Description
A vibrant and flavorful Chopped Salad with Shrimp featuring seasoned sautéed shrimp, crispy oven-baked bacon, fresh vegetables, creamy avocado, and tangy goat cheese, all tossed together with your choice of salad dressing. This quick and easy 30-minute recipe is perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 4 cups shrimp (thawed)
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp chipotle powder (or season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder)
Bacon
- 6 strips bacon
Salad
- 4–6 cups romaine lettuce
- 1 red onion, diced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 2 cups corn
- 1–2 avocados, diced
- Goat cheese (as much or as little as you’d like)
- Salad dressing (optional, as much or as little as you’d like)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat dry your shrimp thoroughly to remove excess moisture. Toss the shrimp with chipotle powder or your preferred seasoning such as salt, pepper, and garlic powder to coat evenly.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat a cast iron skillet or your preferred pan over medium heat. Melt the butter with one tablespoon of olive oil. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, flipping once, until the shrimp become opaque, about 4 to 6 minutes in total.
- Cook the Bacon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper, then arrange the bacon strips side by side without overlapping. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness.
- Drain and Chop Bacon: Using tongs, transfer the cooked bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease. Once cooled slightly, roughly chop the bacon into small pieces.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, diced red onions, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, corn kernels, diced avocado, crumbled goat cheese, cooked shrimp, and chopped bacon.
- Add Dressing: Top the salad with your favorite salad dressing if desired. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly, and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute chipotle powder with smoked paprika and cayenne for a milder smoky flavor.
- For a dairy-free version, omit the goat cheese or use a plant-based alternative.
- Make sure not to overcook the shrimp to keep them tender and juicy.
- Bacon can be cooked ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Use fresh, crisp vegetables for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Baking and Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chopped salad, shrimp salad, bacon salad, chipotle shrimp, healthy salad, quick dinner, easy salad recipes
