Hot Honey Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad

If you’re looking to take your salad game to the next level, look no further than this Hot Honey Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad! The blackened shrimp adds a smoky, spicy kick, while the hot honey glaze brings a perfect touch of sweetness and heat. Tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing with crunchy croutons and fresh greens, this salad is a satisfying and flavorful meal that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a light appetizer. Trust me, this is no ordinary Caesar salad—it’s a flavor explosion!

Why You’ll Love Hot Honey Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad

• Flavor-packed shrimp: The blackened shrimp is loaded with bold, smoky spices and a sweet-hot kick from the hot honey drizzle.
• Classic Caesar with a twist: This isn’t just your average Caesar salad. The creamy dressing and crunchy croutons blend perfectly with the zesty shrimp.
• Refreshing and hearty: The crisp Romaine lettuce makes for the perfect base, while the shrimp adds protein, making this salad filling enough to be a meal.
• Sweet meets spicy: The hot honey glaze balances the bold spices in the shrimp, giving you that sweet heat combo that’s hard to resist.
• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this is a super quick way to elevate your salad game.

Ingredients in Hot Honey Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad

Here’s everything you need for this flavorful salad:

For the Blackened Shrimp:

• Shrimp: Fresh, peeled, and deveined.
• Olive oil: For cooking the shrimp.
• Paprika: The base for that smoky blackened flavor.
• Cayenne pepper: Adds heat to the seasoning.
• Garlic powder: For depth of flavor.
• Onion powder: A touch of savory goodness.
• Dried thyme: Adds an earthy flavor to the shrimp.
• Salt and black pepper: To season the shrimp.
• Hot honey: To drizzle on the shrimp for sweetness and heat.

For the Caesar Salad:

• Romaine lettuce: Fresh and crisp, for that perfect crunch.
• Caesar dressing: Creamy and tangy, to coat the salad.
• Croutons: Crunchy and golden, for the classic Caesar experience.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for that rich, cheesy finish.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are available in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s get this salad going with these simple steps:

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

In a small bowl, combine paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Toss the shrimp in olive oil, then sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the shrimp.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil. Once the pan is hot, cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they are pink, opaque, and slightly charred. Drizzle hot honey over the cooked shrimp and toss them to coat.

Step 3: Prepare the Salad

While the shrimp is cooking, prepare the salad. Tear the Romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl. Add the Caesar dressing and toss to coat the lettuce evenly.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Once the shrimp is cooked and coated with the hot honey, arrange it on top of the Caesar salad. Top with croutons and freshly grated Parmesan cheese for that finishing touch.

Step 5: Serve

Toss the salad to mix everything together and serve immediately for a fresh, zesty, and delicious meal.

How to Serve Hot Honey Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad

• Serve it as a main course: This salad is filling enough on its own with the juicy shrimp and crunchy salad base.
• Add a side of garlic bread: Serve with some warm, crispy garlic bread for extra comfort.
• Pair with a light white wine: A glass of crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay would pair wonderfully with this salad.

Additional Tips

• Adjust the heat: If you want the shrimp spicier, you can add more cayenne pepper or hot honey for an extra kick.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the shrimp and salad components separately and store them in the fridge. Just assemble the salad right before serving to keep it fresh.
• Use store-bought croutons: If you’re in a rush, grab some pre-made croutons for an easy shortcut.
• Grill the shrimp: If you prefer grilling over pan-frying, you can grill the shrimp on skewers for added flavor and fun presentation.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450
Total Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 175mg
Sodium: 800mg
Total Carbohydrates: 15g
Dietary Fiber: 4g
Sugars: 6g
Protein: 35g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of shrimp?
A1: Absolutely! If you prefer smaller shrimp or shrimp with the shell on, feel free to adjust the recipe to your liking. Just make sure they’re cooked through.

Q2: Can I make the dressing from scratch?
A2: Yes! If you prefer homemade dressing, you can make a Caesar dressing using mayonnaise, lemon juice, anchovy paste, garlic, Dijon mustard, and Parmesan.

Q3: Can I use a different glaze instead of hot honey?
A3: Yes! You can use regular honey or even maple syrup for a milder sweetness. If you prefer no sweetness, you can skip the glaze entirely or use a spicy sauce like sriracha.

Q4: Can I use a different green for the salad?
A4: Sure! You can swap out Romaine lettuce for spinach, arugula, or any green you prefer.

Q5: Can I grill the shrimp instead of pan-searing it?
A5: Absolutely! Grilled shrimp will give a great smoky flavor to the salad, just be sure not to overcook them.

Q6: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A6: You can prepare the shrimp and salad ingredients ahead of time, but don’t assemble the salad until you’re ready to serve it to keep everything fresh and crispy.

Q7: Can I make this salad without croutons?
A7: Yes! You can skip the croutons for a lower-carb version or use roasted chickpeas for a crunchy alternative.

Q8: Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
A8: Yes! If you’re using pre-cooked shrimp, just warm them up in the skillet, coat with hot honey, and toss with the salad.

Q9: What if I don’t have hot honey?
A9: You can make your own hot honey by mixing honey with a bit of hot sauce or red pepper flakes. You can also use regular honey for a milder version.

Q10: Can I add other veggies to the salad?
A10: Yes! You can add cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, or avocado for extra freshness and creaminess.

Conclusion

This Hot Honey Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad is a fun and flavorful twist on the classic Caesar. With smoky, spicy shrimp, creamy Caesar dressing, and a sweet heat from the hot honey, every bite is a perfect balance of flavor. It’s quick, easy, and delicious—everything you want in a satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a fresh weeknight dinner or something to impress your guests, this salad is the way to go!

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