Description
This Hot Honey Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad combines the bold flavors of blackened shrimp with the sweetness and heat of hot honey, served atop a classic Caesar salad base. The recipe offers a quick and delicious main course perfect for lunch or dinner, merging spicy, sweet, and savory notes with crisp romaine lettuce and crunchy croutons.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon blackened seasoning (or Cajun seasoning)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Salad
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup garlic croutons
Toppings and Garnish
- 1/4 cup hot honey
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Season the shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, blackened seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper until all shrimp are evenly coated for flavorful searing.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turn opaque and develop a blackened crust. Remove the shrimp from heat once cooked.
- Prepare the salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, Caesar dressing, grated Parmesan cheese, and garlic croutons. Toss everything gently until the lettuce is well coated with dressing and cheese.
- Assemble the dish: Top the prepared salad with the warm blackened shrimp, then drizzle the hot honey over the shrimp just before serving for a perfect balance of heat and sweetness.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese over the salad and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice from the wedges for a bright, citrusy finish. Serve immediately to enjoy the textures and flavors at their peak.
Notes
- To make your own hot honey, mix 1/4 cup honey with 1–2 teaspoons of hot sauce to taste.
- This recipe is versatile and also works well with grilled chicken or salmon instead of shrimp.
- For a lighter version, substitute the Caesar dressing with a yogurt-based dressing.
- Use gluten-free croutons to ensure the salad is gluten-free.
