Do Share Recipe

Zesty Grilled Shrimp Salad with Citrus Dressing Recipe

I recently made this Grilled Shrimp Salad with Citrus Dressing, and let me tell you, it was a refreshing game-changer. The smoky grilled shrimp paired perfectly with the crisp greens and that bright, tangy citrus dressing.

It felt like sunshine on a plate—light, healthy, and satisfying at the same time. If you’ve tried Grilled Chicken Sandwich with Pesto Recipe before, you’ll love exploring this fresh twist for dinner.

Grilled Shrimp Salad with Citrus Dressing Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything that goes into this vibrant salad, along with why each ingredient makes a difference.

1 pound shrimp – Go for large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Fresh is best because frozen shrimp can lose some texture.
2 tablespoons olive oil – For marinating and grilling the shrimp to get that perfect sear.
1 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the shrimp’s natural flavor.
Salt and pepper – Keep it simple but essential for seasoning.
6 cups mixed greens – A mix of arugula, spinach, and romaine keeps the base crisp and flavorful.
1 cup cherry tomatoes – Their natural sweetness balances the citrus dressing.
1 avocado – Diced for creamy richness.
1/4 cup red onion – Thin slices give a subtle peppery bite.
1/4 cup feta cheese – Adds a tangy, salty contrast.

For the citrus dressing:

1/4 cup fresh orange juice – The sweet citrus base.
2 tablespoons lemon juice – Brightens everything with a zesty punch.
1 tablespoon honey – A natural sweetener that balances the acidity.
1/4 cup olive oil – Helps emulsify the dressing and gives it a smooth texture.
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard – For that tangy, sharp note.
Salt and pepper – To season the dressing just right.

Note: This recipe makes 4 servings.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Equipment You’ll Need

Grill or grill pan – To cook the shrimp and get that smoky char.
Mixing bowls – One for the marinade, one for the dressing.
Whisk – To blend the citrus dressing until smooth.
Skewers – Makes grilling shrimp much easier.
Salad bowl – To assemble and toss everything together.

How to Make Grilled Shrimp Salad with Citrus Dressing

Let’s walk through the steps in detail so you can easily recreate this dish at home.

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. While it’s warming up, toss the shrimp in olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is evenly coated because this step ensures they come off the grill flavorful and juicy.

Step 2: Grill the Shrimp

Thread the shrimp onto skewers to keep them from falling through the grates. Place them on the grill and cook for about 2–3 minutes per side, until they’re opaque with light grill marks. Be careful not to overcook—shrimp turn rubbery fast.

Step 3: Whisk the Citrus Dressing

In a small bowl, combine fresh orange juice, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and olive oil. Season with a little salt and pepper. Whisk until the mixture thickens slightly. This dressing should be tangy, sweet, and smooth.

Step 4: Build the Salad Base

In a large salad bowl, lay down the mixed greens. Scatter cherry tomatoes, avocado cubes, red onion slices, and crumbled feta cheese over the greens. This colorful combination makes the salad look just as good as it tastes.

Step 5: Assemble and Toss

Remove the shrimp from skewers and add them on top of the salad. Drizzle the citrus dressing generously and toss lightly so every bite has a balance of freshness, creaminess, and tang. Serve immediately for the best flavor.

Additional Tips for Making This Salad Even Better

When I made this, I discovered a few tricks that made the salad even more delicious.

Always marinate shrimp for at least 10 minutes for maximum flavor.
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 15 minutes so they don’t burn on the grill.
Chill the salad greens in the fridge before serving; it makes them extra crisp.
Use freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice for the best-tasting dressing.

Tasty Variations to Try

One of the things I love about this salad is how customizable it is. You can adjust it based on your mood or dietary needs.

Swap feta for goat cheese or leave it out for a dairy-free option.
Add quinoa or couscous to make it more filling.
Replace honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness.
Try grilled salmon or chicken instead of shrimp for a twist.
For a light dinner recipe idea, serve it with crusty bread on the side.

And if you’re into sweet treats, you can also explore the Avocado Smoothie with Spinach and Pineapple for dessert.

Serving Ideas and Garnishes

This salad looks fantastic when plated well. Try these ideas:

Serve in wide shallow bowls for a restaurant-style look.
Garnish with extra lemon wedges for squeezing.
Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for brightness.
Add a few edible flowers for a stunning presentation at gatherings.

Calories Count & Nutrition

Per serving (approximate):

Calories: 320
Protein: 26g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fat: 20g
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 6g

How to Store This Salad

Storing in the Fridge

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Store the shrimp separately from the greens to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

This salad isn’t ideal for freezing since the greens and avocado don’t thaw well. However, you can freeze the grilled shrimp alone for up to 2 months.

Reheating

If reheating shrimp, do so gently in a skillet over low heat or briefly in the microwave. Then add it back to fresh greens with dressing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are a few reasons this Grilled Shrimp Salad with Citrus Dressing will win you over:

Quick and Easy: From start to finish, it’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Healthy yet Satisfying: High in protein, packed with veggies, and balanced with healthy fats.
Versatile: Perfect for a light lunch, dinner, or even a side at barbecues.
Customizable: Easy to swap ingredients to suit your taste or diet.
Fresh Flavor Explosion: The smoky shrimp with tangy citrus dressing makes every bite exciting.

Ben Carraoli