Tangy Grilled Mexican Shrimp Salad Recipe for Summer Nights

Sizzling summer nights call for a zesty grilled Mexican shrimp salad that dances with vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients.

Succulent shrimp charred to perfection bring a smoky richness to this colorful dish.

Crisp vegetables and a tangy dressing create a refreshing ensemble that captures the essence of Mexican coastal cuisine.

Each bite delivers a burst of bright, bold seasonings that awaken the palate.

The combination of grilled seafood and crisp greens offers a light yet satisfying meal perfect for warm evenings.

Drizzled with a lime-infused vinaigrette, this salad transforms simple ingredients into a culinary adventure.

Let’s find out this mouthwatering recipe and let your taste buds embark on a delicious journey through Mexican-inspired flavors.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 5

Grilled Mexican Shrimp Salad Ingredient Details

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood ensures the best flavor and texture, selecting large shrimp for more substantial bites.
• Olive Oil: Creates a silky coating that helps spices adhere and prevents shrimp from sticking to grill.
• Thyme: Adds an earthy, herbal undertone that complements the zesty Mexican-inspired seasoning.
• Ancho Chili Powder: Delivers a deep, smoky warmth with mild heat that enhances the overall dish.
• Lime Zest: Introduces bright, citrusy notes that lift and balance the rich marinade.
• Garlic: Provides robust, pungent depth and classic aromatic foundation.
• Wooden Skewers: Helps manage shrimp during grilling and creates attractive presentation.

• Green Leaf Lettuce: Crisp foundation that provides fresh, light backdrop for grilled ingredients.
• Black Beans: Protein-packed element adding creamy texture and earthy flavor.
• Corn: Sweet, charred kernels bring summery brightness and textural contrast.
• Tomato: Juicy component that introduces refreshing acidic balance.
• Avocado: Creamy, rich element that adds luxurious smoothness to the salad.

• Queso Fresco: Crumbly Mexican cheese that adds tangy, mild creaminess.
• Cilantro: Optional herb that delivers vibrant, fresh herbal punch.
• Coarse Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for enhancing and balancing overall flavors.

Tools You’ll Need for a Shrimp Salad Masterpiece

• Grill: Essential for cooking shrimp and corn with perfect char marks.
• Skewers: Necessary for easy shrimp grilling and handling.
• Large serving bowl: Key for mixing and presenting the salad ingredients.
• Knife: Crucial for chopping herbs, cutting corn kernels, and dicing tomatoes.
• Paper towels: Used to pat shrimp dry before marinating.
• Mixing bowl: Needed for preparing marinade and combining ingredients.
• Tongs: Helpful for turning corn and shrimp on the grill safely.

Grilling and Mixing Instructions for Mexican Shrimp Salad

• Grill Preparation Clean grill grates and heat to medium-high warmth for perfect seafood searing.
• Marinade Magic Whisk together zesty seasonings including fragrant herbs, tangy citrus, and spicy chili powder to coat succulent ocean treasures.
• Shrimp Selection Choose plump, fresh shellfish and pat completely dry to help them absorb delicious flavor profiles.
• Corn Roasting Grill golden corn until kernels develop smoky caramelized edges, rotating periodically for even charring.
• Seafood Sizzle Quickly cook shrimp until they transform into coral-pink jewels with delicate crispy edges.
• Salad Foundation Layer crisp greens with vibrant vegetable companions like juicy tomatoes, creamy black beans, and sweet corn kernels.
• Finishing Touches Garnish with creamy avocado slices, crumbly white cheese, and bright cilantro leaves for authentic Mexican landscape inspiration.
• Dressing Connection Drizzle with zingy citrus vinaigrette that complements the grilled marine delicacies and brings the entire dish into harmonious balance.

Flavor Boosters for Your Mexican Shrimp Salad

• Replace shrimp with grilled chicken or fish for a different protein twist that keeps the Mexican-inspired flavor profile exciting and versatile.
• Let shrimp soak in the olive oil, thyme, and chili powder mixture for 15-30 minutes before grilling to intensify the bold, zesty flavors and ensure maximum taste absorption.
• Watch shrimp carefully during cooking – they turn rubbery if overcooked, so aim for a quick, high-heat sear that maintains their tender, juicy texture.
• Swap out tomatoes and corn with roasted bell peppers, grilled zucchini, or fresh jicama to create exciting texture and flavor combinations that match the dish's vibrant spirit.
• Grill shrimp and chop vegetables in advance, storing separately in airtight containers for up to two days, allowing quick assembly of this refreshing salad during busy weeknights.

Salad Presentation Ideas for the Mexican Theme

• Fiesta Plating Perfection: Serve this colorful Mexican shrimp salad in large white ceramic bowls to make the vibrant ingredients pop and create a restaurant-style presentation.
• Festive Garnish Extras: Sprinkle additional fresh cilantro, squeeze extra lime wedges on the side, and add a few tortilla chips for crunch and authentic Mexican street food flair.
• Beverage Pairing Magic: Complement the zesty salad with a crisp Mexican beer like Modelo Especial or a refreshing margarita to enhance the bright, spicy flavors of the dish.
• Summer Outdoor Dining: Perfect for backyard gatherings, this salad works wonderfully as a light main course for pool parties, picnics, or casual summer evening meals with friends and family.

Keeping and Prepping Mexican Shrimp Salad for Later

• Refrigerator Readiness: Store leftover salad components separately to maintain crisp textures. Keep grilled shrimp, chopped vegetables, and dressing in airtight containers for maximum freshness.
• Quick Meal Prep Strategy: Prepare marinade and chop vegetables in advance to streamline weeknight dinner assembly. Grill extra shrimp and corn during initial cooking for fast next-day lunches.
• Smart Ingredient Rotation: Transform remaining salad into delicious wraps by tucking ingredients into tortillas. Repurpose grilled shrimp for quick tacos or protein-packed grain bowls within 2 days.
• Chilling & Serving Tips: Consume salad within 24 hours for optimal taste and texture. Avoid adding avocado and lettuce until just before serving to prevent wilting and soggy ingredients.

Zesty Mexican Shrimp Salad Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Spicy grilled Mexican shrimp salad combines zesty flavors with fresh ingredients. Crisp vegetables and succulent shrimp create a delightful meal you can easily prepare for a quick and satisfying dinner.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) raw shrimp, large, fresh or thawed from frozen, peeled and deveined
• 4 oz (113 g) queso fresco cheese, crumbled
• 2 ears fresh corn, husks and silk removed
• 6 – 8 cups green leaf lettuce, chopped (butter or romaine lettuce optional)
• 1 large tomato, seeded and chopped
• 1 large avocado, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1.5 tbsps fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tsp fresh lime zest
• Fresh chopped cilantro for garnishing (optional)
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1.5 tbsps ancho chili powder
• 15 oz (425 g) canned black beans, rinsed and drained
• Olive oil or avocado oil cooking spray
• Coarse salt and pepper for seasoning
• Wooden skewers soaked in water for at least 30 minutes

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Grill Preparation: Fire up the grill to 375-400°F, meticulously scrubbing grates to prevent ingredient adhesion and ensure pristine cooking surfaces.
2. Marinade Creation: Whisk extra virgin olive oil, thyme, chili powder, lime zest, and garlic in a ceramic bowl to develop a robust flavor foundation for the shrimp.
3. Shrimp Preparation: Thoroughly pat shrimp dry, then delicately coat with prepared marinade and thread onto pre-soaked skewers, seasoning with kosher salt and black pepper.
4. Corn Roasting: Brush corn with vegetable oil and sea salt, then grill for 14-16 minutes, rotating every 4-5 minutes to achieve a golden-brown char and smoky flavor profile.
5. Shrimp Grilling: Cook shrimp on high heat for approximately 1½ minutes per side, ensuring a perfect golden exterior while maintaining tender, succulent interior.
6. Salad Assembly: Create a crisp romaine lettuce base, then strategically layer grilled corn kernels, diced tomatoes, black beans, and avocado slices for a vibrant, textural foundation.
7. Finishing Touches: Garnish with crumbled queso fresco, scattered cilantro leaves, and crown with perfectly grilled shrimp skewers.
8. Serving: Present immediately with a zesty cilantro lime vinaigrette, inviting diners to indulge in this Mexican-inspired culinary masterpiece.

Notes

• Optimize Shrimp Drying: Pat shrimp completely dry to help marinade cling better and create a perfect golden exterior during grilling.
• Master Grilling Temperature: Keep grill consistently between 375-400°F to prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery or undercooked.
• Prevent Skewer Sticking: Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before grilling to avoid burning and ensure even cooking.
• Timing is Crucial: Grill shrimp precisely 1½ minutes per side to maintain tenderness and achieve a beautiful golden-brown color without overcooking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg