Get ready to transform your taste buds with the ultimate summer sensation that'll make your mouth water and your guests beg for seconds! This Cajun Shrimp Boil Salad is not just a recipe—it's a flavor explosion that brings the vibrant spirit of Southern cooking right to your dinner table. Imagine a dish that combines the classic Southern seafood boil with a fresh, crisp salad that's both hearty and refreshing. In just 35 minutes, you'll create a mouthwatering meal that's perfect for those lazy summer evenings, backyard gatherings, or when you're craving something extraordinary that doesn't require hours in the kitchen.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 ears corn, cut into halves
- 1 lb baby potatoes
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning. Bring the water to a rolling boil.
- Add baby potatoes to the boiling water and cook for approximately 10-12 minutes until tender but not mushy. Use a fork to test doneness.
- Add corn halves to the same pot during the last 5 minutes of potato cooking. Ensure corn is bright yellow and tender.
- In the final 3 minutes, add peeled and deveined shrimp to the pot. Cook until shrimp turn pink and are opaque, about 2-3 minutes.
- Drain the potatoes, corn, and shrimp in a colander. Immediately rinse with cold water to stop cooking process and cool ingredients.
- In a large salad bowl, spread mixed greens as the base layer.
- Chop cooled potatoes and corn into bite-sized pieces. Arrange over the greens.
- Add cooked shrimp, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced avocado to the salad.
- Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, and remaining Cajun seasoning to create a zesty dressing.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
- Serve immediately while ingredients are still slightly warm for optimal flavor.
Tips
- Shrimp Cooking Perfection: Watch your shrimp closely! They're done when they turn pink and opaque, which typically takes 2-3 minutes. Overcooking will make them tough and rubbery.
- Seasoning Hack: For an extra flavor punch, consider toasting your Cajun seasoning in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding it to the water. This will enhance the spice's depth and aroma.
- Potato and Corn Timing: Use a fork to test potato tenderness. They should be easily pierced but not falling apart. For the corn, look for a bright yellow color and a tender bite.
- Cooling Technique: The cold water rinse is crucial! It stops the cooking process and helps maintain the perfect texture of your ingredients.
- Dressing Pro Tip: Whisk the dressing separately and taste before adding. You can adjust the lemon and Cajun seasoning to your preference.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve the salad slightly warm for the best flavor combination. The warm shrimp and slightly cooled vegetables create a delightful temperature contrast.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the components in advance and assemble just before serving to keep the greens crisp and fresh.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 180mg
