Cajun Shrimp Salad Recipes
Cajun shrimp salad is a Southern staple that brings together bold spice, succulent seafood, and refreshing greens. Whether you're serving a light lunch, prepping a dinner party appetizer, or craving a high-protein meal with a little kick, these three Cajun shrimp salad recipes will fire up your kitchen and satisfy your cravings.
Each one puts a unique spin on the classic, featuring vibrant ingredients like creamy avocado, crisp corn, roasted sweet potatoes, and even a cool yogurt-lime dressing to balance the heat. From a quick weekday toss-up to a dinner-worthy centerpiece, these salads showcase how Cajun seasoning turns shrimp into a star.
1. Classic Cajun Shrimp Salad with Avocado and Corn
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
4 cups romaine or mixed greens
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 avocado, diced
1 cup sweet corn (grilled or canned)
1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Juice of 1 lime
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Dressing:
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
Instructions:
Season and Sauté the Shrimp: Toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, and olive oil in a bowl. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until opaque and slightly crispy on the edges.
Build the Salad: In a large bowl or on a platter, layer the greens, tomatoes, avocado, corn, and red onion. Top with warm shrimp.
Dress It Up: In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients and drizzle over the salad. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Why You’ll Love It: The buttery avocado softens the spice from the shrimp, while the sweet corn adds just the right crunch. It's a classic combo that never goes out of style.
2. Cajun Shrimp & Roasted Sweet Potato Salad
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Ingredients:
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 medium sweet potatoes, cubed
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cumin
4 cups spinach or kale
1/2 cup feta or goat cheese crumbles
1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
1/4 cup green onions, sliced
Creamy Garlic Yogurt Dressing:
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 clove garlic, grated
Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
Roast the Sweet Potatoes: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss sweet potato cubes with olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Cook the Shrimp: Season shrimp with Cajun seasoning and a touch of oil. Sauté in a hot skillet for 5–6 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
Make the Dressing: Whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Assemble the Salad: Toss greens with roasted sweet potatoes, cooked shrimp, cheese, pumpkin seeds, and green onions. Drizzle with the creamy garlic yogurt dressing.
Why You’ll Love It: The sweetness of roasted potatoes pairs perfectly with spicy shrimp, while the creamy yogurt dressing adds tang and richness without heaviness.
3. Cajun Shrimp Pasta Salad with Bell Peppers
Serves: 6 (as a side)
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients:
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
8 oz rotini or bowtie pasta
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 yellow bell pepper, diced
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1/4 cup scallions, chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne for extra spice
Instructions:
Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
Sauté the Shrimp: Season shrimp with Cajun seasoning. Sauté over medium-high heat in a skillet until pink and lightly crisp, about 5 minutes. Let cool slightly.
Mix the Dressing: In a large bowl, mix mayo, sour cream or yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and cayenne if using.
Combine the Salad: In the dressing bowl, stir in the pasta, shrimp, bell peppers, celery, and scallions. Chill before serving.
Why You’ll Love It: This make-ahead-friendly salad is perfect for potlucks or cookouts. The pasta soaks up the creamy, spicy dressing while the veggies keep it fresh and crunchy.
Final Tips for Cajun Shrimp Salad Success:
Use Fresh Shrimp: If using frozen, make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning and cooking. Excess water can dilute the spices and prevent a good sear.
Balance the Heat: Cajun seasoning varies in spice level. If yours is particularly spicy, pair it with creamy or citrusy ingredients like avocado, yogurt, or lemon to mellow the burn.
Add Crunch: Fresh veggies like cucumbers, bell peppers, radishes, and seeds or nuts bring great texture and nutrition to shrimp salads.
Meal Prep It: These salads (especially the pasta one) can be made in advance. Store components separately and combine just before serving for the best texture.
Whether you're craving the creamy zest of avocado and lime, the cozy sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes, or the hearty bite of a cold pasta salad, these Cajun shrimp salad recipes deliver bold flavors with simple ingredients. Each one proves that spicy seafood and fresh produce are a match made in culinary heaven.
Helpful Reading
Low Histamine Bread Recipes
https://www.amazon.com/Low-Histamine-Bread-Recipes-Loaves-Sensitive-ebook/dp/B0F2SNZKDR/
The Dahlia Microfarm: Starting a Profitable Backyard Flower Business
https://www.amazon.com/Dahlia-Microfarm-Starting-Profitable-Vegetables-ebook/dp/B0F4XYPR3Z/
Lavender for Weddings and Events: Grow and Create DIY Bouquets, Decor and More
https://www.amazon.com/Lavender-Weddings-Events-Bouquets-Flowers-ebook/dp/B0F4YSH9M3/