Description
This Hot Honey Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad combines spicy, smoky shrimp with sweet hot honey for a bold flavor twist on the classic Caesar salad. Perfectly seasoned blackened shrimp are tossed over crisp romaine lettuce with Parmesan, crunchy croutons, and creamy Caesar dressing, making it a quick and flavorful meal ideal for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasonings
- 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
- 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)
Salad Components
- 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
- Prepare the shrimp seasoning: In a bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the blackening spice blend.
- Season the shrimp: Toss the peeled and deveined shrimp in olive oil, then coat thoroughly with the blackening spice mix, ensuring each shrimp is evenly covered.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp are opaque, cooked through, and have a nice char from the blackening spices.
- Make the hot honey sauce: In a small bowl, mix the hot honey with apple cider vinegar and lime juice if using. This adds a tangy sweetness that balances the spicy shrimp perfectly.
- Dress the shrimp: Drizzle the hot honey sauce over the cooked shrimp, tossing gently to coat them evenly.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, croutons, and Caesar dressing. Toss to coat the salad evenly with the dressing.
- Top and serve: Arrange the hot honey blackened shrimp on top of the salad. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor contrast.
Notes
- Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity to control the heat level of the shrimp to your preference.
- Use fresh lime juice and good-quality hot honey for optimal flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free croutons or omit them entirely.
- The apple cider vinegar and lime juice in the hot honey sauce are optional but add a nice tangy balance to the sweetness and spice.
- If you prefer, you can grill the shrimp instead of using a skillet; just follow similar timing for cooking.
