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shrimp caesar salad

Classic Shrimp Caesar Salad

A delicious twist on the classic Caesar salad featuring tender shrimp, crisp romaine, homemade croutons, and tangy Caesar dressing for a satisfying meal that's ready in minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Protein Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 4 cups romaine lettuce washed, dried, and torn into bite-sized pieces
  • 12 oz shrimp cooked, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup Caesar dressing homemade or store-bought
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 1 cup garlic croutons homemade or store-bought
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Lemon wedges for serving
Optional Add-ins
  • 1 tablespoon capers drained
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 small avocado sliced
  • 2-3 anchovy fillets minced, for authentic Caesar flavor
  • 1 clove garlic minced

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Salad tongs
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Salad spinner (optional)

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, drizzle about half of the Caesar dressing over the romaine lettuce. Gently toss until each piece is evenly coated.
  2. Transfer the dressed lettuce to a serving platter or individual plates, creating a bed for the remaining ingredients.
  3. Arrange the cooked shrimp on top of the dressed lettuce.
  4. Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the salad.
  5. Add the garlic croutons, distributing them throughout the salad.
  6. If using optional ingredients like cherry tomatoes, avocado, or capers, arrange them across the salad.
  7. Season with freshly ground black pepper and a light sprinkle of salt.
  8. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the top of the salad, focusing primarily on the shrimp.
  9. Garnish with fresh parsley if using, and place lemon wedges around the edge of the plate or bowl.
  10. Serve immediately while the lettuce is crisp and the croutons crunchy.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, use a vinaigrette-based dressing instead of traditional Caesar.
  • You can prepare all components separately up to 24 hours ahead, but assemble just before serving.
  • Leftover dressed salad will become soggy and is not recommended for storage.