Zesty Lemon Basil Shrimp Salad Delight
This Zesty Lemon Basil Shrimp Salad Delight is a refreshing and vibrant dish perfect for warm-weather gatherings. The juicy marinated shrimp, combined with the crispness of seasonal salad greens and the colorful crunch of bell peppers and red onion, create a visually stunning presentation on your dining table. The key to this recipe lies in the homemade lemon-basil marinade that infuses the shrimp with zesty flavors while the freshly chopped basil adds a fragrant touch. For an extra touch of elegance, serve it in Parmesan baskets that can be prepared in advance. This dish is not only low in carbs but also perfect as a light main course or a sophisticated appetizer that will impress your guests. Enjoy the delightful balance of flavors and textures that make this salad a standout choice!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
uncooked large shrimp
3 lbs (peeled and deveined, if desired)
red onion
1 large (sliced)
red bell pepper
1 (sliced)
yellow bell pepper
1 (sliced)
fresh basil
1/2 cup (chopped)
salad greens
16 cups (washed and torn)
Parmesan cheese
8 cups (grated, optional for baskets)
fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup (freshly squeezed)
Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon (none)
garlic
1 large clove (pressed)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (freshly ground)
vegetable oil
1/2 cup (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by peeling and deveining the shrimp, if desired. Place the shrimp in a large zip-top plastic freezer bag.
2
Add the sliced red onion, red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and half of the chopped fresh basil into the bag with the shrimp.
3
Prepare the lemon-basil marinade by whisking together the fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, pressed garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
4
Pour the marinade over the shrimp and vegetables in the bag. Seal the bag tightly, ensuring that all the ingredients are well coated by the marinade.
5
Refrigerate for 8 hours or up to 24 hours, turning the bag occasionally to ensure even marination. Stir in the remaining chopped basil one hour before serving.
6
When ready to serve, drain and discard the marinade.
7
If making Parmesan baskets, place grated Parmesan in small piles on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake until golden and crisp; allow to cool before using.
8
Divide the salad greens evenly between the Parmesan baskets or serving bowls.
9
Finally, arrange the marinated shrimp mixture evenly over the top of the greens and serve with additional Fresh Lemon Vinaigrette on the side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Lemon Basil Shrimp Salad Delight?
It is a refreshing and vibrant dish featuring marinated shrimp, seasonal greens, bell peppers, and red onion.
What are the primary flavors in this recipe?
The dish features a zesty lemon-basil marinade with aromatic garlic and fresh basil.
How long should the shrimp marinate?
The shrimp should be refrigerated in the marinade for 8 hours or up to 24 hours.
What type of shrimp is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 lbs of uncooked large shrimp, peeled and deveined.
How do I prepare the Parmesan baskets?
Place grated Parmesan in small piles on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake until golden and crisp.
Can the Parmesan baskets be made ahead of time?
Yes, the Parmesan baskets can be prepared in advance of serving.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad includes a large red onion, one red bell pepper, and one yellow bell pepper.
Is this recipe suitable for a low carb diet?
Yes, this Zesty Lemon Basil Shrimp Salad is specifically noted as being low in carbs.
How much fresh basil is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of chopped fresh basil, used in two parts.
What ingredients are in the lemon-basil marinade?
The marinade consists of fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, pressed garlic, salt, pepper, and vegetable oil.
When should I add the second half of the fresh basil?
Stir in the remaining chopped basil one hour before you plan to serve the dish.
Should the marinade be served with the salad?
No, you should drain and discard the marinade before arranging the shrimp on the greens.
How many cups of salad greens are needed?
The recipe calls for 16 cups of washed and torn salad greens.
What type of mustard is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses one teaspoon of Dijon mustard.
How many cloves of garlic are required?
You will need one large clove of garlic, pressed.
What kind of oil is used for the marinade?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of vegetable oil.
How should the onions and peppers be prepared?
The red onion and both bell peppers should be sliced.
Can this be served as an appetizer?
Yes, it is described as a sophisticated appetizer or a light main course.
How much Parmesan cheese is needed for the optional baskets?
The recipe suggests 8 cups of grated Parmesan cheese.
What should be served on the side?
Additional Fresh Lemon Vinaigrette can be served on the side.
Does the shrimp need to be peeled before marinating?
Yes, the shrimp should be peeled and deveined.
How much lemon juice is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 13 ingredients required for this salad.
How do I ensure the marinade coats all ingredients?
Seal the bag tightly and turn it occasionally while it is in the refrigerator.
What provides the crunch in this salad?
The bell peppers, red onion, and optional Parmesan baskets provide a colorful crunch.
Is the black pepper ground or whole?
The recipe specifies 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
What size should the red onion be?
The recipe calls for one large red onion.
Can I use different colored bell peppers?
The recipe specifically calls for red and yellow bell peppers for visual appeal.
How is the salad assembled for serving?
Divide greens into baskets or bowls and arrange the marinated shrimp mixture over the top.
What makes this a 'delight' according to the description?
The delightful balance of flavors and textures makes this salad a standout choice.