Shrimp and Macadamia Nut Salad with Finger Lime Dressing

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A refreshing salad featuring succulent prawns and crunchy macadamia nuts, brightened with a zesty finger lime and citrus dressing. This australian-inspired salads ready in about 18 minutes blends peeled and deveined large prawns, roughly chopped macadamia nuts, mixed salad greens into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves 2 Australian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 peeled and deveined prawns and 1 minced garlic clove, cooking for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove prawns and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified to create the dressing.
  3. Step 3: In a large salad bowl, toss 4 cups mixed salad greens with the dressing until evenly coated.
  4. Step 4: Arrange the cooked prawns on top of the greens, sprinkle with 1/2 cup roughly chopped macadamia nuts and 2 tbsp finger lime pearls for a burst of citrus flavor. Serve immediately.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Shrimp and Macadamia Nut Salad with Finger Lime Dressing take to make?

Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Shrimp and Macadamia Nut Salad with Finger Lime Dressing?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Shrimp and Macadamia Nut Salad with Finger Lime Dressing?

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 Shrimp and Macadamia Nut Salad with Finger Lime Dressing for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Shrimp and Macadamia Nut Salad with Finger Lime Dressing?

Australian salads 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.