Zydeco Salad
Spicy, pan-seared shrimp tossed with a creamy Creole dressing and served over crisp greens. This vibrant Louisiana-inspired salad is packed with bold flavors and textures, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Creole Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Creole mustard, ketchup, lemon juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and minced garlic until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Cover and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Season the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, combine the paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the dry shrimp to the bowl and toss until each piece is evenly coated with the spice mixture.
Cook the Shrimp: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and foaming, carefully place the shrimp in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and have a nice sear. They should curl into a 'C' shape. Remove from heat immediately.
Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. Add the warm, cooked shrimp on top of the greens.
Dress and Serve: Drizzle about half of the chilled Creole dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything lightly. Serve immediately, with the remaining dressing on the side for guests to add as they please.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best sear, ensure your shrimp are completely dry and the pan is hot before adding them.
- 2A cast-iron skillet works best for cooking the shrimp as it retains heat well and creates a beautiful crust.
- 3Do not overcook the shrimp. An overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery. A perfectly cooked shrimp curls into a 'C' shape; an overcooked one curls into a tight 'O'.
- 4The dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance. The flavor actually improves as it sits.
- 5To reduce the bite of the red onion, you can soak the slices in cold water for 10 minutes before adding them to the salad.
- 6Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or avocado for more texture and flavor.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Swap
Replace the shrimp with pan-seared chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces), blackened fish like catfish or redfish, or even Louisiana crawfish tails.
Lighter DressingLighter Dressing
For a lower-calorie version, substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. This will add a tangy flavor and increase the protein content.
Add GrainsAdd Grains
Make the salad more substantial by adding a cup of cooked and cooled quinoa or rice to the base.
Extra CrunchExtra Crunch
Top the salad with homemade cornbread croutons, toasted pecans, or crispy fried onions for an added layer of texture.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Excellent Source of Lean Protein
Shrimp is a high-quality, lean protein that is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle growth, and keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Rich in Vitamins and Minerals
The fresh vegetables like romaine lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumber provide a wealth of essential vitamins such as Vitamin A, C, and K, as well as important minerals and antioxidants.
Contains Healthy Fats
The use of olive oil contributes monounsaturated fats, which are known to be heart-healthy and can help reduce bad cholesterol levels.
Metabolism-Boosting Properties
The capsaicin in cayenne pepper can provide a temporary boost to your metabolism, helping your body burn calories more efficiently.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this Zydeco Salad contains approximately 565 calories, primarily from the creamy dressing and the butter/oil used to cook the shrimp. For a lower-calorie option, you can use less dressing or try the Greek yogurt variation.
