Here’s a detailed recipe for a Dense Grilled Shrimp Salad — meaning it’s hearty, protein-packed, and full of texture and flavor. This isn’t your light “just greens” salad; it’s satisfying enough for a full meal, loaded with grilled shrimp, roasted vegetables, and a zesty dressing.
🍤 Dense Grilled Shrimp Salad Recipe (Protein-Packed & Filling)
🕒 Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Prep: 20 mins | Grill/Cook: 10–15 mins
Servings: 2–3 large portions
🧾 Ingredients
🍤 For the Grilled Shrimp:
- 1 lb (450g) large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail on or off)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
🥗 For the Salad Base:
- 4 cups mixed greens (romaine, arugula, spinach)
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or farro (adds density)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup grilled or roasted corn (fresh or thawed frozen)
- ½ cup diced cucumber
- ½ avocado, sliced or cubed
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup feta or goat cheese (optional)
- Fresh herbs: chopped parsley or cilantro
🍋 For the Dressing (Zesty Lemon-Garlic Vinaigrette):
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced or grated
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
- Salt & pepper to taste
🔥 Instructions
1. Marinate the Shrimp
- In a bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, garlic, paprika, chili flakes, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Let sit for 10–15 minutes while you prep other ingredients.
2. Cook the Quinoa/Farro (if not already done)
- Rinse grains.
- Cook according to package instructions and let cool slightly.
3. Grill or Sauté the Shrimp
- Grill: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Grill shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred.
- Sauté: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, cook shrimp 2–3 mins per side.
✅ Don’t overcook — shrimp are done as soon as they curl into a “C” and turn opaque.
4. Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl or platter, arrange greens, cooked grains, and chopped veggies.
- Add grilled shrimp on top.
- Drizzle with dressing, sprinkle herbs and cheese, and top with avocado.
5. Serve
- Serve warm or chilled with lemon wedges on the side.
🧠 Why It’s “Dense”
- Protein from shrimp + quinoa
- Fiber from grains + veggies
- Healthy fats from avocado and olive oil
- Volume and crunch from greens and cucumber
It’s satisfying and keeps you full.
❓ FAQs
🍤 Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes — just thaw completely before marinating. Pat dry to avoid excess moisture.
🔥 Can I use an air fryer instead of grilling?
Yes. Air fry marinated shrimp at 375°F (190°C) for 6–8 minutes, shaking halfway through.
🍚 Can I replace quinoa?
Absolutely. Try:
- Cooked farro, couscous, or brown rice
- Lentils for even more protein
- Cauliflower rice for low-carb
🧀 Can I skip the cheese?
Yes. Cheese is optional and can be replaced with:
- Sliced olives
- Roasted chickpeas for a crunchy, salty kick
🥶 Can I meal prep this?
Yes — store ingredients separately:
- Shrimp: 3 days in fridge
- Grains: 4 days
- Salad/dressing: store dry and mix when ready to eat
🌶️ Want it spicier?
- Add sriracha to the dressing
- Sprinkle Tajin, chili powder, or cayenne over the shrimp before grilling
🥬 Best greens for this salad?
- Arugula adds pepperiness
- Romaine adds crunch
- Spinach adds nutrition
- Mixed baby greens keep it light and fresh
🥗 Dressing alternatives?
Try:
- Avocado-lime dressing
- Cilantro yogurt sauce
- Spicy tahini dressing
Would you like:
- A printable recipe card?
- A high-protein version for fitness goals?
- Or a TikTok/Instagram recipe reel script?
Let me know!