Description
This Cilantro Salad with Shallots and Shrimp is an incredibly fresh and flavorful dish combining juicy seared shrimp with a vibrant mix of cilantro, shallots, and crunchy nuts. Enhanced with a tangy lime-ginger dressing, this Asian-inspired salad is perfect for a light lunch or appetizer and can easily be customized with other proteins or extra veggies.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Salad Base
- 4 cups fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems
- 2 cups mixed greens (optional)
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced shallots
- 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (optional)
- 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts or cashews, roughly chopped
Dressing
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce or soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Season the shrimp with salt and pepper evenly on all sides to enhance their natural flavor before cooking.
- Sear the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook them for 2–3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the fresh cilantro leaves and tender stems, optional mixed greens, thinly sliced shallots, thinly sliced red chili (if using), and chopped roasted nuts for a varied texture and flavor profile.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, fish sauce or soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, and freshly grated ginger until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Toss Salad: Add the seared shrimp to the large bowl with the salad ingredients. Drizzle the dressing over everything and toss gently, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated without bruising the delicate herbs.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately for the best freshness and texture as a light lunch or appetizer.
Notes
- This salad has a bold, herbaceous flavor making it perfect for light meals or starters.
- You can substitute shrimp with grilled tofu or chicken to suit dietary preferences.
- For extra crunch and freshness, consider adding thinly sliced cucumber or shredded carrot to the salad.
