The Ultimate Gourmet Shrimp Caesar Salad Recipe
There's nothing quite like the classic combination of crisp romaine, savory Parmesan, and creamy dressing. But when you add succulent, perfectly grilled shrimp, you transform a beloved side dish into a spectacular, protein-packed main course. This Ultimate Gourmet Shrimp Caesar Salad goes back to the roots of what makes this dish great: a from-scratch, anchovy-rich dressing and homemade croutons. And the secret to effortless preparation? A razor-sharp chef's knife from Sharp Blades, making prepping a joy, not a chore. Let's create a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Homemade Caesar Dressing:
2 anchovy fillets, finely minced
1 large garlic clove, minced
1 tsp Dijon mustard
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/2 cup high-quality mayonnaise
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Salad & Croutons:
2 large heads of romaine lettuce, washed and dried
1 cup homemade croutons (from 2 slices of day-old bread, cubed and toasted with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt)
Parmesan cheese shavings, for garnish
Necessary Utensils:
A Sharp Chef's Knife (Essential for precise chopping)
Cutting Board
Large Salad Bowl
Mixing Bowls (small and medium)
Whisk
Measuring Spoons and Cups
Skillet or Grill Pan
Baking Sheet (for croutons)
Preparation Time:
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Detailed Preparation Instructions:
Prepare the Shrimp:
In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure they are evenly coated. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the other components.
Make the Croutons:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss the cubed bread with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of garlic powder, and salt. Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Set aside.
Create the Caesar Dressing:
This is where a sharp knife is crucial. Using your Sharp Blades chef's knife, finely mince the anchovy fillets and garlic clove until they form a near-paste. This ensures their flavor distributes evenly throughout the dressing without any unpleasant chunks. Place them in a medium bowl. Add the Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Whisk to combine. Gradually whisk in the mayonnaise and grated Parmesan. While continuously whisking, slowly drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil until the dressing is smooth and emulsified. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate.
Grill the Shrimp:
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are pink, opaque, and have nice grill marks. Be careful not to overcook. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Salad:
Using your sharp chef's knife, chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl. Pour about 3/4 of the dressing over the lettuce and toss gently to coat, ensuring every leaf is dressed. Add the homemade croutons and toss once more.
Serve:
Divide the salad among plates. Top each portion with the warm grilled shrimp and a generous amount of Parmesan cheese shavings. Drizzle with the remaining dressing if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the crunch!
Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
Calories: 485
Carbs: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 32g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g
Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.
Pro Tip from Sharp Blades:
For the most authentic and flavorful Caesar dressing, the key is in the mince. A dull knife will crush your garlic and anchovies, releasing bitter compounds and creating an uneven texture. A razor-sharp chef's knife allows for a clean, fine mince, which fully integrates the flavors and gives your dressing a perfectly smooth, professional-quality base. This simple step is what separates a good salad from a great one.
