Crispy Low Carb Keto Shrimp Caesar Salad Recipe

Crispy Keto Shrimp Caesar Salad Recipe: Ocean-Fresh Delight

Dive into a mouthwatering low-carb keto shrimp caesar salad that redefines healthy eating with every crisp, refreshing bite.

Succulent shrimp dance alongside crisp romaine, creating a protein-packed meal that satisfies intense hunger pangs.

This simple yet elegant dish strips away unnecessary carbs while delivering maximum flavor and nutrition.

Creamy, tangy caesar dressing coats each ingredient, turning an ordinary salad into a gourmet experience.

Packed with healthy fats and lean protein, this recipe transforms your typical lunch into a nutritional powerhouse.

Fresh ingredients and bold seasonings make this salad a go-to option for anyone following a ketogenic lifestyle.

Grab your fork and get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 4

Everything That Goes into Low Carb Keto Shrimp Caesar Salad

For Dressing And Seasoning:
  • Caesar Dressing: Creamy and tangy sauce that elevates the salad's flavor, perfect for adding richness without extra carbs.
  • Cajun Seasoning: Spicy blend that brings zesty warmth and depth to the shrimp, creating a bold flavor profile.
For Protein And Seafood:
  • Shrimp: Quick-cooking protein that's lean and succulent, select fresh or frozen with firm, translucent bodies and mild ocean scent.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, salty cheese that adds umami and creamy texture, choose aged variety for intense flavor.
For Fresh Produce:
  • Romaine Lettuce: Crisp and sturdy green that provides crunchy base, look for bright green leaves without browning or wilting.
  • Tomatoes: Juicy element that adds fresh brightness, select ripe but firm tomatoes with vibrant color and sweet aroma.
  • Olive Oil: Heart-healthy cooking fat that helps sear shrimp and carries subtle fruity undertones, opt for extra virgin for best quality.

Tools You’ll Need to Prep Low Carb Keto Shrimp Caesar Salad

  • Large Skillet: Essential for perfectly searing shrimp with a golden-brown exterior.
  • Large Mixing Bowls: Crucial for tossing shrimp with seasoning and mixing salad ingredients.
  • Cutting Board: Needed for chopping romaine lettuce and dicing tomatoes.
  • Sharp Knife: Helps chop ingredients precisely and cleanly.
  • Measuring Spoons: Useful for portioning out Cajun seasoning and olive oil.
  • Spatula or Tongs: Great for flipping and moving shrimp while cooking.

Putting Together Low Carb Keto Shrimp Caesar Salad

Putting Together Low Carb Keto Shrimp Caesar Salad
  • Caesar Dressing Base

Whip up a creamy, tangy sauce that will elevate your entire salad experience. Blend classic ingredients to create a smooth, rich foundation that brings incredible flavor.

  • Seafood Seasoning

Coat plump, juicy shrimp with zesty spices that will transform them into crispy, golden morsels bursting with southwestern-inspired heat and complexity.

  • Sizzling Seafood Technique

Create a perfectly heated skillet that will seal in the shrimp’s natural sweetness. Quick searing develops a gorgeous caramelized exterior while keeping the inside tender and succulent.

  • Salad Composition

Layer crisp, vibrant romaine with the luscious dressing, adding bright tomato gems and delicate Parmesan shavings. Each forkful promises a symphony of textures and tastes.

  • Presentation

Arrange your masterpiece in elegant serving vessels, allowing the golden shrimp to crown the verdant greens. This dish transforms a simple meal into a restaurant-quality celebration of fresh ingredients and bold flavors.

Tweak & Season: Low Carb Keto Shrimp Caesar Salad Tips

  • Replace shrimp with grilled chicken, seared salmon, or crispy tofu for a protein-packed alternative that keeps the salad low-carb and exciting.
  • Whip up a lighter Caesar dressing by using Greek yogurt instead of traditional mayonnaise, cutting calories without sacrificing creamy texture.
  • Sprinkle crushed pork rinds or toasted almond slivers on top for extra crispiness and a keto-friendly crouton replacement that adds delightful texture.
  • Adjust Cajun seasoning intensity by mixing your own blend or choosing mild to hot store-bought versions, allowing personalized heat control for every palate.
  • Enhance nutritional value by adding sliced avocado, cucumber ribbons, or roasted bell peppers to create more depth and color in your salad.

Presenting Low Carb Keto Shrimp Caesar Salad on the Plate

  • Plate with Creativity: Arrange the salad on a beautiful white plate, letting the vibrant red tomatoes and golden-brown shrimp pop against the crisp romaine lettuce.
  • Add Extra Crunch: Sprinkle some crushed pork rinds or toasted almond slivers on top for a delightful texture contrast that enhances the salad's keto-friendly profile.
  • Garnish with Flair: Finish with a light dusting of fresh cracked black pepper, chopped parsley, or a few extra shavings of Parmesan cheese to elevate the visual appeal and flavor complexity.
  • Pair with Refreshment: Serve alongside a chilled glass of crisp white wine or sparkling water with a lemon wedge to complement the zesty Caesar dressing and spicy Cajun shrimp.

Save or Store: Low Carb Keto Shrimp Caesar Salad Advice

  • Refrigerate Promptly: Store leftover salad components separately to maintain crispness. Keep dressed salad and shrimp in airtight containers in the refrigerator for maximum freshness.
  • Prep in Advance: Chop romaine and prepare dressing up to 2 days before serving. Cook shrimp just before eating to preserve texture and flavor.
  • Smart Portion Control: Divide ingredients into individual meal prep containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. This strategy helps maintain a consistent low-carb diet.
  • Freeze with Caution: Avoid freezing dressed salad or cooked shrimp, as texture will become soggy. Store dressing and raw shrimp separately if meal planning for later use.
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Crispy Low Carb Keto Shrimp Caesar Salad Recipe

Crispy Low Carb Keto Shrimp Caesar Salad Recipe


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4.8 from 35 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy Caesar dressing elevates this low carb keto shrimp caesar salad into a protein-packed meal. Crisp romaine, perfectly grilled shrimp, and parmesan cheese create an easy dinner you’ll crave repeatedly.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 grams) shrimp, peeled, deveined, patted dry
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 8 cups romaine lettuce, chopped (1 large head)
  • 2 cups (300 grams) Roma tomatoes, diced
  • ½ cup (120 ml) Caesar salad dressing
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 6 tbsps (40 grams) Parmesan cheese, shaved or shredded (omit for dairy-free)

Instructions

  1. Dressing Preparation: Whisk Caesar dressing ingredients in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy, then set aside for later use.
  2. Shrimp Seasoning: Coat fresh shrimp thoroughly with Cajun seasoning, massaging spices into each piece to ensure complete coverage.
  3. Skillet Heating: Warm olive oil in a large cast-iron or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering and translucent.
  4. Shrimp Searing: Arrange seasoned shrimp in a single layer across hot skillet, allowing 60-90 seconds to develop a golden-brown crust without overcrowding the pan.
  5. Shrimp Cooking: Flip shrimp using tongs and cook an additional 1-2 minutes until transforming from translucent to opaque white with a pink-orange hue, indicating full cooking.
  6. Salad Assembly: Slice romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and transfer to a serving bowl, then drizzle with prepared Caesar dressing and gently toss for comprehensive coating.
  7. Final Touches: Scatter diced tomatoes and freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the dressed lettuce, then top with seared Cajun-spiced shrimp, arranging artfully for an appetizing presentation.
  8. Serving: Present immediately, allowing warm, spicy shrimp to slightly wilt the dressed lettuce, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and temperatures.

Notes

  • Searing Secrets: Get a smoking-hot pan to achieve that perfect golden-brown crust on shrimp, which locks in flavor and creates delightful caramelization.
  • Seasoning Strategy: Massage Cajun spices thoroughly into shrimp to ensure every bite bursts with bold, zesty flavor and maximum taste penetration.
  • Doneness Diagnostic: Watch shrimp carefully during cooking – they transform from translucent to opaque white in mere seconds, preventing rubbery texture.
  • Temperature Tactics: Serve immediately to enjoy the interplay of warm, spicy shrimp against cool, crisp lettuce, creating a dynamic and exciting taste experience.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 180mg
Michael Reynolds

Michael Reynolds

Founder, Head Recipe Developer & Cuisine Specialist

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Modern American and European Cuisines​, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education and Workshops​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and global cuisines.​

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

  • Program: Diploma in Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Specialized education in baking and pastry, emphasizing artisanal bread, confections, and plated desserts.​

Michael Reynolds is the founder and head recipe creator at wd-50.com. With over 15 years of experience in the kitchen, he’s spent time working in top restaurants and now focuses on making great food easy for everyone at home.

Michael studied culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University and later trained in pastry at the Auguste Escoffier School. He knows his way around both savory meals and sweet treats.

At wd-50.com, his goal is to help you feel confident in the kitchen, whether you’re trying something new or cooking a favorite dish. He loves using fresh ingredients and simple steps that still bring out big flavors.

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