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GET IT NOWWhen I’m craving something light but still totally satisfying, this shrimp Caesar salad recipe always hits the spot. It’s fresh, fast, and has just the right kick from my Cajun seasoning. I toss it with my easy caesar salad dressing (you’re gonna want to put it on everything), and boom—dinner’s done. The juicy shrimp, crisp romaine, and creamy dressing all come together in one crave-worthy bowl. Make it with me!
Why You Need My Shrimp Salad Recipe
- Big, bold flavor – Between the creamy dressing and the spicy Cajun shrimp, every bite is packed with flavor. I think it tastes similar to shrimp fajitas but way easier to throw together.
- Crispy, juicy, creamy – You get all the textures: cool crisp lettuce, juicy shrimp, creamy dressing, and a sprinkle of cheese on top. It’s seriously crave-worthy.
- Fast and easy – This shrimp caesar salad comes together in just 15 minutes! When I’m short on time (which is often), this is my go-to for a quick but satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for my Caesar salad with shrimp recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
- Shrimp – I used peeled and deveined fresh shrimp, but frozen works too—just make sure to thaw it first.
- Caesar Salad Dressing – I usually have a batch of my homemade Caesar salad dressing in the fridge, but if you don’t, you’ll need mayo (or Greek yogurt), olive oil, lemon juice, anchovy paste, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, sea salt, and black pepper.
- Cajun Seasoning – I use my homemade blend (it’s my go-to!), but premade seasoning works too. Just keep in mind the flavors might vary a bit.
- Olive Oil – I use it to sauté the shrimp, but avocado oil works just as well if that’s what you’ve got.
- Lettuce – I went with romaine for that classic Caesar vibe, but butter lettuce or even kale would be great here too.
- Tomatoes – I used Roma tomatoes for this shrimp caesar salad, but honestly, anything you have on hand will work—cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, or even heirloom.
- Parmesan cheese – I went with shredded, but shaved is great too. If you’re dairy-free, skip it or swap in something salty, like olives or nutritional yeast.
VARIATION: Add toppings!
Want to switch things up? Try topping your shrimp Caesar salad with sliced red onion, diced avocado, Parmesan crisps, hard boiled eggs in the oven, kalamata olives, or even a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for a little crunch.
How To Make Shrimp Caesar Salad
I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
- Make the dressing. I like to whip up my homemade Caesar—super classic, super easy. But store bought totally works too. 😉
- Season the shrimp. Just toss it with Cajun seasoning until it’s all coated.
- Cook the shrimp. Heat the olive oil in a skillet and sear the shrimp until it’s golden and cooked through.
- Assemble it all. Toss the romaine with the tomatoes and parmesan and drizzle on the dressing then pile on the shrimp. Enjoy your shrimp caesar salad!
My Recipe Tips
- Should I remove the shrimp tails? Totally your call. I usually take them off to make eating a little easier (especially if we’re not using forks!).
- Dry your shrimp really well. Before seasoning, I pat them dry with paper towels. It helps them sear better and not steam in the pan.
- Make the shrimp first. I like to cook the shrimp before tossing the shrimp caesar salad—otherwise, the lettuce can get soggy while you wait.
- Rubbery shrimp? That means they’re overcooked. Shrimp cook fast, like just a couple minutes per side. I keep a close eye and pull them as soon as they’re pink and opaque.
- This salad has a little kick, but the creamy Caesar dressing and crisp lettuce help cool it down. If you’re spice-sensitive, just leave out the cayenne in my Cajun seasoning—or use a little less overall. And if you’re like me and love the heat, feel free to add more!
- Use a salad spinner. If you make as many salads as I do, this thing’s a game changer. It gets your lettuce clean and dries it fast, so it stays fresh longer.
More Meal-Worthy Salad Recipes
If you’re into salads that actually fill you up like my shrimp caesar salad, here are a few more of my favorites you’ve gotta try next:
Shrimp Caesar Salad
My shrimp caesar salad recipe is fresh, flavorful, and easy to throw together—crispy romaine, juicy shrimp, and a creamy caesar dressing.
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Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.
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In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with the Cajun seasoning to coat evenly.
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Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp in a single layer. Sear for 1 minute, until they begin to brown. Flip and sear another 1-2 minutes, until cooked through.
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In a large bowl, toss the chopped romaine with the dressing, tomatoes, and parmesan. Divide among plates or bowls. Top each serving with Cajun shrimp.
LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!
Maya’s Recipe Notes
Serving Size: 3 cups, or 1/4 entire salad
- Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get perfectly juicy shrimp, crisp lettuce, and just the right amount of spice every time.
- Store: I keep everything in separate containers in the fridge—it stays fresh for 3–4 days that way. Leftovers after mixing are fine for about a day.
- Meal prep: Shrimp cooks fast, so I like to make it fresh—but you can prep everything else ahead: dressing, seasoning, chopping the lettuce and tomatoes, and any add-ins. If you’re packing lunch, pre-cook the shrimp and use a salad container that keeps everything separate until you’re ready to eat.
I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy.
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Shrimp Caesar Salad
8 Comments
Will
0Hi, I don’t have fresh Parmesan cheese just the shaker stuff. Would that be fine? Also, I don’t have this anchovy paste you speak of. Is there another substitute? Thanks!
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Will, You can use the parmesan that you have and you can omit the anchovy paste.
Wendy
0I love this recipe its great for work hubby loves it to
Kim
0DELICIOUS! A great light dinner with so much flavor! I will be using the leftover dressing for my work salads this week! Good job!
Deena
0You make sticking to Keto enjoyable… Keep those wonderful and amazing recipes going… Thank you for sharing!!
Kim
0Another wonderful, light summer meal that came together quickly. Thank you!
Lisalia
0My new favorite way to have shrimp! Yummy. Thanks for this delicious recipe. Once again you’ve outdone yourself.
Abigail Raines
0Love that a dish that comes together in a mere 15 minutes can be so flavorful and this is such! Great salad anytime!