Imagine a salad that's not just a boring pile of greens, but a flavor explosion that transforms your entire meal experience! Our Blackened Shrimp Cobb Salad is the culinary superhero you've been waiting for - a perfect blend of smoky, spicy shrimp, crisp romaine, creamy avocado, and tangy blue cheese that will make your ordinary lunch feel like a gourmet restaurant experience. Get ready to elevate your salad game and impress everyone at the table with this mouthwatering recipe that's as easy to make as it is delicious!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp blackening seasoning
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 4 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
- 1/2 cup blue cheese crumbles
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the ingredients. Peel and devein the shrimp if not already done, and rinse them under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with the blackening seasoning until they are evenly coated. Make sure each shrimp is thoroughly covered with the seasoning.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Allow the oil to heat for about 1-2 minutes until it shimmers but does not smoke.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; you may need to cook them in batches if your skillet is small.
- Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they develop a dark, charred crust. Flip the shrimp and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side until they are opaque and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
- While the shrimp are cooking, prepare the salad base. In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, and sliced hard-boiled eggs.
- Once the shrimp are cooked and slightly cooled, add them to the salad bowl. Gently toss the ingredients together to combine, being careful not to mash the avocado or eggs.
- Sprinkle the blue cheese crumbles over the top of the salad. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and toss gently once more to incorporate the cheese.
- To serve, divide the salad among four plates or bowls. Optionally, drizzle with additional olive oil or your favorite dressing if desired. Enjoy your Blackened Shrimp Cobb Salad!
Tips
- Pat your shrimp completely dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect blackened crust
- Use a cast-iron skillet if possible for the best searing and flavor development
- Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp - cook in batches for optimal charring
- Let the shrimp rest for a minute after cooking to retain their juiciness
- For extra flavor, consider making your own blackening seasoning blend
- Choose ripe but firm avocados to prevent mushing when tossing the salad
- For a lighter version, you can grill the shrimp instead of pan-searing
- Prep ingredients ahead of time to make assembly quick and easy
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 380mg
