Name: Grilled Shrimp Salad with Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette Recipe
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 8 medium-large shrimp; 12 oz DOLE® Very Veggie™; 10 cherry tomatoes; 2 medium mushrooms; 2 Green Onions; For Ginger Sesame Vinaigrette:; ⅓ cup rice vinegar; ¼ cup Sesame seeds; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 2 tsp ginger; 2 tsp garlic; ⅔ cup canola oil; ⅓ cup sesame oil

This grilled shrimp salad topped with a tantalizing sesame ginger vinaigrette is perfect for a light dinner or as a side dish. Healthy and vibrant, this salad brings together the succulent flavors of the sea with the freshness of vegetables and the exotic aroma of sesame and ginger.

Photos of Grilled Shrimp Salad with Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette Recipe

All the ingredients for this recipe are commonly found in most supermarkets. If you are unfamiliar with sesame seeds, they are tiny, oil-rich seeds that add a crunch and a distinctive fragrant flavor to the dressing. You can usually find them in the spice section or in the international foods aisle of your supermarket.

Ingredients for Grilled Shrimp Salad with Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette

Shrimp: A popular seafood choice, shrimp is low in calories and high in protein. The shrimps will be grilled to perfection for this salad.

Very veggie: This mix includes all the veggies you need to create a healthy salad base.

Cherry tomatoes: Small and sweet, cherry tomatoes add a burst of flavor to your salad.

Mushrooms: Mushrooms bring a unique earthy flavor and meaty texture to the salad.

Green onions: Also known as scallions, these bring a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.

Sesame seeds: Sesame seeds add a nutty taste and a delicate, almost invisible, crunch to the vinaigrette.

Rice vinegar: Rice vinegar gives the vinaigrette a tangy flavor.

Soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty, umami flavor.

Ginger: Ginger brings a warm, spicy flavor to the vinaigrette.

Garlic: Aromatics that bring a savory depth to the vinaigrette.

Canola oil and sesame oil: These oils act as the base for the vinaigrette and bring their own distinctive flavors.

One reader, Gav Cedillo says:

This grilled shrimp salad with sesame ginger vinaigrette recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are a perfect blend of savory and tangy, and the grilled shrimp adds a delightful smoky touch. The vinaigrette is simply divine, and it complements the fresh veggies and succulent shrimp beautifully. A must-try for any salad lover!

Gav Cedillo

Techniques Required for Grilled Shrimp Salad with Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette

Grilling the shrimp: Brush the shrimp with the ginger sesame vinaigrette and grill over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes or until pink, turning once.

Making the ginger sesame vinaigrette: Combine rice vinegar, toasted sesame seeds, soy sauce, finely chopped ginger, and minced garlic in a blender. Blend until smooth. Slowly add canola oil and sesame oil in a thin stream until blended.

How To Make Grilled Shrimp Salad with Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette

Smothered in Asian-inspired flavors by its sesame ginger vinaigrette, this grilled shrimp salad also has fresh tomatoes and hearty mushrooms.

Preparation: 25 minutes

Cooking:

Total: 25 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

8medium-large shrimp,peeled and deveined
12ozDOLE® Very Veggie™,(1 package)
10cherry tomatoes,cut in half
2medium mushrooms,thinly sliced
2green onions,diagonally sliced

For Ginger Sesame Vinaigrette:

⅓cuprice vinegar
¼cupsesame seeds,toasted
1tbspsoy sauce
2tspginger,finely chopped
2tspgarlic,minced
⅔cupcanola oil
⅓cupsesame oil

Instructions

Brush shrimp with 2 to 3 tablespoons Ginger Sesame Vinaigrette. Grill over medium-high heat for 3 to 4 minutes or until pink, turning once.
Divide salad on 2 large plates. Arrange shrimp, tomatoes, mushrooms and green onions on each.

Ginger Sesame Vinaigrette:

Combine rice vinegar, toasted sesame seed, soy sauce, finely chopped ginger, and minced garlic in blender. Blend until smooth.
Slowly add canola oil and sesame oil in thin stream, until blended.

Nutrition

Calories: 1123.15kcal
Fat: 118.50g
Saturated Fat: 11.87g
Trans Fat: 0.29g
Monounsaturated Fat: 63.86g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 39.72g
Carbohydrates: 10.74g
Fiber: 3.76g
Sugar: 2.84g
Protein: 8.81g
Cholesterol: 30.24mg
Sodium: 585.84mg
Calcium: 217.71mg
Potassium: 442.87mg
Iron: 3.37mg
Vitamin A: 51.96µg
Vitamin C: 14.45mg

Helpful Technique for Perfecting Grilled Shrimp Salad

When grilling shrimp, it's important to keep a close eye on them as they cook very quickly. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and lose their sweet flavor. The shrimp are done as soon as they turn pink and opaque. Also, marinating them in the ginger sesame vinaigrette not only adds flavor but also helps to keep them moist during the grilling process.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Grilled Shrimp Salad Recipe

Prep ahead: Chop vegetables and make the vinaigrette in advance to save time on the day of making the salad.

Use pre-cooked shrimp: Consider using pre-cooked shrimp to cut down on grilling time and simplify the cooking process.

One-step dressing: Make extra vinaigrette and store it in the fridge for future use, saving time on preparing the dressing each time.

Quick assembly: Have all the ingredients prepped and ready to go before assembling the salad for a quick and efficient process.

Efficient grilling: Grill the shrimp alongside other ingredients to maximize the use of the grill and save time on cooking.

Substitute Ingredients For Grilled Shrimp Salad with Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette Recipe

grilled shrimp - Substitute with grilled chicken: Grilled chicken can be used as a substitute for shrimp to provide a similar smoky flavor and protein content to the salad.
rice vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute for rice vinegar to provide a tangy and slightly sweet flavor to the vinaigrette.
sesame seeds - Substitute with chopped almonds: Chopped almonds can be used as a substitute for sesame seeds to add a nutty flavor and crunchy texture to the vinaigrette.
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari, a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, can be used as a substitute for soy sauce to provide a similar salty and umami flavor to the vinaigrette.
canola oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil can be used as a substitute for canola oil to provide a neutral flavor and healthy fats to the vinaigrette.
sesame oil - Substitute with toasted walnut oil: Toasted walnut oil can be used as a substitute for sesame oil to provide a rich, nutty flavor to the vinaigrette.

Presenting Grilled Shrimp Salad with Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette

Elevate the shrimp: Arrange the grilled shrimp in a visually appealing manner, ensuring they are the focal point of the dish. Place them on top of the salad to showcase their succulence and flavor.
Artful arrangement of vegetables: Carefully place the Dole® Very Veggie™, cherry tomatoes, and mushrooms in an aesthetically pleasing manner around the shrimp. Pay attention to color contrast and balance.
Ginger sesame vinaigrette drizzle: Use a squeeze bottle to create a delicate drizzle of the vinaigrette around the plate, adding a touch of elegance and flavor enhancement to the dish.
Garnish with green onions: Finely chop the green onions and sprinkle them over the dish to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
Attention to plate composition: Ensure that the plate is visually balanced, with attention to negative space and overall presentation. The dish should be visually appealing from every angle.

Storing and Freezing Grilled Shrimp Salad with Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette

Store the grilled shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain the best texture, store the shrimp separately from the salad greens and reheat gently before serving.
The sesame ginger vinaigrette can be stored in a sealed jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Give it a good shake before using, as the ingredients may separate over time.
If you have leftover salad greens, store them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture. They should stay fresh for 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
While it's best to enjoy this salad fresh, you can freeze the grilled shrimp for up to 2 months. Allow them to cool completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Thaw the shrimp overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and adding to the salad.
The cherry tomatoes and mushrooms can be stored in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. However, it's not recommended to freeze these ingredients, as they may become mushy and lose their texture upon thawing.
If you have leftover green onions, wrap them in a slightly damp paper towel and store them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to 1 week. Alternatively, you can chop the green onions and freeze them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months, using them as needed in various recipes.

How To Reheat Leftover Grilled Shrimp Salad

To reheat leftover grilled shrimp salad with sesame ginger vinaigrette, start by removing the shrimp from the salad and setting them aside. The shrimp should be reheated separately to avoid overcooking the delicate greens and other vegetables.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Brush the shrimp lightly with some of the leftover sesame ginger vinaigrette to keep them moist during reheating.
Heat the shrimp in the preheated oven for 5-7 minutes, or until they are warmed through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can quickly become tough and rubbery.
While the shrimp are reheating, place the remaining salad in a large bowl. If the greens and vegetables seem a bit wilted, you can refresh them by adding a handful of fresh mixed greens or baby spinach.
Drizzle a small amount of the leftover sesame ginger vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat the greens and vegetables evenly. Be cautious not to add too much dressing, as the salad may already have some residual vinaigrette from its initial preparation.
If desired, you can also add a few fresh cherry tomatoes, sliced mushrooms, or chopped green onions to the salad to enhance its flavor and texture.
Once the shrimp are heated through, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly for 1-2 minutes. Arrange the warm shrimp on top of the refreshed salad.
Serve the reheated grilled shrimp salad with sesame ginger vinaigrette immediately, ensuring that the shrimp are warm and the salad is crisp and flavorful.

Interesting Fact About Grilled Shrimp Salad with Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette

Grilled shrimp salad with sesame ginger vinaigrette is a delicious and healthy dish that can be enjoyed as a light meal or appetizer.

Is Making Grilled Shrimp Salad at Home Cost-Effective?

This grilled shrimp salad with sesame ginger vinaigrette recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The main ingredients, such as shrimp, vegetables, and sesame oil, are reasonably priced and readily available. The use of Dole Very Veggie mix and simple pantry staples keeps the cost low. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20. The dish offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, earning a solid 8/10 rating. It's a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on taste or nutrition.

Is This Grilled Shrimp Salad Healthy or Unhealthy?

The grilled shrimp salad with sesame ginger vinaigrette recipe is a relatively healthy dish, but there are a few aspects that could be improved:

Shrimp is a lean protein source, low in calories and rich in nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids
The Dole® Very Veggie™ mix likely provides a variety of vegetables, offering fiber, vitamins, and minerals
Cherry tomatoes and mushrooms add additional nutrients and antioxidants
The vinaigrette contains healthy ingredients like rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil, which provide anti-inflammatory properties and flavor without excessive calories

However, there are some concerns:

The recipe calls for a significant amount of oil (1 cup total), which can increase the calorie content substantially
Soy sauce is high in sodium, which may be a concern for those watching their salt intake

To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:

Reduce the amount of oil used in the vinaigrette, or replace some of it with water or additional rice vinegar to lower the calorie content
Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce the salt content, or replace it with coconut aminos for a soy-free, lower-sodium alternative
Add more vegetables to the salad, such as cucumbers, carrots, or bell peppers, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
Opt for whole sesame seeds instead of toasted ones, as they contain more intact nutrients
Grill the shrimp with minimal oil, or use a grill pan with a non-stick coating to reduce the need for added oil
Serve the dressing on the side, allowing individuals to control the amount they use

Editor's Opinion on Grilled Shrimp Salad with Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette

The grilled shrimp salad with sesame ginger vinaigrette recipe is a delightful combination of fresh, vibrant flavors. The succulent grilled shrimp pairs beautifully with the crisp, colorful vegetables, creating a visually appealing and satisfying dish. The ginger sesame vinaigrette adds a delightful zing, tying all the elements together with its aromatic and tangy notes. This recipe is a perfect choice for a light and refreshing meal, showcasing the natural flavors of the ingredients while offering a delightful Asian-inspired twist.

Enhance Your Grilled Shrimp Salad with Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Butter Green Beans: Sautéed green beans with a garlic butter sauce, topped with toasted almonds for a crunchy finish.

Honey Glazed Carrots: Carrots roasted in a honey glaze, sprinkled with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.

Mango Avocado Salsa: A refreshing salsa made with ripe mangoes, creamy avocados, red onions, and a hint of lime juice for a burst of tropical flavors.

Coconut Lime Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice cooked in coconut milk and infused with zesty lime juice, perfect for a tropical twist to your meal.

Similar Recipes to Grilled Shrimp Salad with Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette

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Berry Cobbler: Satisfy your sweet tooth with this delightful berry cobbler. The combination of juicy berries, buttery crumble topping, and a hint of cinnamon makes this dessert a perfect way to enjoy the abundance of summer fruits.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Grilled Shrimp Salad

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your taste buds with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off your meal.

Crispy Coconut Shrimp: Transport your senses to a tropical paradise with these crispy coconut shrimp. Each bite is a crunchy, succulent delight, paired with a zesty dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and decadent flavor will satisfy any sweet tooth.

Berry Parfait: Layer fresh berries with creamy yogurt and crunchy granola for a refreshing and light dessert. The combination of sweet and tart flavors, along with the different textures, creates a delightful treat that is perfect for any occasion.

Why trust this Grilled Shrimp Salad with Sesame Ginger Vinaigrette Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful combination of fresh shrimp, vibrant vegetables, and a flavorful ginger sesame vinaigrette. The use of high-quality ingredients such as rice vinegar, sesame seeds, and soy sauce ensures an authentic and delicious taste. The grilling method enhances the natural flavors of the shrimp, while the homemade vinaigrette adds a unique touch. The careful arrangement of the ingredients showcases attention to detail and presentation. With its balanced flavors and nutritious components, this recipe is a trustworthy choice for a satisfying and wholesome grilled shrimp salad.

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FAQ:

How long does it take to grill the shrimp?

Grilling the shrimp takes about 3 to 4 minutes over medium-high heat until they turn pink, remember to turn them once for even cooking.

Can I use a different type of oil for the vinaigrette?

Yes, you can use other neutral-flavored oils like vegetable or sunflower oil if you don't have canola oil.

Can I make the vinaigrette ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the vinaigrette ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can I substitute the very veggie mix with other vegetables?

Of course! You can use any of your favorite vegetables or salad mix to customize the salad to your liking.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp, but you may want to reduce the grilling time or simply toss them in the vinaigrette before adding them to the salad.