Zingy Hot Honey Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad Recipe

Summers call for vibrant, zesty dishes that pack a punch of flavor, and this hot honey blackened shrimp caesar salad hits every craving perfectly.

Spicy blackened shrimp dance across crisp romaine lettuce, creating a mouthwatering contrast of textures and temperatures.

The secret weapon?

A drizzle of sweet and fiery hot honey that elevates each bite with tantalizing complexity.

Creamy caesar dressing weaves through the salad, coating each ingredient with rich, garlicky goodness.

Crunchy croutons add a delightful textural element that makes every forkful exciting.

This isn’t just another salad, it’s a culinary adventure that transforms a simple meal into a restaurant-worthy experience.

Ingredients for Shrimp Caesar Salad

• Shrimp: Large, fresh seafood that serves as the protein base of the salad.
• Tahini: Creamy sesame paste that adds richness and depth to the Caesar dressing.
• Lettuce: Crisp green base that provides the foundation for the Caesar salad.

• Paprika, Cayenne, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Warm spices that create a bold, complex flavor profile for the blackened shrimp.
• Thyme, Oregano: Aromatic herbs that enhance the overall seasoning of the shrimp.
• Black Pepper, Salt: Classic seasonings that balance and intensify the dish's flavors.

• Butter, Honey: Combination that creates a sweet and rich hot honey glaze for the shrimp.
• Lemon Juice, Mayonnaise, Worcestershire Sauce: Typical Caesar dressing components that provide tanginess and depth to the tahini dressing.

Directions for Shrimp Caesar Salad

Step 1: Whip Up Creamy Tahini Caesar Dressing

Grab your food processor and toss in the dressing ingredients.

Blend everything until super smooth and creamy.

Give it a quick taste and adjust salt and pepper.

Transfer the dressing to an airtight container and set aside.

• Tahini
• Caesar dressing components
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 2: Spice Coat Succulent Shrimp

Mix shrimp with a vibrant blend of spices, creating a flavor explosion.

• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cayenne
• Black pepper
• Thyme
• Oregano
• Salt

Step 3: Sizzle Shrimp in Honey Glaze

Heat a skillet and melt butter.

Stir in honey and additional spices to create a glossy, spicy coating.

Carefully place shrimp in the pan and sear each side until perfectly golden.

Let the shrimp simmer in the hot honey glaze, developing a rich, caramelized exterior.

Transfer to a plate and drizzle any remaining honey sauce on top.

• Butter
• Honey
• Cayenne
• Paprika
• Garlic

Step 4: Assemble Spectacular Caesar Salad

Layer crisp romaine lettuce on a plate.

Arrange the spicy honey-glazed shrimp on top.

Drizzle the creamy tahini Caesar dressing generously.

Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and crispy croutons for extra crunch.

Tips for Shrimp Caesar Perfection

• Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the most delicious and tender results.
• Adjust cayenne pepper amount to match your personal heat tolerance for a personalized hot honey glaze.
• Use a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan to achieve a crispy, caramelized exterior on the shrimp.
• Tahini Caesar dressing can be refrigerated for up to 5 days, making meal prep easier throughout the week.
• Swap regular ingredients with gluten-free alternatives like tamari instead of soy sauce to accommodate dietary needs.

Shrimp Caesar Creative Variations

• Vegan Caesar Salad: Replace shrimp with crispy tofu or tempeh, using the same blackening spices. Swap tahini dressing with cashew-based Caesar sauce for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Carb Protein Bowl: Swap lettuce for cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use grilled chicken instead of shrimp, maintaining the hot honey and spice blend.
• Gluten-Free Seafood Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for coating shrimp. Ensure all spices and ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially in dressing and honey mix.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Replace traditional Caesar ingredients with Greek-style ingredients like kalamata olives, feta cheese, and swap paprika with za'atar spice blend for a different flavor profile.

What Goes With Shrimp Caesar Salad

• Shrimp Feast Presentation
• Serve the salad on a large wooden board for a rustic, restaurant-style feel that makes the dish look incredible.
• Zesty Garnish Boost
• Sprinkle fresh chopped chives, crumbled feta, or toasted pine nuts on top to add extra texture and flavor complexity.
• Mediterranean Pairing Magic
• Accompany the salad with warm, crusty sourdough bread or garlic-rubbed crostini to soak up the delicious hot honey and tahini dressing.
• Wine Companion Selection
• Pair with a crisp, chilled sauvignon blanc or a light pinot grigio that complements the spicy and creamy elements of the dish.

How to Store Shrimp Caesar Salad

• Store tahini caesar dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Shake well before using as separation may occur.
• Place cooked shrimp in a sealed container and refrigerate for 1-2 days. Keep away from other strong-smelling foods to maintain flavor quality.
• Warm shrimp in a skillet over low heat for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of butter to prevent drying. Avoid microwave to maintain texture and prevent rubbery consistency.
• Keep dressing, shrimp, and salad components separate until serving to prevent sogginess. Combine just before eating for maximum freshness and crispness.

FAQs

• What makes hot honey unique in this recipe?

Hot honey combines sweet honey with spicy cayenne, creating a complex flavor that caramelizes the shrimp and adds depth to the dish.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just ensure shrimp are completely thawed and patted dry before seasoning to achieve proper blackening and prevent excess moisture.

• Is tahini necessary for the Caesar dressing?

Tahini adds a rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture to the traditional Caesar dressing, making it more interesting and unique compared to classic versions.

• How spicy is this recipe?

The dish has a mild to moderate heat level from cayenne pepper in both the shrimp seasoning and hot honey, which can be adjusted by reducing or increasing the cayenne amount.

Hot Honey Shrimp Caesar Highlights

• Spice Up Your Meal: Dive into a flavor explosion with this hot honey blackened shrimp caesar salad that brings together zesty spices and sweet-heat honey glaze.
• Quick and Customizable: Whip up this restaurant-quality dish in minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Balanced Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with protein-rich shrimp, creamy tahini dressing, and vibrant seasonings, this recipe offers a delicious way to enjoy a nutritious meal that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Elevate Home Cooking: Transform ordinary ingredients into a gourmet experience with simple techniques like blackening shrimp and creating a homemade tahini caesar dressing that will make you feel like a professional chef.

Hot Honey Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

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

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Description

Spicy hot honey blackened shrimp Caesar salad brings fiery flavors dancing across crisp romaine waves. Zesty marinaded shrimp nestled among creamy dressing creates restaurant-worthy magic you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (lb) large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 2 teaspoons anchovy paste
• 2 cloves garlic

Spices and Herbs:

• 1 tablespoon + 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon + 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon + 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley

Dressing and Salad Components:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 5–6 cups kale
• 1 avocado (sliced)
• 1 cup frozen roasted corn
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the tahini caesar dressing by blending all ingredients in a food processor until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.
2. Create a robust spice blend by mixing paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, black pepper, thyme, and oregano. Thoroughly coat the shrimp with the seasoning mixture.
3. Heat a skillet over medium temperature and melt butter. Incorporate honey, additional cayenne, paprika, and garlic into the butter, creating a rich hot honey glaze.
4. Carefully place seasoned shrimp into the skillet, searing for 2 minutes on each side until they develop a deep golden-brown crust and caramelize in the hot honey sauce.
5. Allow shrimp to simmer in the glaze for an extra 1-2 minutes, ensuring they absorb the spicy-sweet flavors while maintaining a tender texture. Transfer to a plate and drizzle remaining hot honey over the shrimp.

Notes

• Choose fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture in your Caesar salad.
• Adjust cayenne pepper levels to control the heat intensity for different spice tolerances.
• Quickly sear shrimp to prevent overcooking, which can make them tough and rubbery.
• Prepare tahini dressing ahead of time to let flavors meld and develop deeper complexity.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 372 kcal
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg