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Quick Grilled Shrimp Salad

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Quick Grilled Shrimp Salad combines smoky grilled shrimp, crisp romaine, fresh vegetables, and a creamy lime-yogurt dressing in just 25 minutes. Warm, charred shrimp contrast beautifully with cool, crunchy vegetables for a meal that feels special without much effort.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

For the Shrimp
  • 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined with tails removed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil Carapelli recommended
  • 1 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Lime-Yogurt Dressing
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt Fage recommended for thicker texture
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 1/2 limes zested and juiced
  • 2 tsp honey
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Salad
  • 1 head romaine chopped into 1-inch ribbons
  • 1 pint tomatoes halved lengthwise
  • 2 cups corn
  • 1/2 red onion thinly sliced into half-moons
  • 2 cucumbers diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 avocado diced into 3/4-inch cubes
  • 1/3 cup feta crumbled; Président recommended
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped

Equipment

  • Outdoor grill or grill pan
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Paper towels
  • Tongs
  • Chef's knife and cutting board
  • Citrus zester / microplane

Method
 

  1. Prepare all the salad vegetables while your grill heats to ensure quick assembly once the shrimp are ready. Cut the romaine into 1-inch ribbons, halve the tomatoes lengthwise, thinly slice the red onion into half-moons, and dice the cucumbers into bite-sized pieces. Zest and juice the limes for use in the dressing, then chop the cilantro. Wait to dice the avocado until just before serving to avoid browning, and set all prepared vegetables aside.
  2. Thoroughly pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to promote better browning. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with 2 tablespoons olive oil, smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 3/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until evenly coated. Allow the shrimp to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes so the spices can penetrate and the shrimp will cook more evenly on the grill.
  3. While the shrimp rest, prepare the dressing by whisking together the Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons olive oil, lime juice and zest from the first step, honey, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in a bowl until completely smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, then set the dressing aside.
  4. Heat your grill to medium-high heat, around 400°F. Place the seasoned shrimp directly on the grates and let them cook undisturbed for 2 minutes to develop a light char and prevent sticking. Carefully flip each shrimp and cook for an additional 2 minutes until they are opaque throughout and just cooked through. Remove from the grill.
  5. In a large bowl or on individual plates, combine the chopped romaine, halved tomatoes, corn, and sliced red onion. Gently toss to distribute the vegetables evenly, creating the foundation for your salad.
  6. Dice the avocado now and arrange it over the salad base along with the diced cucumbers and feta crumbles. Top with the warm grilled shrimp, drizzle generously with the lime-yogurt dressing, and scatter the fresh cilantro over everything. Serve immediately while the shrimp are still warm and the vegetables remain crisp.

Notes

Pat the shrimp very dry before seasoning to prevent steaming and ensure proper charring for that smoky depth. Dice the avocado last and toss it with a little extra lime juice if you need to prep it slightly ahead to prevent browning. Store leftover shrimp, salad components, and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days, dressing only the portion you plan to eat immediately so the romaine stays crisp. If you don't have an outdoor grill, a grill pan over medium-high heat or the broiler set about 4 inches from the heat source both work well. For a dairy-free version, swap the Greek yogurt for a thick coconut or cashew-based yogurt—the creamy, tangy profile holds up nicely.

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