Description
A vibrant and flavorful Blackened Shrimp and Corn Salad featuring spicy seasoned shrimp, charred corn, fresh vegetables, and a zesty cilantro lime dressing. Perfect for a light and healthy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 1 lb uncooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided
- 2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
Salad
- 2 heads romaine lettuce (about 8 cups)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen corn (about 2 ears)
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 mini cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 Tbsp cilantro, chopped + more for garnish
Cilantro Lime Dressing
- 1/4 cup avocado oil (or olive oil)
- 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 Tbsp honey
- 1 tsp red wine vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp ground coriander
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Make the dressing: Combine all the ingredients for the cilantro lime dressing in a high-powered blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Set aside.
- Prepare the shrimp: In a large bowl, toss together the shrimp with the blackened seasoning until fully coated. Let the shrimp marinate while you char the corn.
- Char the corn: Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add corn and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the corn starts to brown and slightly char. You can also char ears of corn on the grill. Remove corn and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: In the same skillet, heat another tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in an even layer and cook about 3 minutes on each side until opaque and nicely colored. Remove shrimp and set aside. Shrimp can also be grilled on skewers if preferred.
- Assemble the salad: In a large serving bowl, combine romaine lettuce, charred corn, grape tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, avocado, green onions, and chopped cilantro. Drizzle with the cilantro lime dressing and toss gently to combine. Garnish with extra cilantro. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, use smoked paprika as indicated in the seasoning mix.
- If fresh corn is not available, frozen corn works well for this recipe.
- The shrimp can be grilled on skewers if you prefer a grilled flavor instead of skillet cooking.
- This salad is best served fresh; add avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
- Adjust the cayenne pepper to control the heat level according to your preference.
- Honey in the dressing can be substituted with maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg