Spicy Watermelon & Shrimp Salad
A Refreshing Summer Symphony
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:
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Prepare the Watermelon and Vegetables: In a large bowl, combine cubed watermelon, diced cucumber, avocado, sliced jalapeño, and scallions.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!