Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette

By · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled shrimp seasoned with Cajun spices served over mixed greens with a bright citrus vinaigrette dressing. This caribbean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, Cajun seasoning for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Caribbean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, toss 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp with 2 tsp Cajun seasoning and 2 tbsp olive oil, ensuring even coating.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread shrimp onto skewers and grill for 2-3 minutes per side until opaque and slightly charred.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a large salad bowl, combine 5 cups mixed salad greens, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp orange juice, 1 tsp honey, and 1 tsp Dijon mustard until emulsified.
  5. Step 5: Season the vinaigrette with salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Step 6: Drizzle the citrus vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.
  7. Step 7: Top the dressed salad with the grilled shrimp and serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Cajun-Spiced Shrimp Salad with Citrus Vinaigrette?

Caribbean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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