Description
A vibrant and flavorful Blackened Shrimp and Corn Salad combining spicy, smoky shrimp with fresh vegetables and a zesty cilantro lime dressing. Perfect for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the 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
For the 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
For the 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, until corn starts to brown. 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 the oil is hot, add the shrimp in an even layer and cook about 3 minutes per side, until shrimp are opaque and nicely colored. Remove shrimp and set aside. Optionally, grill shrimp on skewers.
- Assemble the salad: In a large serving bowl, combine the romaine lettuce, charred corn, grape tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado, green onions, and chopped cilantro. Drizzle the cilantro lime dressing over the salad, toss gently, garnish with additional cilantro, and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra smoky flavor, char the corn on a grill if available.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper from the seasoning.
- Use fresh shrimp for best results, but frozen shrimp can be used if thawed properly.
- The dressing can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Substitute avocado oil with olive oil for a different flavor profile in the dressing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg