and pat dry before cooking.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free yogurt and a vegan Parmesan substitute.

Is anchovy paste necessary?
Traditional Caesar dressing uses anchovies, but the capers here mimic that briny flavor.

Can I use store-bought croutons?
Yes, but homemade adds fresher flavor and crunch.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time
Make dressing	5 min
Bake croutons	10–12 min
Cook shrimp	5–6 min
Assemble salad	3–5 min
Total Time	~25 minutes

Ingredient Spotlight: Capers

Capers are small flower buds preserved in brine or vinegar. They add a salty, tangy burst of flavor to dressings, seafood, and Mediterranean dishes. In this recipe, they stand in for anchovies, giving the Caesar dressing depth without overpowering it.

Conclusion

Shrimp Caesar Salad is a simple yet elegant dish that balances fresh crunch, creamy richness, and savory depth. The homemade Greek yogurt Caesar dressing keeps things light without sacrificing flavor, while the tender shrimp add a boost of lean protein. With crisp romaine, crunchy croutons, and a zesty dressing, every bite is satisfying.

Whether you’re making it for a quick weekday lunch, a dinner party starter, or a wholesome family meal, this recipe is versatile, healthy, and incredibly flavorful. The best part? You can prep most of it ahead, making it as practical as it is delicious. Once you’ve tried this version, it may just become your go-to Caesar.

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