Keto Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad Recipe
A smoky, spicy twist on the classic Caesar – ready in 25 minutes!
KEY INFO
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 425 per serving
- Fat: 32g
- Protein: 28g
- Net Carbs: 4g
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary: Keto, Low-Carb, Gluten-Free
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Large skillet or grill pan
- 2 mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs
- Cutting board & knife
- (Can use blender instead of whisk for dressing)
INGREDIENTS
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Blackening Seasoning:
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp cayenne (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Salad Base:
- 2 hearts romaine lettuce, chopped
- ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan cheese
- Extra Parmesan for garnish
Keto Caesar Dressing:
- ½ cup (120ml) mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 anchovy fillets, minced (optional)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ¼ cup (25g) grated Parmesan
- Salt and pepper to taste
METHOD
1. Mix Blackening Seasoning:
Combine all spices in a small bowl.
2. Make Dressing:
- Whisk mayonnaise, lemon juice, mustard, anchovies, and garlic.
- Stir in Parmesan.
- Season to taste.
- Refrigerate while preparing other components.
3. Prepare Shrimp:
- Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels.
- Coat evenly with blackening seasoning.
- Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook 2-3 minutes per side until pink with light charring.
4. Assemble:
- Toss romaine with desired amount of dressing.
- Top with hot shrimp.
- Sprinkle with extra Parmesan.
- Serve immediately.
CRUCIAL TIPS
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp.
- Pat shrimp very dry before seasoning.
- Dress the salad lightly – you can always add more.
- Make extra dressing – keeps for 5 days refrigerated.
STORAGE & SCALING
- Store components separately.
- Dressing: 5 days refrigerated.
- Cooked shrimp: 2 days refrigerated.
- Double recipe easily for meal prep.
- Best eaten fresh, but can prep components ahead.
VARIATIONS
- Swap shrimp for chicken.
- Add crispy bacon bits.
- Use grilled romaine for smokiness.
- Make dairy-free using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
This recipe has become my go-to for impressing guests while keeping it keto. The key is getting that perfect char on the shrimp – don’t be afraid of the heat!
