Ginger Shrimp Salad: A Zesty, Refreshing Meal for Any Season
A vibrant blend of zesty shrimp with crisp greens and juicy tomato for a healthy dish.
Ginger Shrimp Salad Recipe
If you’re searching for a meal that’s bursting with flavor, yet light enough for a summer lunch or a nutritious dinner, this Ginger Shrimp Salad delivers everything: bold aromatics, succulent shrimp, and a lively, tangy dressing. Broiled shrimp is tossed in a zesty ginger-soy marinade, served atop a bed of crisp greens and juicy tomatoes, with a finishing drizzle of fresh lime and jalapeño dressing. Every bite is a balance of sweet, spicy, savory, and fresh.
Why You’ll Love This Salad
- Quick to prepare: Marinate and broil the shrimp in minutes for a fast meal.
- Packed with flavor: Ginger, garlic, lime, and jalapeño create irresistible layers.
- Healthy and nutritious: Fresh salad greens, lean protein, and simple dressing.
- Versatile: Easily adaptable with additional veggies or grains.
Ingredients
To create this Ginger Shrimp Salad, you’ll need the following components:
For the Shrimp Marinade
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
For the Dressing
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)
- 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 jalapeño, seeded and finely diced
For the Salad
- 1 pound mixed salad greens
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes (halved if desired)
Step-By-Step Directions
Marinate the Shrimp
In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, minced ginger, and garlic. Add the shrimp, seal the bag, and gently toss to coat. Allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 5 minutes and up to 15 minutes. This infuses the shrimp with flavor without making them mushy.
Enhance your summer dining experience with our Grilled Shrimp Panzanella: A Vibrant Summer Salad Recipe. It combines juicy grilled shrimp with crusty bread and fresh vegetables, creating a delightful medley that's both filling and satisfying.Prepare the Dressing
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, brown sugar, minced ginger, and jalapeño until the sugar dissolves and the dressing is well combined. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
Broil the Shrimp
Preheat your oven’s broiler. Remove shrimp from the marinade and arrange them in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Broil for about 4 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink, opaque, and lightly charred on the edges. Transfer shrimp to a plate and let cool slightly; save any flavorful juices from the baking sheet.
Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, toss the salad greens and cherry tomatoes with about three-quarters of the dressing. Move the salad to a platter or individual bowls. Arrange the broiled shrimp on top, pouring over any reserved pan juices. Drizzle the remaining dressing over the shrimp and greens before serving.
Expert Tips for Best Results
- Don’t over-marinate: Acidic ingredients like soy sauce and lime can make shrimp mushy if left too long.
- Char for flavor: Broiling gives the shrimp a tasty char; keep a close eye to prevent overcooking.
- Serve immediately: The salad is best when the shrimp is freshly cooked and slightly warm, contrasting with the chilled greens.
- Customize: Add sliced avocados, seedless cucumbers, or toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.
Ingredient Substitutions and Add-Ons
- Swap honey or maple syrup for brown sugar for subtle flavor shifts.
- Use lemon juice instead of lime for a different citrus note.
- For extra texture, toss in toasted cashews, almonds, or crispy wonton strips.
- Try adding shredded carrots or thinly sliced radishes for color and bite.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Approximate Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 340 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 17g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 10g |
Nutrition will vary based on produce and portion size.
Serving Suggestions & Presentation
- Main Course: Serve as a standalone meal for a light lunch or dinner.
- Add Grains: Spoon over cooked quinoa, brown rice, or orzo for extra heartiness.
- Picnic-Perfect: Chill all components and assemble just before serving for picnics or lunchboxes.
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
- Marinate the shrimp up to a few hours ahead (refrigerated), but do not leave too long.
- Dressing can be made up to 2 days in advance and kept chilled.
- If assembling ahead, keep the greens and dressing separate; combine just before serving for freshness.
- Best enjoyed the day it’s made; leftovers should be stored airtight and consumed within 1 day for best taste.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Ginger Shrimp Salad: Add more diced jalapeño or a splash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Coconut Ginger Shrimp Salad: Add toasted coconut flakes or swap in coconut oil for a tropical twist.
- Asian Noodle Salad: Replace greens with cooled rice noodles and add shredded veggies for a more filling bowl.
- Vegetarian Option: Use marinated tofu or tempeh instead of shrimp for a plant-based meal.
Pairings and Menu Ideas
- Serve alongside chilled soba noodles or a simple miso soup for a full meal.
- Pair with a crisp white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc) or sparkling limeade.
- Round out the menu with a platter of assorted fresh fruit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I grill the shrimp instead of broiling?
A: Absolutely. Thread marinated shrimp onto skewers and grill over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side.
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes. Thaw shrimp completely, pat dry, and proceed as directed. Fresh shrimp will yield the best texture.
Q: How far ahead can I make the dressing?
A: The dressing can be made and refrigerated up to 2 days in advance. Whisk well before using.
Q: What if I don’t like spicy foods?
A: Simply omit the jalapeño, or replace with mild bell pepper for gentle flavor without the heat.
Q: What greens work best?
A: Any sturdy salad green: romaine, arugula, baby spinach, or blends work well. Avoid delicate greens if making ahead.
Seasonal Twist: Make It Your Own
This Ginger Shrimp Salad is endlessly adaptable. In summer, swap in peaches or nectarines for tomatoes. In colder months, try orange segments, thin-sliced fennel, or add roasted sweet potato cubes. The key is balancing sweet, sour, and crunch with the savory shrimp.
Pro Cooking Tips
- Uniform Shrimp Size: For even cooking, use same-size shrimp and avoid overcrowding during broiling or grilling.
- Dry Greens: Make sure salad greens are well dried so the dressing coats them without watering down flavors.
- Serve with Pan Juices: Don’t waste the delicious juices from the broiler pan—drizzle over the salad for an extra punch of flavor.
- Refrigerate Leftovers Separated: Store shrimp and salad separately for the best texture when enjoying later.
Explore More Shrimp Recipes
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Marinated in lemon, garlic, and olive oil for a simple, charred appetizer.
- Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa: Sweet, juicy mango salsa and lightly spiced shrimp on soft tortillas.
- Shrimp and Veggie Quesadillas: Cheesy, melty, and perfect for sharing.
- Shrimp Ceviche: Habanero spice and lime juice make for bold, refreshing flavors. Serve with tortilla chips as a party starter.
Printable Ginger Shrimp Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp packed brown sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 jalapeño, seeded and diced
- 1 lb mixed greens
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, and garlic. Add shrimp, toss, and let marinate 5–15 minutes.
- Whisk olive oil, lime juice, brown sugar, ginger, and jalapeño for dressing.
- Preheat broiler. Broil shrimp on baking sheet 4 minutes, until pink and slightly charred. Reserve juices.
- Toss greens and tomatoes with most of dressing. Top with shrimp and remaining dressing/juices. Serve immediately.
Final Thoughts
Fresh, fast, and full of flavor, this Ginger Shrimp Salad is your go-to for any season. Its lively dressing and protein-packed shrimp make it a centerpiece-worthy dish that works for weeknights or special occasions alike—simple enough for a beginner, yet packed with complexity for food lovers to savor. Enjoy customizing this crowd-pleaser to suit your own table and taste.
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a32404942/ginger-shrimp-salad-recipe/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sKbkVDRYJ5o
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g45656078/shrimp-appetizers/
- https://www.eatyourbooks.com/library/recipes/2942124/ginger-shrimp-salad
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/meals-menus/g32880437/shrimp-recipes/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a94020/spicy-shrimp-and-pickled-cucumber-asian-salad/
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