Spicy Watermelon & Shrimp Salad

Craving a light, flavorful, and undeniably refreshing salad perfect for those hot summer days? Look no further than Spicy Watermelon & Shrimp Salad! This vibrant dish is an explosion of textures and tastes, featuring juicy watermelon, succulent shrimp, and a delightful spicy kick.

A Summer Salad Superstar:

• Refreshingly Cool: This salad is ideal for beating the summer heat, offering a combination of cool, crisp, and hydrating ingredients.
• Flavor Explosion: The recipe combines sweet watermelon, creamy avocado, and a hint of spice from jalapeño, creating a symphony of flavors in every bite.
• Perfect for Shrimp Lovers: The addition of perfectly cooked shrimp adds a satisfying protein element to the salad, making it a well-rounded meal.

Drawing Inspiration from Classic Flavors:

The author acknowledges the classic watermelon and feta salad while offering a Mexican-inspired twist with a spicy lime dressing.

Building Your Flavorful Salad:

• Fresh and Crisp Base: Diced watermelon, cucumber, avocado, jalapeño, and scallions create a refreshing and vibrant base for the salad.
• Protein Power: Grilled shrimp, seasoned with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime, adds a delicious protein element.
• Miso Ginger Dressing: This unique dressing, featuring miso paste and ginger, provides a savory and slightly sweet counterpoint to the other ingredients.
• Spicy Kick (Optional): Chili crunch oil adds a delightful touch of heat, but the amount can be adjusted to your preference.

Spicy Watermelon & Shrimp Salad Recipe:

Ingredients:

For the Salad:

• 4 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 avocado, diced
• 1/2 jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced (seeds removed for less heat)
• 3 scallions, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs (mint, basil, and/or cilantro)
• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Lime wedges, for squeezing

For the Miso Ginger Dressing:

• 2 tablespoons white miso paste
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon water

For Serving:

• Chopped peanuts (optional)
• Chili crunch oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Watermelon and Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine cubed watermelon, diced cucumber, avocado, sliced jalapeño, and scallions.

2. Cook the Shrimp: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until cooked through and opaque.

3. Make the Miso Ginger Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together miso paste, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, grated ginger, minced garlic, and water until well combined.

4. Assemble the Salad: Add the cooked shrimp and chopped fresh herbs to the bowl with the watermelon and vegetables. Pour the miso ginger dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.

5. Serve and Enjoy: Plate the salad and garnish with chopped peanuts (optional) and a drizzle of chili crunch oil (optional) to taste. Serve with lime wedges for squeezing additional fresh citrus flavor over the salad.

Tips:

• Feel free to adjust the amount of jalapeño pepper to your desired level of spice.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. However, the avocado may brown slightly.

Final Thoughts:

This Spicy Watermelon & Shrimp Salad is a testament to the power of seasonal ingredients and creative flavor combinations. With its refreshing base, juicy watermelon, succulent shrimp, and a touch of heat, this salad is sure to become a summer staple. So ditch the heavy meals and embrace the light and vibrant flavors of this delightful dish!