American Grilled Shrimp Salad with Mediterranean Olive Oil and Asian Sesame Seeds

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-03-23 · Updated 2026-03-23

Juicy grilled shrimp served on a bed of greens with Mediterranean dressing and Asian sesame crunch. This american-inspired salads (low-carb) ready in about 30 minutes pairs shrimp, mixed greens, olive oil into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1 lb shrimp
• 4 cups mixed greens
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lemon
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup red onion

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat 1 lb shrimp dry with paper towels, then season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat (around 400°F), then add the shrimp in a single layer. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, until the flesh turns pink and opaque, and the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Tip: Avoid overcrowding the grill to ensure even cooking and prevent steaming.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp), and 1 tsp each of dried oregano and thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh herbs, chopped). Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Whisk until emulsified, then set aside. Tip: Whisking thoroughly helps emulsify the dressing for a smoother texture.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, add 4 cups mixed greens, 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, and 1 tbsp sesame seeds. Drizzle the herb dressing over the greens, then toss with tongs or a large spoon until the greens are evenly coated. Add the grilled shrimp to the bowl and gently toss to combine. Tip: Add the sesame seeds after tossing the greens to prevent them from becoming soggy.