Zesty Honey Garlic Shrimp, Corn & Avocado Bacon Salad Recipe

Crisp summer nights call for a vibrant salad bursting with honey garlic shrimp that dances with flavor and texture.

Fresh corn kernels add a sweet crunch to this delightful dish.

Salty bacon bits weave their magic through every delectable bite.

Creamy avocado slices bring a luxurious smoothness that balances the entire ensemble.

Each ingredient tells a story of summer’s bounty and culinary creativity.

The combination of succulent shrimp and smoky bacon creates an irresistible harmony of tastes.

How to Prepare Shrimp, Corn, and Avocado Bacon Salad

Step 1: Cook Crispy Bacon

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Fry the bacon until golden and crunchy.

Transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess grease.

Once cooled, chop into delightful bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Sizzle Succulent Shrimp

Using the same skillet with bacon drippings, add raw shrimp.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked.

Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: Assemble Fresh Salad Base

Grab a spacious salad bowl.

• Baby romaine leaves
• Diced creamy avocado
• Halved cherry tomatoes
• Sweet corn kernels
• Crumbled feta cheese
• Mixed fresh herbs

Add the cooked bacon and shrimp to the bowl.

Step 4: Whip Up Zesty Honey Garlic Dressing

• Minced garlic
• Fresh lemon juice
• Grainy Dijon mustard
• Golden honey
• Champagne vinegar
• Extra virgin olive oil

Whisk until smooth.

Season with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Dress and Toss Salad

Drizzle the honey garlic dressing over the salad ingredients.

Gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Divide the salad among serving plates.

Sprinkle additional herbs on top if desired.

Serve immediately and savor the delicious combination of flavors.

Tips for Honey Garlic Shrimp Salad

• Pat bacon dry before cooking to ensure extra crunch and even browning in the skillet.
• Cook shrimp just until they turn pink to prevent rubbery texture and maintain tender, juicy meat.
• Cut avocado and ingredients into similar-sized pieces for a harmonious bite and consistent mouthfeel.
• Add dressing moments before serving to keep salad ingredients fresh and prevent wilting of greens.
• Swap shrimp with grilled chicken or tofu for a versatile meal that suits different dietary preferences.

Flavor Variations for Shrimp and Bacon Salad

• Keto-Friendly Version: Replace corn with cauliflower rice, swap honey for sugar-free honey substitute, use low-carb bacon, and keep other ingredients the same for a low-carb adaptation.
• Vegan Protein Option: Substitute shrimp with grilled tofu or tempeh, replace bacon with crispy coconut bacon bits, use plant-based feta cheese, and maintain the original dressing for a plant-based alternative.
• Mediterranean Spin: Swap shrimp for grilled chicken, add kalamata olives, replace bacon with crispy pancetta, include cucumber chunks, and keep the honey garlic dressing for a Mediterranean-inspired version.

Serving Ideas for Honey Garlic Shrimp Salad

• Picnic Perfect Plate: Pack this salad in sealed containers for a delightful outdoor lunch that stays fresh and vibrant.
• Surf and Turf Twist: Serve alongside grilled steak or roasted chicken to create a complete, protein-packed meal with incredible flavor combinations.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the salad's rich flavors with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio that enhances the seafood and tangy dressing.
• Leftover Lunch Magic: Transform remaining salad into a quick wrap by using large tortillas, adding extra fresh herbs for a zesty midday meal that repurposes your delicious creation.

How to Store Honey Garlic Shrimp Salad

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Separate dressing from salad to prevent soggy greens.
• Do not freeze this salad as avocado and greens will become mushy and lose texture when thawed.
• Gently warm shrimp in a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of olive oil to prevent drying out. Avoid microwave to maintain tenderness.
• For best flavor, consume salad fresh. If storing, add crispy bacon and fresh herbs just before serving to maintain crunchiness and vibrant taste.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure proper seasoning and crispy texture.

• Is there a substitute for champagne vinegar?

You can use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as an easy replacement with similar tangy flavor profile.

• How do I know when shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp turn pink and curl into a “C” shape when they’re done, which typically takes 2-3 minutes per side in a hot skillet.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Prepare ingredients separately and combine just before serving to prevent soggy greens and maintain the salad’s fresh crispness.

What Makes Honey Garlic Shrimp, Corn, and Avocado Bacon Salad So Delicious

• Savor Quick Flavor Fusion: A delightful salad that combines multiple taste profiles in one exciting dish.
• Effortless Protein-Packed Meal: Shrimp and bacon provide a satisfying protein boost without complex cooking techniques.
• Versatile Seasonal Delight: Perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or a light lunch that feels gourmet yet simple to prepare.
• Nutritious One-Bowl Wonder: Packed with fresh ingredients like avocado, corn, and herbs, delivering a balanced and wholesome eating experience.

Ingredients for Honey Garlic Shrimp and Bacon Salad

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that provides a delicate and sweet flavor to the salad.
• Bacon: Crispy meat that adds a rich and smoky element to the dish.

• Feta Cheese: Tangy cheese that brings a creamy and salty texture to the salad.

• Baby Romaine, Mixed Greens: Fresh and crisp leafy greens that form the foundation of the salad.

• Avocado, Cherry Tomatoes, Corn Kernels: Colorful and nutritious vegetables that add freshness and variety to the dish.

• Mixed Herbs: Fresh herbs that enhance the overall flavor profile of the salad.

• Garlic, Lemon Juice, Dijon Mustard, Honey, Champagne Vinegar, Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Flavorful components that create a balanced and zesty dressing.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the taste of the ingredients.

Honey Garlic Shrimp, Corn, and Avocado Bacon Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling honey garlic shrimp dances with crisp corn and creamy avocado in this irresistible summer salad. Smoky bacon bits and zesty dressing elevate each refreshing bite, promising a delightful meal that will satisfy your cravings completely.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1.5 pounds raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon

Vegetables and Fruits:

• 1 avocado (diced)
• 3 ears corn (kernels removed)
• 4 cups baby romaine or mixed greens
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)

Dressing and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/3 cup mixed herbs (such as parsley, basil, and chives)
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (grainy)
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Render bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, allowing excess grease to drain, then chop into crumbled pieces.
2. Utilize the same skillet with residual bacon fat to sauté shrimp. Season with salt and pepper, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until they transform to a vibrant pink and are fully cooked.
3. Assemble the salad base by combining mixed greens, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, corn kernels, crumbled feta, and fresh herbs in a large mixing bowl.
4. Incorporate the crisp bacon fragments and perfectly cooked shrimp into the salad mixture.
5. Prepare the dressing by whisking minced garlic, lemon juice, grainy Dijon mustard, honey, champagne vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil until smooth and emulsified. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Gently cascade the honey garlic dressing over the salad ingredients, ensuring thorough but delicate coating.
7. Plate the salad, distributing evenly and garnishing with additional fresh herbs for visual appeal and enhanced flavor profile. Serve immediately at room temperature.

Notes

• Ensure bacon is cooked until perfectly crisp for maximum flavor and texture contrast in the salad.
• Watch shrimp closely while cooking to prevent overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery.
• Adjust honey garlic dressing sweetness by adding more or less honey to suit personal taste preferences.
• Cook bacon and shrimp simultaneously to reduce overall cooking time and maintain ingredient temperature.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 395 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 17 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 195 mg