Spicy Shrimp Caesar Spinach Salad

Spicy shrimp Caesar Spinach salad is a quick light meal for lunch or dinner! The spicy shrimp and kickin’ homemade Caesar dressing is key to making this salad shine! Tender shrimp tossed in chile powder, onion, and cayenne then baked crispy! A flavorful and healthy Protein-Rich Salad! Paleo option if needed!

Spicy Shrimp Caesar Spinach Salad! The salad that keeps my Summer days shining bright! Literally and figuratively. Really! Simple, fresh, healthy–this zesty salad is a real winner.

But before I get into the seafood salad love, let’s discuss something. K? Humble pie. I’ve had my share. Oh my goodness I sound pathetic. But ya’ll, life has kicked my tush this past month …er year. I knew it would, I signed up for it! Yes, I’ve had several Big O’ slices of humble pie this past year. You know, the pie that you keep eating yet you’re so full? Full but just can’t stop. I’m talking about being humbled with what you take on in life. Not really pie. Haha, but you get my point.  I’m pretty sure most of us can agree and I’ve been there. You’ve dived right in with a fork and knife and haven’t looked back.

Well, as “good for the soul” this humble pie can be, it can also leave us (me) feeling a little down.. only at first. You see, when that feeling comes around I like to do something for myself. Something that gives me reassurance and restores “creative energy” per se. I take a moment to recall a favorite moment with friends or family. Usually this moment is centered around a meal or recipe.  Then I remake this recipe to make it my own. Meaning, I try to put my own spin on it.  A simple recipe that bring joy to my heart and made with LOVE. Yep, there it is CORNY Cotter moment at it’s finest. But ya’ll, food is love. Right?

Speaking of love. 😍 Let me share that recipe with you and the memory meal inspiration behind it!

No, I’m not gonna share a pie recipe with you all. It’s time to talk salad. Time to talk spicy shrimp! This spicy shrimp Caesar spinach salad is is the dish I now make regularly. It was inspired by a homemade meal we had with friends in Hawaii. Yes, way back when we lived in Hawaii! Gah that shrimp was TO DIE FOR! This meal was also first time I learned how to make REAL Caesar salad dressing. Ever since then I’ve been hooked on making all varieties of Caesar Salad dressings, and homemade dressing in general. I guess it’s about time I share them, right?

Yep, these are my summer food loves at the moment. Spicy Baked Shrimp, zippy salads, and homemade Caesar Salad dressings. Aka, my therapy session. And the best ingredients to make a Summer salad, don’t you think?

Deep down, I truly think that you’re gonna love my recipe comeback for humble pie. Is that selfish? LOL!  Ha, either way I hope it will rub off on you.  Maybe then you’ll be inspired to make this quick and tasty Spicy Shrimp Caesar Spinach Salad with a kickin homemade Caesar dressing! If not, rest assured l’ll be sure to share mine with you.

Okay, so here’s the lowdown, the 411, the deets for this Special salad.

You will need just a handful of some amazing shrimp, peeled and ready to bake.

Then you will toss those shrimp in chili powder, avocado oil, and other spices. Bake it for just about 10 minutes and watch it sizzle. That alone will make your day. No lie! Or I just easily amused with such simple good food. I told it you was true love.

While that’s baking, you can whisk up your homemade Caesar salad dressing.  Oh but no no no, this is not your regular Caesar dressing. It’s the kickin kind. And it’s Incredibly easy to make. This I promise.

Instead of honey mustard or do dijon mustard, you will be using a spicy mustard and a wee bit  more chili powder. You’re welcome. My spicy southern tastebuds shining bright here y’all .

You’re also be is making your own croutons. Don’t go run off, croutons are very easy to make. Especially gluten free croutons. Simply chop up some dry bread, (in this case, I used Udis Gluten Millet bread), toss in a little olive oil and garlic, then baked it for five minutes in the oven. Ya’ll, toasted garlic bread croutons are a must when it comes to Caesar salad’s, or salad bowls! Ya, just do it. You’ll love the crunch!

After that spicy Caesar dressing is whisked and your garlicky croutons are baked, it’s time to assemble your salad. I’m not sure what it is, but talking about assembling a salad and making croutons just makes me really happy. Geez, deliciously nutritious simple food in general makes me happy. Nerd alert.

But I digress.

Okay okay, let’s assemble.

Toss together your spinach, add your favorite vegetable fixings (i used my summer favorites – bell peppers, carrots, avocado, and cucumbers), spicy baked shrimp, and then pour that dressing on top!

 Parmesan to sprinkle. I’m definitely on an creamy artisan cheese kick right now. Can you tell?

Spicy Shrimp Caesar Spinach Salad

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★★★★★

4.7 from 3 reviews

• Author: Lindsay Cotter
• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 10 min
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2
• Category: main, salads
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Spicy Spinach Caesar salad with Shrimp (Paleo Option)

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Ingredients

For the dressing:

• 1 egg yolk
• 1/2 tbsp spicy mustard
• 4 tbsp olive oil
• sea salt or kosher salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp chili powder
• Pinch of cayenne
• 1/2 to 1 tsp anchovy paste. (Add a pinch of salt or 2 tsp capers mashed with garlic if you don’t have anchovy paste)
• 1-2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp Lemon juice
• For spicy shrimp:
• 6-8 ounces medium shrimp, peeled, deveined
• 1/4 to 1/2 tsp chili powder
• Pinch of onion powder
• 1/2 tsp Avocado oil or butter
• Pinch of Sea Salt or Kosher Salt
• Dash of ground pepper

For the Salad:

• 4-6 cups fresh spinach (leaves)
• 1 small Cucumber – ribbon cut or thinly sliced
• 1 large carrot – ribbon cut or or thinly sliced
• 1/2 small avocado, sliced.
• 2 bell peppers – sliced thin
• 2-3 tbsp roasted almonds
• Optional Microgreens
• Optional Sprinkle of parmesan or gruyere shavings (Omit if paleo)
• Garnish red pepper flakes

Gluten Free Croutons (omit for paleo option):

• 1/2 cup gluten free bread
• 1 tsp oil (olive or avocado oil)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 450F.
2. While oven is preheating, make your caesar salad dressing.
   Whisk together all your ingredients in a small bowl. Salt/pepper to taste. Adjust if needed. If too salt, add a tsp of honey or maple syrup. Set aside or keep in fridge.
3. Next bake your spicy shrimp. Toss your clean/peeled shrimp in olive oil and spices. Lay flat on cooking/baking sheet.
4. Bake/roast for 4-5 minutes on each side; turning once, 3 to 4 minutes. So about 8-10 minutes all together or until shrimp are browned and opaque throughout.
   Remove from oven.
5. Toss your bread crumbs in garlic and oil, and place on baking sheet. Toast for about 5 minutes.
   Arrange your salad.
6. Place spinach, ribbon cut vegetables, croutons, and shrimp in 1 serving bowl or two small bowls.
   Add a few tbsp of roasted almonds on top along with microgreens, red pepper flakes, and optional cheese.
7. Drizzle with spicy Caesar dressing. Sea salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

• For paleo option, omit croutons and cheese.
• You will have extra dressing, so feel to keep the rest for later use. Store in fridge for up to 3 days.

Nutrition for the salad alone estimated 270 calories 11 grams of fat, 19 carbohydrates, 8 grams of fiber, 6 grams of sugar, and 25 grams of protein. (For paleo and lower carb option omit croutons)

Spicy Caesar salad Dressing is 130 calories and 5 grams of fat per serving of 1.5 tbsp to 2 tbsps.

Keywords: shrimp caesar salad, spicy, gluten free, Paleo

So you might be thinking, that’s a lot of work for a salad. It’s not, this I promise. This is one of those meals you will want to share with your friends and family but then decide to keep it all for yourself. Oops, I might have done that.  I better add another slice of Humble pie for dessert. LOL! Care to join me?

I plan on revealing all these slices of humble pie to you later.  As soon as I can wrap my brain around this past year and what’s been going on. Maybe I’ll have a moment to slow down in the near future. Scratch that,  yes I will have a moment to slow down and share real life with you. Humble pie and coffee chat . Sound good?

In the meantime, before the summer is over, spice up your life with some spicy shrimp Caesar salad.  And hog it all. You have my permission.

What’s your favorite type Salad? Favorite meal memory?

Cheers!

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