Description
This Hot Honey Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad is a delicious twist on the classic Caesar salad, featuring juicy blackened shrimp drizzled with a spicy-sweet hot honey glaze. Paired with crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons, this salad is both bold and satisfying. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, it’s packed with protein, flavor, and a hint of heat!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Blackened Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Hot Honey Glaze:
- 1/4 cup hot honey (or regular honey with a pinch of red pepper flakes)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for tang)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (optional)
For the Caesar Salad:
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup Caesar dressing (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp:
In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel, then drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the shrimp, ensuring they are evenly coated. - Cook the Shrimp:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp are opaque and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside. - Make the Hot Honey Glaze:
In a small bowl, mix together the hot honey, apple cider vinegar (if using), and lime juice (if using). Adjust the sweetness and heat by adding more honey or red pepper flakes to taste. - Assemble the Caesar Salad:
In a large salad bowl, toss the chopped romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing until evenly coated. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and croutons, and toss again to combine. - Top the Salad:
Arrange the blackened shrimp on top of the dressed Caesar salad. Drizzle the hot honey glaze over the shrimp, and sprinkle with additional Parmesan if desired. - Serve:
Serve immediately as a main dish or side salad, and enjoy the bold, sweet, and spicy flavors of the hot honey blackened shrimp!
Notes
- If you want a spicier kick, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add more hot honey.
- You can make this salad ahead of time by prepping the shrimp, dressing, and salad components separately and assembling right before serving.
- For a lighter version, you can use a lighter Caesar dressing or a homemade Greek yogurt-based dressing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad, Dessert, Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing, Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad (with shrimp and dressing)
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 250mg