Zesty Southwestern Shrimp Taco Salad
This vibrant Zesty Southwestern Shrimp Taco Salad combines juicy grilled shrimp and sweet corn with a refreshing cilantro-lime vinaigrette that elevates it to restaurant-quality deliciousness. Packed with protein and fiber, this colorful salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The combination of crisp romaine, earthy black beans, ripe tomatoes, and creamy avocado adds a multitude of textures and flavors. You can enjoy this dish on its own or serve it in taco shells for a fun twist! Perfect for gatherings or meal prep, this salad is bound to become a staple in your culinary repertoire.
N/A
Servings
205
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
lime juice
1/4 cup (fresh)
olive oil
2 tablespoons
ground cumin
1 teaspoon
minced garlic
2 teaspoons
maple syrup
2 teaspoons
chipotle hot sauce
2 teaspoons
medium shrimp
3/4 lb (peeled)
fresh corn
2 ears (shucked)
cooking spray
(for grilling)
romaine lettuce
1 head (washed and torn)
green onion
1 bunch (chopped)
cilantro
1/4 cup (fresh and chopped)
black beans
1 (15 ounce) can (rinsed and drained)
plum tomatoes
3 (chopped)
avocado
1 (peeled and diced)
Instructions
1
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2
In a small bowl, combine the lime juice, olive oil, ground cumin, minced garlic, maple syrup, and chipotle hot sauce. Whisk until well blended.
3
Place the shrimp in a shallow bowl and drizzle 1 tablespoon of the lime juice mixture over the shrimp. Toss gently to coat the shrimp evenly. Reserve the remaining lime juice mixture for later.
4
Lightly spray the grill with cooking spray. Thread the shrimp onto skewers or place them in a grill basket. Add the corn to the grill as well. Grill the shrimp for about 8 minutes, turning once, and grill the corn, turning frequently, until it is lightly browned on all sides. Remove from the grill and let cool slightly.
5
In a large bowl, combine the grilled shrimp, cut corn kernels, torn romaine lettuce, chopped green onions, chopped cilantro, black beans, and chopped tomatoes.
6
Drizzle the salad with the reserved lime juice mixture and toss gently to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
7
Divide the salad evenly among six plates, topping each serving with diced avocado. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, zesty flavors!
Nutrition Information
9.1g
Fat
14.8g
Carbs
15.5g
Protein
3.8g
Fiber
1.25g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Southwestern Shrimp Taco Salad?
It is a vibrant salad combining grilled shrimp, sweet corn, black beans, and fresh vegetables with a cilantro-lime vinaigrette.
What kind of shrimp should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3/4 lb of medium shrimp that have been peeled.
How do I make the dressing for the shrimp taco salad?
Combine lime juice, olive oil, ground cumin, minced garlic, maple syrup, and chipotle hot sauce, then whisk until well blended.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 205 calories.
Is this shrimp salad considered healthy?
Yes, it is packed with protein and fiber and features fresh, nutrient-dense ingredients like avocado and romaine lettuce.
Can I use frozen corn?
While fresh ears of corn are recommended for grilling, you can use frozen corn kernels if fresh corn is unavailable.
How long does it take to grill the shrimp?
The shrimp should be grilled for about 8 minutes, turning once.
What type of lettuce is best for this salad?
This recipe uses one head of romaine lettuce, washed and torn into bite-sized pieces.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep, though it is best to add the avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
How much protein is in a serving?
There are 15.5g of protein per serving.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a zesty kick from the chipotle hot sauce, which you can adjust based on your heat tolerance.
Can I substitute the shrimp with another protein?
Yes, grilled chicken or tofu would be great alternatives for this Southwestern-style salad.
How do I prepare the shrimp for grilling?
Toss the peeled shrimp in a tablespoon of the lime juice mixture and thread them onto skewers or use a grill basket.
What are the primary ingredients in the vinaigrette?
The vinaigrette consists of lime juice, olive oil, cumin, garlic, maple syrup, and chipotle hot sauce.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely, bell peppers, radishes, or red onions would make excellent additions to this recipe.
How should I store leftover salad?
Store the salad components in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The listed ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always verify your specific brand of chipotle hot sauce.
What kind of beans are used in this recipe?
One 15-ounce can of black beans, rinsed and drained, is used for this salad.
How do I grill the corn?
Grill the shucked ears of corn, turning frequently, until they are lightly browned on all sides.
Can I use a grill pan instead of an outdoor grill?
Yes, a stovetop grill pan works perfectly for grilling both the shrimp and the corn.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe is designed to be divided into six even servings.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 9.1g of fat.
Can I omit the cilantro?
Yes, if you do not like cilantro, you can leave it out or substitute it with fresh parsley.
What is the fiber content of this dish?
This salad provides 3.8g of fiber per serving.
Is there any added sugar in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of maple syrup, contributing to a total of 1.25g of sugar per serving.
How do I keep the avocado from browning?
Wait until you are ready to serve the salad before peeling and dicing the avocado.
Can I serve this in taco shells?
Yes, serving this salad in taco shells is a fun and recommended alternative way to enjoy it.
What type of tomatoes are recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for 3 plum tomatoes, chopped.
Is this recipe suitable for summer gatherings?
Yes, it is tagged as a perfect summer dish and is great for gatherings.
What gives this salad its Southwestern flavor?
The combination of cumin, lime, black beans, corn, and chipotle hot sauce provides a classic Southwestern profile.