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Spicy Shrimp Taco Salad - Fresh, Zesty, and Weeknight-Friendly

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Shrimp: 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails off for easier eating)
  • Spice mix for shrimp: 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4–1/2 teaspoon cayenne (to taste), 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, black pepper to taste
  • Oil: 1–2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil for cooking
  • Lime: Zest and juice of 1–2 limes
  • Greens: 6–8 cups chopped romaine or a mix of romaine and shredded cabbage
  • Vegetables: 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved), 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced), 1 red or yellow bell pepper (thin strips), 1 ear of corn (cooked, kernels removed) or 1 cup thawed frozen corn
  • Avocado: 1–2 ripe avocados, diced
  • Black beans: 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed
  • Fresh herbs: 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • Tortilla crunch: 1–2 cups tortilla chips, crushed, or baked tortilla strips
  • Optional add-ins: Pickled jalapeños, sliced radishes, queso fresco or cotija, pepitas
  • Dressing: 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons mayo (optional for extra creaminess), 2 tablespoons olive oil, juice of 1 lime, 1 tablespoon honey or agave, 1 small garlic clove (grated), 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, 1/4 teaspoon cumin, salt and pepper to taste, splash of water to thin

Method
 

  1. Prep the shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. In a bowl, mix chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Toss shrimp with the spice mix, 1 tablespoon oil, and the zest of 1 lime. Let it sit while you prep the salad.
  2. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk yogurt, mayo, olive oil, lime juice, honey, garlic, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add a splash of water until it’s pourable. Taste and adjust salt, lime, or sweetness. Set aside.
  3. Prep the salad base: Add chopped romaine (and cabbage if using) to a large bowl. Top with cherry tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, corn, black beans, and half the cilantro.
  4. Cook the shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add 1 tablespoon oil. Cook shrimp in a single layer for 1–2 minutes per side until opaque and lightly charred at the edges. Squeeze in a little lime juice at the end. Do not overcook.
  5. Assemble: Add diced avocado to the salad. Drizzle on half the dressing and toss gently to coat. Taste and add more dressing if needed.
  6. Add crunch and serve: Top with warm shrimp, crushed tortilla chips or strips, remaining cilantro, and any extras like queso fresco or pickled jalapeños. Serve immediately with lime wedges.