Grilled Citrus Prawn Salad with Blue Agave Vinaigrette
Indulge in a refreshing and vibrant Grilled Citrus Prawn Salad, a summer delight inspired by the Southern shores of the United States. This dish features colossal, juicy prawns marinated in a zesty blend of Cajun spices and grilled to perfection, enhancing their natural sweetness. They are beautifully complemented by a tangy Blue Agave Tangerine Vinaigrette that combines the juicy essence of tangerines with the subtle complexities of balsamic vinegar and blue cheese. Served atop a bed of mixed greens, this salad is perfect for outdoor gatherings, offering a burst of flavors that evoke the warmth of summer days.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
25
Ingredients
Ingredients
Colossal prawns
20 (peeled to tail, deveined)
Cajun spices
1 tablespoon (mixed with garlic salt)
Citrus pepper
2 teaspoons
Garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon
Olive oil
1/4 cup for coating shrimp
Sweet vermouth
1/4 cup (for spraying on shrimp while grilling)
Zest of lemon
1/4 teaspoon
Zest of lime
1/4 teaspoon
Zest of orange
1/4 teaspoon
Zest of tangerine
1/4 teaspoon
Extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons (for dressing)
Thyme
1/4 teaspoon
Basil
1/4 teaspoon
Salt
1/4 teaspoon
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
White pepper
1/8 teaspoon
Garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon
Balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup (Olivier brand recommended)
Blue agave syrup
1 tablespoon
Juice of tangerine
1 medium
Roasted garlic cloves
3 (chopped fine and mashed)
Extra virgin olive oil
1/8 cup (for dressing)
Pinot noir wine
1 teaspoon
Blue cheese
1/3 cup (crumbled fine)
Mixed greens
12 ounces (salad mix)
Instructions
1
Begin by mixing the dry Cajun spices with garlic salt in a bowl. Set aside.
2
In another bowl, prepare the grilling marinade. Coat the peeled and deveined prawns lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle them with the mixed Cajun spices and citrus zests. Ensure they are evenly coated.
3
Preheat your grill to high heat. Once hot, place the shrimp on the grill. Spray with sweet vermouth every 30 seconds to keep them moist, grilling for a maximum of 1 to 2 minutes on each side. Be careful not to overcook the prawns, as they will become tough.
4
For the Blue Agave Tangerine Dressing, combine all spices in a mixing bowl. Gradually whisk in balsamic vinegar, followed by blue agave syrup. Slowly incorporate the olive oil while continuously whisking until fully blended. Gently fold in 2 tablespoons of blue cheese crumbles, setting aside the rest for garnish.
5
To serve, chill plates in the freezer beforehand. In an extra-large bowl, add the mixed greens. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the greens to taste, then cover the bowl and shake gently to coat the greens evenly.
6
Divide the dressed salad onto chilled plates. Artfully place the grapefruit shrimp around the salad, and finish with the remaining blue cheese crumbles on top. Enjoy with a glass of buttery Chardonnay or Pinot Noir for a perfect pairing.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in the Grilled Citrus Prawn Salad?
The recipe features 20 colossal prawns that are peeled to the tail and deveined.
How should the prawns be prepared before grilling?
Coat the prawns lightly with olive oil and sprinkle them with a mixture of Cajun spices, garlic salt, and citrus zests.
What temperature should the grill be for the prawns?
Preheat your grill to high heat before placing the prawns on it.
How long do the prawns need to cook?
Grill the prawns for a maximum of 1 to 2 minutes on each side to ensure they stay tender.
What is the secret to keeping the prawns moist on the grill?
Spray the prawns with sweet vermouth every 30 seconds while grilling.
What citrus zests are used in the prawn marinade?
The marinade uses 1/4 teaspoon each of lemon, lime, orange, and tangerine zest.
What ingredients are in the Blue Agave Tangerine Dressing?
The dressing includes balsamic vinegar, blue agave syrup, tangerine juice, roasted garlic, olive oil, and blue cheese.
Is there a specific brand of balsamic vinegar recommended?
The recipe suggests using Olivier brand balsamic vinegar for the dressing.
How is the garlic prepared for the vinaigrette?
Use three roasted garlic cloves that have been chopped fine and mashed.
What herbs are used in the salad dressing?
The dressing is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon each of thyme and basil.
How much blue cheese is required for this recipe?
You will need 1/3 cup of finely crumbled blue cheese in total.
How is the blue cheese incorporated into the dish?
Fold 2 tablespoons of blue cheese into the dressing and use the remaining amount as a garnish.
What type of greens are used for the salad base?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of mixed greens or salad mix.
Should the plates be prepared in any special way?
Yes, chill the plates in the freezer before serving to keep the salad refreshing.
What is the best way to dress the mixed greens?
Place the greens in an extra-large bowl, drizzle with dressing, cover, and shake gently to coat.
Which wines pair well with this prawn salad?
A buttery Chardonnay or a Pinot Noir are excellent pairings for this dish.
Does the dressing contain any wine?
Yes, the recipe includes one teaspoon of Pinot Noir wine in the dressing.
What regional cuisine inspired this recipe?
The dish is inspired by the flavors of the Southern shores of the United States.
How much Cajun spice is used for the prawns?
One tablespoon of Cajun spices is mixed with garlic salt for the coating.
What happens if the prawns are overcooked?
Overcooking the prawns will cause them to become tough rather than juicy.
What sweetener is used in the vinaigrette?
One tablespoon of blue agave syrup is used to balance the acidity of the dressing.
How much sweet vermouth is needed?
Use 1/4 cup of sweet vermouth for spraying the prawns during the grilling process.
What kind of pepper is used for the prawn coating?
The prawns are seasoned with two teaspoons of citrus pepper.
How much garlic salt is in the dry spice mix?
The mix includes 1/4 teaspoon of garlic salt.
What kind of oil is used for the vinaigrette?
Extra virgin olive oil is used for the dressing, added in two stages (2 tablespoons and then 1/8 cup).
What is the final step in plating the salad?
Artfully place the prawns around the salad and finish with the remaining blue cheese crumbles.
Can I use different citrus juices in the dressing?
The recipe specifically calls for the juice of one medium tangerine.
Is garlic powder used in the recipe?
Yes, 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder is included in the dressing spice blend.
What kind of peppers are in the dressing?
The dressing contains 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper and 1/8 teaspoon of white pepper.
How many people does this recipe serve?
While servings are not specified, the recipe uses 20 colossal prawns and 12 ounces of greens, typically serving 4 people.