Cajun Shrimp Salad

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This Colourful Cajun Shrimp Salad Recipe is packed with bold zesty flavour! So quick and easy to make, this delicious shrimp salad is a healthy, satisfying way to enjoy a taste of the Louisiana bayou.

Suitable for Low Carb and Gluten Free diets. Post includes Weight Watchers points.

This quick and easy Cajun Shrimp Salad Recipe is bursting with colourful crisp veggies, tasty grilled corn and the most delectable Cajun spiced shrimp. Yeap. These Cajun Shrimp are perfectly crusted on the outside, yet juicy and tender inside. Sooooo flavourful and so satisfying.

Peeps, this Cajun Shrimp Salad Recipe comes together so easily and is ready to serve in just minutes. Perfect for your upcoming Mardi Gras celebration, or anytime you’re craving a healthy (did I mention this salad is contains zero WW points?!) way to enjoy the bold flavour of Cajun Cuisine.A bowl of Cajun Shrimp Salad placed next to a white plate containing more cooked Cajun Shrimp

What is Cajun Cuisine?

Originating from the Acadiana region of Louisiana, Cajun cuisine is a rustic-style of cooking that relies on local ingredients and a simple preparation.

Best known for bold and complex flavours, Cajun cooking relies on a seasoning mixture with a signature heat provided by cayenne pepper. Shrimp, crawfish and andouille sausage are staples of Cajun cooking and are featured in a variety of traditional main dishes.

So, are you ready to learn how easy it is to make this delicious Cajun Shrimp Salad Recipe? Then gather up your ingredients and I will show you….

How To Make This Cajun Shrimp Salad Recipe

  1. Mix together Cajun spice, smoked paprika, garlic, salt and 1 tablespoon of water to make it into a bit of a paste. Add in the shrimp and mix till well coated.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium till hot and then spray with some cooking spray.
  3. Cook the shrimp in batches for about 2-3 mins per side. Note: you may need to add a bit more cooking spray to the pan between batches.
  4. If you prefer to cook your shrimp on the grill, the preheat to high, spray shrimp with low calorie spray, then place on grill and cook for 2-3 mins per side.
  5. To make the corn, preheat the grill (or grill pan), spray corn with low calorie spray then grill for about 10 mins, turning frequently so that all sides are charred.
  6. Once cool, slice off kernels of with a knife and reserve (discard the cob).
  7. To assemble the salad, place salad leaves in a large bowl. Then add in bell pepper, green onions, cherry tomatoes and corn kernels. Toss to combine.
  8. Add the Cajun shrimp and then top with chopped cilantro.
    image collage showing the steps for making Cajun Shrimp Salad Recipe

Recipe Tips For Making Cajun Shrimp Salad

  • Don’t crowd the skillet! Trying to cook too many shrimp at once will cool the pan down and ‘boil’ them instead of frying. Give your shrimp some space and cook them in batches.
  • As this is a healthier Weight Watchers inspired salad, I have not included any dressing. However, if you prefer to add dressing, try this recipe for homemade Cajun Vinaigrette Dressing, courtesy of Genius Kitchen.
  • Want to really kick it up a notch? Add some extra cayenne pepper to make your Cajun Shrimp extra spicy.
  • If you prefer a milder flavour, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning.Close up of a portion of this Cajun Shrimp Salad Recipe served in a bowl with a fork

Can You Use Frozen Shrimp To Make Cajun Shrimp Salad?

You can make this Cajun Shrimp Salad using fresh or frozen shrimp. To defrost frozen shrimp, simply follow one of these two methods:

Overnight Defrost Option:

  • Add frozen shrimp to a bowl.
  • Cover the bowl and put in your refrigerator for 8 hours, or overnight.
  • Remove from fridge and drain any water from the shrimp before using.

Quick Defrost Option:

  • Place the frozen cooked shrimp in a colander or large bowl.
  • Run cold tap water over the shrimp, mixing the shrimp every few mins to ensure they thaw evening.
  • Depending on the size, the shrimp will be thawed in 10 -15 mins. Strain the water completely.Cooked Cajun Shrimp for making into this Cajun Shrimp Salad Recipe

What To Serve With Cajun Shrimp Salad

A serving of Cajun Shrimp Salad Recipe in a blue ceramic bowl next to a piece of grilled corn and a plate of cooked Cajun Shrimp

More Flavourful Southern Recipes:

Weight Watchers Points 

This recipe contains 0 Blue Plan SmartPoints!

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5 from 1 vote

Cajun Shrimp Salad Recipe

This Cajun Shrimp Salad Recipe is colourful, satisfying and full of bold flavour.
Prep Time7 minutes
Cook Time8 minutes
Total Time15 minutes
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Salad
Cuisine: American, Western
Servings: 4
Calories: 181kcal
Author: Bintu Hardy

Ingredients

Cajun Shrimp:

  • 2 teaspoon Cajun spice
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 lb (450g) shrimp, fresh or frozen defrosted
  • Cooking spray

Salad:

  • 2 ears of corn
  • 2 ½ cups (200g) salad leaves
  • 16 cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 bell pepper deseeded and finely chopped
  • 4 green onions (spring onions), finely sliced
  • 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro (coriander)

Instructions

To make the Cajun shrimp –

  • Mix together Cajun spice, smoked paprika, garlic, salt and 1 tablespoon of water to make it into a bit of a paste. Add in the shrimp and mix till shrimp is well coated.
  • Heat a skillet over medium till hot and then spray with some cooking spray.
  • Cook the shrimp in batches for about 2-3 mins per side. Note: you may need to add a bit more cooking spray to the pan between batches.
  • If you prefer to cook your shrimp on the grill, the preheat to high, spray shrimp with low calorie spray, then place on grill and cook for 2-3 mins per side.

To make the corn –

  • Preheat grill (or grill pan), spray corn with low calorie spray then grill for about 10 mins, turning frequently so that all sides are charred. Once cool, slice off the kernels with a knife and reserve
  • (discard the cobs).

To assemble the salad –

  • Place salad leaves in a large bowl. Then add bell pepper, green onions, cherry tomatoes and corn kernels. Toss to combine.
  • Add the Cajun shrimp and top with chopped cilantro.
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Notes

Tips For Making Cajun Shrimp Salad
  • Don’t crowd the skillet! Trying to cook too many shrimp at once will cool the pan down and ‘boil’ them instead of frying. Give your shrimp some space and cook them in batches.
  • As this is a healthier Weight Watchers inspired salad, I have not included any dressing. However, if you prefer to add dressing, try this recipe for homemade Cajun Vinaigrette Dressing, courtesy of Genius Kitchen.
  • Want to really kick it up a notch? Add some extra cayenne pepper to make your Cajun Shrimp extra spicy.
  • If you prefer a milder flavour, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning.

 Serving Suggestions 

More Flavourful Southern Recipes:

Weight Watchers Points in Cajun Shrimp Salad
This recipe for Cajun Shrimp Salad contains 0 Blue Plan SmartPoints!

 

Nutrition

Calories: 181kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 285mg | Sodium: 905mg | Potassium: 490mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1920IU | Vitamin C: 50.2mg | Calcium: 184mg | Iron: 3.8mg

 

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