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Made with juicy, succulent shrimp and topped with a fresh made mango dressing, this blackened shrimp salad is packed with flavor and only takes 15 minutes to make!
We don't scrimp on taste around here. If I'm going to eat a salad, it better be damn tasty. And this spicy shrimp salad is just that.
Sometimes you just need something quick and easy. Plus it has this oh-so-delicious mango dressing that is just so easy to make. Fresh mango, white balsamic vinegar and a few herbs and spices in a blender. That's it. Easy peasy.
And that mango dressing with those juicy, succulent slightly spicy, blackened shrimp. Plus fresh tomatoes and avocado and apple and red onion....all the good stuff guys. THIS is the salad you want to be eating.
If you're a fan of blackened seasoning, you must try this Cajun blackened catfish recipe that super easy to make and just incredible. It's a fan favorite for sure!
What is the difference between blackened and Cajun?
Blackened seasoning tends to be less spicy than your typical Cajun seasoning, and a little less herby than Creole seasoning. It falls right in the middle of the two, with the perfect amount of herbs and spice.
Why this blackened shrimp salad recipe works
- Fresh mango dressing complements the intense flavor of the blackened shrimp.
- Using larger shrimp helps them to stay juicy and succulent.
- It only takes 15 minutes to make, which is perfect for busy weeknights.
- The shrimp can be made in advance for convenience.
- The recipe can be double or tripled easily for bigger crowds as it is a crows pleaser!
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Ingredients
The full list of ingredients and amounts is included in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
We use medium to large sized raw shrimp that has been peeled and deveined. You can buy shrimp with the shell on and peel and devein yourself as well. From shrimp work great too! Just thaw them out in the fridge and pat the dry before using.
Any bag of salad mix will work. I like a mix of greens including arugula and spinach or romaine lettuce, but whatever greens you like will work! And don't skip the apple! It adds a nice sweetness and crunch to the salad.
Fresh mango (or frozen), fresh lime juice (or lemon juice) and white balsamic make a sweet and tart base for the mango vinaigrette.
Substitutions and variations
- Add in grilled corn, fire roasted tomatoes, cucumber or any other veggies you like.
- Substitute your favorite dressing for the mango dressing. I actually find that Ranch dressing goes well with the Cajun flavors.
- Use pieces of mango and/or even pineapple in place of or in addition to the apple.
- For extra crunch, try some croutons, sunflower seeds or crispy fried onions on top of the salad.
- If you don't have blackened seasoning, you can substitute Cajun season or this amazing homemade Creole seasoning that uses garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, onion powder, and black pepper, among others.
Step by step instructions to make blackened shrimp salad
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and coat evenly with the blackened seasoning.
- Heat the butter over medium high heat and add the shrimp. Cook shrimp for about 1-2 minutes per side, until cooked through (should be pink in color) and no longer opaque.
Assemble the salad ingredients in a large bowl and top with the blackened shrimp and avocado. Drizzle with the mango salad dressing (below).
How to make mango dressing
Combine all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. The dressing can be stored in a seal-able jar in the fridge for up to one week.
Expert tips
- Use the fan while cooking the shrimp - the blackened seasoning has a tendency to smoke at higher heats.
- Don't overcook the shrimp or it will be chewy. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, remove them from the heat. They will cook fast.
- Make sure to pat the shrimp dry before searing them! If they go in the pan to wet, they will not brown properly and end up overcooking.
- If the red onion is especially potent, soak it in some water with a teaspoon of vinegar in it for about 10 minutes to reduce some of it's sharpness.
Frequently asked questions
If you didn't pat the shrimp dry before searing them, it may make them more watery. Also, if the salad has sat in the fridge with the dressing on for too long it can get soggy.
The shrimp can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil. The shrimp can also be eaten cold if desired.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. If possible, store the shrimp, dressing and greens/vegetables separate to avoid it getting soggy.
More healthy salad recipes
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Recipe
Blackened Shrimp Salad
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 10 ounces medium-large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 bag salad mix (any kind)
- 4 teaspoon blackened seasoning
- 1 avocado sliced
- grape tomatoes halved
- ¼ red onion thinly sliced
- 1 green apple diced
Mango Dressing
- ½ cup fresh mango
- 1 ½ tablespoon fresh lime juice
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 garlic clove
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes
Instructions
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels and coat evenly with blackened seasoning.
- Heat 1 tablespoon butter, bacon fat, coconut oil or other cooking oil over medium high heat.
- Add shrimp and cook for about 1-2 minutes per side, until cooked through but not overcooked. They should no longer be opaque.
- Combine remaining salad ingredients and serve with mango dressing (below).
Mango Dressing:
- Combine all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Store the dressing in a seal-able jar in the fridge for up to one week.
Expert Tips:
- Use the fan while cooking the shrimp - the blackened seasoning has a tendency to smoke at higher heats.
- Don't overcook the shrimp or it will be chewy. As soon as they turn pink and opaque, remove them from the heat. They will cook fast.
- Make sure to pat the shrimp dry before searing them! If they go in the pan to wet, they will not brown properly and end up overcooking.
- If the red onion is especially potent, soak it in some water with a teaspoon of vinegar in it for about 10 minutes to reduce some of it's sharpness.
Nutrition
Sharon says
This blackened shrimp salad has me drooling! Perfect for quick lunches or a light dinner for busy nights.
Danielle says
Totally! Thanks Sharon 🙂
Dominique | Perchance to Cook says
That salad looks just divine! What a great idea to use fresh mango to make the dressing. It looks so fresh and creamy and thick... I'm drooling thinking about it! I've got to try this 🙂
Danielle says
Thanks so much 🙂
Kylie | Midwest Foodie says
Blackened shrimp is one of my favorite things to eat when we go out, but I've never tried making it at home. My husband grew up eating blackened fish and still talks regularly about how delicious it was. Can't wait to make this recipe for him!
Danielle says
Blackened shrimp is just so awesome, and super easy to make at home! I hope you guys love this!
Veena Azmanov says
Love the dressing and the combination of ingredients to making this amazing and unique salad. Crunchy and super healthy too.
Danielle says
Thanks Veena!
Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
This Spicy Blackened Shrimp Salad looks insanely, incredibly good. Sooo yummy! Can't wait to make this for my husband!
Danielle says
Thanks Maggie!!
Aleta says
Oh boy, my husband is going to be so thrilled when I make him this salad! He loves shrimp salad and I'm always trying out new flavours to try. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Danielle says
You're welcome Aleta! I hope you guys love it 🙂
Michelle says
I love blackened fish and shrimp, it's such a tasty meal! I love the idea of making this into a salad and that mango dressing sounds divine.
Danielle says
Blackened seasoning is just a great seasoning!
Uma Srinivas says
I loved your mango dressings for the salad. I don't eat shrimp, but I can make this without that using your dressing recipe:)
Danielle says
Totally! The mango dressing is pretty delicious 🙂
Cheese Curd In Paradise says
This is incredible! I love the spicy seasoning on the shrimp paired with the sweet mango dressing. The contrast is delicious, and it is such an easy recipe to make!
Danielle says
Thanks Ashley!
Claudia Lamascolo says
Thats the only way I order shrimps out for my salad but I never tried this thanks for posting I must make this immediately!
Danielle says
Hope you love it Claudia!
michele h peterson says
I can't get enough mango especially n mango season and I love the idea of combining a mango dressing with shrimp. Definitely a must-try!
Danielle says
Mangoes really are so delicious!!
kim says
What a fabulous recipe! So easy and tasty too!
Danielle says
Thanks Kim!
Demeter says
What a great combination of flavors! I feel like I would want to use this mango dressing on just about everything this summer. Wow!
Danielle says
You really could use it on anything!
Ashley @ Sweetpea Lifestyle says
This looks SO DANG YUMMY!!!!!! And I like to think I'm not a salad person, but in the summer I can't get enough!
Danielle says
I am usually no a salad person, but this one is pretty yummy 😉
Rosa says
Oooo I am loving the sound of that mango dressing!! Plus how can you go wrong with a 15 minute meal? 🙂
Danielle says
Right? Thanks Rosa!
kathy says
That mango dressing sounds so good. Love this recipe!