Hot Honey Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad

A zesty upgrade to a classic Caesar, this Hot Honey Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad pairs smoky-spicy shrimp with a creamy tahini Caesar dressing, crisp kale, buttery avocado, and sweet roasted corn. It’s a vibrant, satisfying dish that’s packed with bold flavor and ready in just minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Features bold, spicy-sweet flavor from blackened seasoning and hot honey
• Fast and simple—on the table in under 30 minutes
• Offers a nutritious balance of protein, healthy fats, and greens
• Uses a creative, dairy-light Caesar dressing with tahini and lemon
• Perfect for weeknight dinners, summer lunches, or impressive appetizers

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper
• Black pepper
• Dried thyme
• Dried oregano
• Salt
• Butter
• Honey
• Kale
• Avocado
• Roasted corn

For the Tahini Caesar Dressing:

• Dijon mustard
• Tahini
• Anchovy paste
• Garlic
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil

Directions

this recipe

1. Blend together all ingredients for the dressing until smooth; season to taste.
2. Toss shrimp with spices and herbs.
3. Melt butter in a skillet, stir in honey and spices, and cook shrimp until blackened and glazed.
4. Massage kale with a bit of dressing until tender.
5. Plate kale, top with shrimp, avocado, and corn. Drizzle with remaining dressing and serve.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Substitute shrimp with grilled chicken or tofu
• Use romaine or spinach instead of kale
• Add cherry tomatoes or croutons for texture
• Make it dairy-free by skipping the Parmesan

Storage/Reheating

• Store shrimp and salad separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days
• Reheat shrimp gently in a skillet; avoid microwaving to preserve texture
• Keep avocado fresh by slicing just before serving

FAQs

What kind of shrimp works best?

Use large or jumbo shrimp for the ideal texture and flavor.

Can I use a different green than kale?

Yes, romaine or mixed greens work well too.

Is this salad spicy?

It has a mild to moderate heat—adjust the cayenne and honey to taste.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, prep components in advance and assemble just before serving.

Is the dressing dairy-free?

No, it contains Parmesan, but you can skip it or use a vegan alternative.

How can I make it vegetarian?

Swap shrimp for grilled tofu or chickpeas and omit anchovy paste in the dressing.

Can I use frozen corn?

Yes, thaw and roast it lightly in a pan or oven for added flavor.

What else can I use the tahini Caesar dressing on?

It’s great on grain bowls, roasted veggies, or as a dip.

Can I grill the shrimp instead?

Absolutely—just glaze them during the final minute to avoid burning.

What sides go well with this salad?

Crusty bread, garlic toast, or a light soup pairs nicely.

Conclusion

This Hot Honey Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad is a flavorful, nutrient-packed twist on a favorite classic. It’s spicy, sweet, creamy, and crunchy—all the textures and flavors you crave in one bowl. Perfect for busy nights or when you want a little extra flair with your greens.

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