Citrus Herb Shrimp Salad

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 10 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
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This Citrus Herb Shrimp Salad is like a burst of sunshine on your plate. With vibrant flavors from fresh citrus and herbs, it's a refreshing and light meal perfect for any season. Quick and simple, it's a delightful way to elevate your shrimp game.

Ingredients for Citrus Herb Shrimp Salad

The star of this dish is the shrimp, which provides a lean source of protein and cooks quickly, absorbing the bright marinade beautifully. The olive oil acts as the base for the marinade, adding a hint of richness. Both lemon zest and lime zest pack a punch of tangy flavor, while the orange juice brings a sweet balance. Mixed greens add a fresh, crisp base, with cherry tomatoes providing bursts of sweetness. Cucumber offers a refreshing crunch, and red onion gives a subtle kick. Finish it off with cilantro and mint for a fragrant, herbaceous touch. A bit of salt and pepper ties all the flavors together.

Tips & Tricks

  • Don’t over-marinate the shrimp, as the citrus can start to cook it, altering the texture.
  • Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the shrimp to get a nice sear.
  • For extra flavor, grill the shrimp instead of cooking them in a skillet.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is incredible on its own, but if you're looking to make it a fuller meal, consider serving it with some crusty bread to soak up the juices. A side of quinoa or couscous would also complement the salad beautifully. Pair it with a light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a citrusy IPA for a delightful culinary experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
You can use dried herbs, but reduce the quantity to about 1 teaspoon each since dried herbs are more potent.
How long will the leftovers last?
The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Citrus Herb Shrimp Salad Recipe Walkthrough

First, let's get the marinade going. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon zest, lime zest, and orange juice. It's like a citrusy symphony in a bowl, and your shrimp will thank you. Add the shrimp to this mixture, making sure each piece is well-coated, and let them marinate for about 10 minutes. This brief pause allows the shrimp to soak up all that zestiness.

While the shrimp is marinating, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp. You’ll want to cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side, just until they turn pink and opaque. They cook fast, so don’t wander away!

Meanwhile, in a serving bowl, combine your mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. These veggies will form the crunchy, fresh bed for your shrimp. Once the shrimp are done, arrange them on top of your salad and sprinkle with the chopped cilantro and mint for a burst of fresh flavor. Season everything with salt and pepper to taste, and you're ready to serve up a bowl of sunshine!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, ready in just 20 minutes.
  • Refreshing flavors, perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
  • The combination of citrus and herbs makes it uniquely delicious.
  • Healthy and packed with fresh ingredients.

Ingredients

1 lb fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp lime zest
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
2 cups mixed greens
1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup cucumber, sliced
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest, lime zest, and orange juice.
2. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Allow marinating for 10 minutes.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side or until pink and opaque.
4. In a serving bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
5. Top the salad with cooked shrimp and sprinkle with chopped cilantro and mint.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving.

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