A Grilled Shrimp Salad is the perfect balance of protein, fresh vegetables, and vibrant flavors, making it an ideal choice for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner. Grilled shrimp add a smoky char that pairs beautifully with crisp greens, creating a salad that’s not only delicious but also filling and nutritious.
The shrimp are the star of this dish. Tossed in a simple marinade of olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and a touch of paprika or cayenne for a bit of heat, they absorb just the right amount of flavor before hitting the grill. Once cooked, the shrimp are tender, juicy, and have just the right amount of smokiness, making them the perfect complement to the freshness of the salad.
For the base, use a mix of your favorite greens, crisp romaine, peppery arugula, or tender spinach all work wonderfully. Add in your choice of veggies, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and avocado are great additions, providing a satisfying contrast in texture and flavor. A sprinkle of feta or goat cheese can add a creamy richness, while a handful of toasted nuts or seeds offers some crunch.
The dressing for this salad should be just as light and fresh as the ingredients. A simple lemon vinaigrette made with olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey adds a tangy, zesty kick that ties everything together without overpowering the shrimp. For a richer touch, you can opt for a creamy dressing like avocado or a light ranch, depending on your taste.
This Grilled Shrimp Salad is incredibly versatile. It can be a standalone meal or a perfect side dish to accompany grilled meats or seafood. The combination of smoky shrimp, fresh greens, and a light dressing makes for a satisfying and refreshing meal, ideal for warm weather or when you’re craving something healthy and flavorful.
Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, an impressive dinner, or a dish to enjoy at your next BBQ, Grilled Shrimp Salad delivers on both taste and nutrition. It’s the perfect dish to keep you feeling full and energized without feeling heavy.
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 8 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion diced
- 1/4 cup parsley chopped fresh
- 1/4 cup dill chopped fresh
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- In a bowl, combine the shrimp, olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly.
- Thread the shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side, until they are pink and opaque.
- In a large bowl, combine the salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and dill.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Divide the salad among plates and top with the grilled shrimp. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
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Shrimp? No! I’m vegetarian. Why would anyone eat those poor things???
I made this but I think I overcooked the shrimp. They were chewy. 😕
Very easy to make. I used frozen shrimp and it turned out fine! 👍
I’m not a fan of dill…is there a substitute? I only used parsley. Still turned out ok.
This salad was ok but felt like it lacked something. Maybe avocado? 🤷♂️
Yummm!!! This is going in my regular rotation! Easy to make and fresh. 😍
Yummm! Just made it for lunch and it’s delish! Will be making again!
This salad is a masterpiece 🤩. So light yet filling. Perfect for summer!
Totally agree! This salad is fire! 🔥 Can’t wait to make it this weekend!
This salad is delicious! The shrimp were perfectly grilled and paired nicely with the fresh veggies.
Sounds amazing! I love shrimp in salads! Can’t wait to try this recipe.
I don’t eat shrimp, but I made this with chicken instead. It turned out amazing! Who knew adjustments could be so delicious? 4 stars!
It was okay, but I felt like it needed more seasoning. Maybe some feta cheese would help? Just sayin’.
I think you’re onto something! Feta would add a nice kick! 😋
Grillin shrimp is just a waste of shrimp. Fry them in butter instead.
Frying shrimp does sound tasty, but grilling gives it that smoky flavor! Try it before judging.
Shrimp didn’t taste like anything and I forgot to put the dressing. So boring. 1 star for me.
1 star? That’s harsh! You forgot the dressing, dude! 😂
Maybe try adding more spices next time? Shrimp needs flavor!
Could I use frozen shrimp? All I have is a bag in my freezer and I dunno if that works.
This recipe looks great! Simple and healthy. Can’t wait to try it.
OMG, this recipe is so fresh and tasty!!! I’m gonna make it again and again!
Too much lemon juice for my taste. I guess I prefer a milder flavor.
This salad was amazing! The shrimp were grilled to perfection, and the dressing was so flavorful. Definitely a keeper!
Bruh, do people really eat salads? Where’s the meat? This recipe ain’t filling!
I don’t know about grilling shrimp, seems too complicated. Just boil them!
Grilling shrimp isn’t hard at all! Just gives a better flavor than boiling. You should try it!
What is paprika? I just put normal spices on everything. Came out fine tho.
This salad was delicious! The shrimp were perfectly grilled and the flavors mixed so well. Definitely a 5 out of 5 from me!
I totally agree! This salad was a hit at my BBQ. The shrimp were super juicy! 🍤
Too much garlic for me. Next time I will use less. But the concept is good.
Too much garlic? Really? I don’t think there’s such a thing. The more the merrier, I say!
I think garlic is great! But I get it, not everyone likes strong flavors. Just adjust it to your taste next time.
I am not a seafood person, but I tried this for my husband. He loved it! I still think shrimp are gross, tho.
Grilled shrimp is life! So good, I could eat this every day.
Too many greens for my taste. Not sure you need all that parsley. Just a bunch of leaves, ugh. I give it a 2.
I think the greens add freshness and flavor! But to each their own. Just use less parsley next time! 🌱
Is the parsley really necessary? I don’t have any and not gonna buy it just for this.
You can totally skip the parsley! It adds some flavor, but the dish will still be good without it. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning a bit if you want!
I dunno, my shrimp got kinda chewy. Maybe I grilled them too long? I thought the recipe was okay but I expected better. Gonna give it a 3.
yum!! shrimp salad!!! 🦐🥗
I can’t even with this recipe. Grilling the shrimp? It just doesn’t sound right to me. What’s wrong with pan frying?
Nah, grilling is the way to go! It’s healthier and tastes better than frying. Just try it, you’ll see!
I totally get what you mean! Pan frying is like a classic way to cook shrimp, but grilling adds a nice smoky flavor. Maybe give it a try? You might be surprised!