This summery Grilled Shrimp Salad is light, crisp, and refreshing, but totally satisfying. Great with fresh fruit, tangy goat cheese, and a Strawberry Lime Poppyseed Vinaigrette. The shrimp will taste great. Gluten free and packed with flavor!.
Shrimp is a wonderfully versatile protein that can be prepared in endless ways. From shrimp scampi to coconut shrimp, this seafood has a delicate, sweet flavor that pairs well with a variety of ingredients. One surprising combination that works excellently is fruit. The sweetness and acidity of certain fruits can perfectly balance out and enhance the savory umami taste of shrimp.
When cooking shrimp at home, don’t be afraid to think outside the box and incorporate some fresh bright fruit into your dish. Certain fruits add a tropical flair while others provide a tangy contrast. Here are some of the best fruits to pair with shrimp
Sweet and Tart Citrus
Citrus fruits like lemons, limes, grapefruit, and oranges make excellent partners for shrimp They add brightness and acidity that cuts through the rich, briny flavor of the shrimp. Citrus also complements any seasoning, marinade, or sauce paired with the shrimp
Lemons and limes work especially well, as their sour juice can provide the acid needed in dishes like ceviche or shrimp scampi. Try pairing shrimp with segments of ruby red grapefruit or add orange slices to a shrimp salad. Meyer lemons, with their floral, mildly sweet taste, are another great option.
When cooking with citrus, save some zest to sprinkle on as a garnish The oils in the zest pack intense citrus flavor without the acidity.
Sweet and Juicy Tropical Fruits
The tropical flavors of fruits like mango, pineapple, and papaya marries extremely well with shrimp. Their tropical essence enhances the seafood flavors. They also add sweetness, moisture, and beautiful colors.
Pineapple is a classic choice, as the sweet and slightly tangy fruit brightens up everything from fried shrimp to shrimp kebabs. Dice some mango to mix into a shrimp salsa or add it to tacos. Papaya has a mild, sugary flavor that complements chili shrimp or shrimp salad.
Don’t be afraid to combine multiple tropical fruits, like pineapple and mango, to make a vibrant salsa. Grilled shrimp pairs nicely with the smoky flavors.
Berries for Sweetness and Visual Appeal
The sweet-tart pop of berries is a nice complement to shrimp’s brininess. Strawberries and blackberries add a summery flair, while raspberries and blueberries infuse dishes with antioxidant power.
Make a fresh strawberry salsa by dicing strawberries, onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. The sweet heat pairs amazingly with grilled shrimp. Toss juicy blackberries into a shrimp salad. Use raspberries and shrimp to top a spinach salad or avocado toast for color and nutrition.
Berries make shrimp dishes vibrant and fresh. Mix in a variety of berries or puree them into a sauce for shrimp.
Melon for Juicy Sweetness
Melons like honeydew, cantaloupe and watermelon have high water content that provides refreshing juiciness when paired with shrimp. Their subtle sweetness adds just enough flavor without overpowering the shrimp.
For a light appetizer, wrap grilled shrimp and diced honeydew melon in prosciutto. Skewer grilled shrimp with cubes of refreshing watermelon or add to a summer salad. Mix diced cantaloupe into a shrimp pasta salad for color and juicy bits.
Tangy and Crunchy Apples
Apples are an underrated fruit pairing for shrimp. They provide crunch and vibrant flavor that offsets shrimp’s soft, succulent texture. The tanginess of apples contrasts beautifully with a salty, spicy seasoning or sauce on the shrimp.
For a fun play on surf and turf, make kebabs with shrimp and apples. Add sliced apples to coleslaw or rice pilaf side dishes. Used diced granny smith apples in shrimp tacos or fajitas for crunch. Applesauce also pairs surprisingly well with blackened or scampi shrimp.
Experiment with sweet, tart, and crunchy apples varieties like honeycrisp, gala, fuji or granny smith.
Complementary Herbs and Spices
When pairing fruit with shrimp, consider complementary herbs and spices. Citrus flavors like lemon, lime, and orange work well with herbs like cilantro, basil, dill, and mint. For tropical fruits, use spices like ginger, curry powder, chili powder, cumin, and coriander. Berries pair nicely with mint, thyme or rosemary.
Don’t be afraid to add herbs and spices directly to salsas, chutneys, marinades or sauces for extra flavor. Grilling or roasting shrimp also develops tasty smoky notes.
Shrimp is an incredibly versatile protein. Liven up your shrimp recipes with the sweetness, acidity, and juiciness of fresh fruits. Be adventurous with tropical flavors or stick with classic citrus – either way, fruit can take your shrimp dishes to the next level.
For the Strawberry Poppyseed Vinaigrette
- Strawberries: Chop them up so they blend easier.
- Lime juice: Make sure it is fresh.
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper: A little sprinkle to taste.
- Poppy seeds
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Shrimp Salad
Delicious Details
- Cuisine Inspiration: American
- Primary Cooking Method: Grill or Stovetop
- Dietary Info: Gluten-free, Dairy-free option
- Skill Level: Easy
Years back, I used to go to Zumba class in the evening. It was just late enough that I had to have dinner before class or I’d pass out. If you’ve ever done Zumba, you know that you probably don’t want to eat a lot of lasagna, tacos, or chili right before you go dance and jump around for an hour.
That means Wednesday night was salad night in our house. Not that my husband and then-toddler were all that excited about salads on the regular. So I had to keep it creative and hearty enough for the husband’s appetite. But it also had to include ingredients that a 2-year-old would eat. A 2-year-old who, at that point, wanted nothing to do with lettuce. Here is one they loved, and why you’ll enjoy it too:
- Savory and sweet. When I make a salad, I love adding something sweet. Also, watermelon and feta or goat cheese go together so well for me. This grilled shrimp salad tastes so bright and fresh, and the flavors go well together.
- Light but satisfying. I added mango to the watermelon and some spicy grilled shrimp to make it feel even more like summer. It’s a strange mix of flavors that works great for summer and will keep you full without making you feel heavy.
- Naturally gluten free. Since it doesn’t have gluten but also doesn’t have any special gluten-free ingredients, it’s a great choice for a family meal. You can eat it with gluten-free soft breadsticks or just tortilla chips if you want to keep it simple.
Here’s a rundown of the different components of the salad and the ingredients to prepare them. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full amounts and detailed instructions.
The Best Shrimp Salad Recipe
FAQ
What flavors pair well with shrimp?
Can you eat shrimp with fruit?
Can you eat seafood with fruit?
What can I eat with shrimp?
Several options complement shrimp well. For instance, a sweet and nutty dressing with colorful veggies makes a fitting side or base. Another choice is creamy and rich avocado rice.
What pairs well with dragon fruit juice?
You can eat dragon fruit juice with whatever you want. You can have it with other fruits, or you can have it with whole grains like granola and nuts.
What goes well with grilled shrimp & potato salad?
You can also add in chopped vegetables like celery or onions for extra crunch and flavor. Serving Them Together: Grilled shrimp and potato salad make an excellent combination for any meal.
How do you eat shrimp & fruit in a pineapple shell?
Add fruit to serving platter, around outside of shrimp. Serve with coconut brown rice or mixed salad greens and top with toasted coconut flakes and mint, if desired. *To serve shrimp and fruit in pineapple shell: Halve pineapple; core and cut out fruit. Turn onto paper towels to drain. Stuff cooked shrimp and fruit into pineapple shells.