Transform a humble can of tuna into golden brown tuna croquettes using my quick recipe. They’re fluffy and crispy and ready in 15 minutes! Need to jazz up a can of tuna? You’ll love my healthy tuna salad, smoked tuna dip, and tuna casserole…
Transform a humble can of tuna into golden brown tuna croquettes using my quick recipe. They’re fluffy and crispy and ready in 15 minutes! Need to jazz up a can of tuna? You’ll love my healthy tuna salad, smoked tuna dip, and tuna casserole. Did you know pairing mashed potatoes with canned tuna is literally…
This shrimp Caesar salad is our answer to, “What’s for dinner?” The shrimp cook in just 5 minutes and come…
This shrimp Caesar salad is our answer to, “What’s for dinner?” The shrimp cook in just 5 minutes and come out seasoned and juicy, making this a fast and easy dinner idea for weeknights or a simple lunch. Try it with our homemade Caesar dressing, or use purchased in a pinch!
Why we love this recipe
We’re always looking for the answer to, “What’s for dinner?” Here’s a recipe that’s so quick and simple, it’s in our weekly rotation: shrimp Caesar salad! Maybe we sound like a broken record, but Caesar-salad-plus-a-protein is our go-to for weeknight meals. It’s so hearty and delicious, we rarely get tired of it! Our kids love to eat it in a “deconstructed” style with separate lettuce, shrimp, croutons, and dressing for dipping.
What we love about shrimp Caesar salad is that it just so quick! The shrimp cook in just 5 minutes, making it a great one to bookmark for those “crap, forgot to think ahead” nights. Here’s what you’ll need for this fast dinner recipe:
Medium shrimp: Deveined shrimp are best, either shelled or tail on. We prefer tail on for the look, but you’ll want to serve with a bowl for discarded tails. You can use any size, but we like medium, which are usually labeled 41 to 50 count. Use either fresh or frozen; we find fresh shrimp is slightly tastier—if you can, buy wild caught.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cumin are the “secret blend” that makes this sauteed shrimp so flavorful.
Croutons: Homemade croutons are best, using bread torn into pieces. But often when we make this as a dinner, we use store-bought croutons for efficiency.
Romaine hearts: Romaine lettuce is the classic leafy green for Caesar salad: its crunch and sweet flavor are irreplaceable, in our opinion. (Of course, you could try kale Caesar, too.)
Parmesan cheese: Either shreds or shavings work to provide a texture contrast to the other salad ingredients.
Caesar dressing: You can use purchased or homemade dressing. We love our recipe for Caesar dressing recipe: it tastes incredible. We often use the Greek yogurt variation to keep it fresh and light.
Basic steps for shrimp Caesar salad
Here’s the basic idea for making shrimp Caesar salad. You can swap in purchased dressing to speed up this shrimp Caesar salad and skip Step 1, but the flavor really is best with homemade.
Step 1: Whisk together the Caesar dressing ingredients in a bowl. Store leftovers refrigerated in a covered jar for up to 1 week.
Step 2: Mix the shrimp with the salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil on medium high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until cooked through, turning with tongs.
Step 3: Place the romaine in a bowl and toss with the croutons, Parmesan cheese shavings, and dressing. Add the salad to plates and top with the warm shrimp.
Variations, additions, and protein swaps
The fun part of this dinner concept is making it your own! We know so many families who are serving different dietary preferences (and preferences in general!) in one meal. Here are a few ideas for variations:
Add cooked tortellini to the mix for a fun addition
Add cherry tomatoes or avocado for a more filling salad
Leftover shrimp stores refrigerated for 1 to 2 days, but they are best freshly made. Leftover Caesar dressing stores up to 1 week. Store homemade croutons in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Store all components separately, adding dressing immediately before serving.
Dietary notes
This shrimp Caesar salad recipe is pescatarian and gluten-free with croutons omitted or gluten-free croutons. The recipe is vegan and dairy-free with Vegan Caesar Dressing.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make the Caesar dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the Caesar dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
How long does shrimp Caesar salad last in the refrigerator?
Shrimp Caesar salad is best eaten fresh, but leftover shrimp will last in the refrigerator for up to 1 day and the dressing stores up to . We do not recommend storing leftover salad, since the croutons become soggy.
Can I add other ingredients to shrimp Caesar salad?
Absolutely! You can add other ingredients to shrimp Caesar salad, such as grilled chicken, avocado, or cherry tomatoes.
This shrimp Caesar salad is our answer to, “What’s for dinner?” The shrimp cook in just 5 minutes and come out seasoned and juicy, making this a quick and easy dinner idea for weeknights or a simple lunch. Try it with our homemade Caesar dressing, or use purchased in a pinch!
Ingredients
For the salad
1 pound medium shrimp, deveined (tail on or peeled)
¾ cup high quality mayonnaise (or ¼ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup Greek yogurt, and 1 tablespoon olive oil*)
½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon anchovy paste or Worcestershire sauce (or omit)
¼ teaspoon each kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper
Instructions
Whisk together the Caesar dressing ingredients in a bowl. Store leftovers refrigerated in a covered jar for up to 1 week.
Pat the shrimp dry. In a medium bowl, mix the shrimp with the salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cumin. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil on medium high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until just opaque and cooked through, turning them with tongs.
Place the romaine in a bowl and toss with the croutons, Parmesan cheese shavings, and dressing. Add the salad to plates and top with the warm shrimp.
Notes
Leftover shrimp lasts 1 to 2 days refrigerated, but we prefer shrimp best freshly made. For make ahead, make all components in advance and store refrigerated separately (with croutons at room temperature). Assemble right before serving.
Spice up your next seafood dinner with my sweet chili salmon recipe. Featuring seared salmon fillets dressed in a sweet ‘n spicy chili sauce, it cooks in just 10 minutes! Love cooking with salmon? Try my lemon pepper salmon, salmon bowls, and bla…
Spice up your next seafood dinner with my sweet chili salmon recipe. Featuring seared salmon fillets dressed in a sweet ‘n spicy chili sauce, it cooks in just 10 minutes! Love cooking with salmon? Try my lemon pepper salmon, salmon bowls, and blackened salmon next. I could eat sautéed salmon every day of the week,…
Hold onto your hats—here’s quite possibly one of the fastest easy shrimp recipes around! This Old Bay shrimp takes less…
Hold onto your hats—here’s quite possibly one of the fastest easy shrimp recipes around! This Old Bay shrimp takes less than 10 minutes and results in juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp. Add rice or pasta for a quick meal!
What we love about this recipe
When it comes to easy dinner ideas, there’s not much quicker and easier than shrimp. So might we present our new favorite fast shrimp recipe: Old Bay shrimp! Old Bay seasoning and shrimp are meant for each other, and this recipe takes 10 minutes to whip up juicy, restaurant-style sauteed shrimp.
As two cookbook authors and parents, Alex and I are constantly looking for fun dinner ideas. This one fits the bill exactly—it’s our perfect meld of fast, filling, and super flavorful! Add rice, orzo, a green salad, or a quick vegetable like broccoli, green beans or asparagus to make it a meal.
Ingredient notes for Old Bay shrimp
As with any simple recipe, the quality comes down to the quality of ingredients. Luckily for you, this recipe requires only a handful of them! Here’s what you’ll need:
Medium shrimp: Deveined shrimp are best, either shelled or tail on. We prefer tail on for the look (just serve with a bowl for discarded tails). You can use any size, but we like medium, which are usually labeled 41 to 50 count. Use either fresh or frozen; we find fresh shrimp is slightly better—and if you can, buy wild caught.
Old Bay seasoning: This seasoning blend is easy to find in most American grocery stores. There’s nothing like the real thing! If you can’t find it, you can make homemade Old Bay seasoning, but it’s not quite the same.
Olive oil: Olive oil is a healthy cooking oil that infuses flavor into the shrimp.
Salt and lemon wedges: Lemon juice lifts the flavors and adds a citrus zing. It’s not required, but it tastes best with lemon!
What’s Old Bay and what’s in it?
Old Bay is an American seasoning blend that’s often used to season seafood, often in shrimp boils and chowders. It was invented in Maryland and is sold by the brand McCormick. It’s gotten pretty popular and you’ll see it in anything from fries to corn on the cob. The main ingredients in Old Bay are paprika, celery salt, and black pepper, but it’s a secret recipe so no one knows exactly what’s in it!
Making it a meal
This Old Bay shrimp is so simple, you can whip it up in just 10 minutes! With a dinner this quick and easy, it’s nice to have fast and easy sides to pair. Here’s what we’d recommend:
Salad like this easy arugula salad takes about 10 minutes
Crusty bread is quick and simple.
Storing leftovers
Old Bay shrimp is best served the day it is made. You can store leftovers up to 3 days refrigerated. However, Alex and I are not huge fans of next day shrimp (just our personal preference), so we find it’s best within a day or so. You can also turn leftovers into something new, like Shrimp Salad.
This Old Bay shrimp recipe is gluten-free and pescatarian.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add other seasonings to the shrimp?
Yes, you can add other seasonings to complement the Old Bay flavor. Some popular additions include garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or lemon zest.
Is Old Bay Shrimp spicy?
Old Bay seasoning has a mild to medium level of spice. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can start with a smaller amount of seasoning and adjust it to your taste.
Can I bake or grill Old Bay Shrimp instead of pan-frying it?
You can bake or grill Old Bay Shrimp for a slightly different flavor profile. Baked shrimp is an easy hands-off option, while grilled shrimp has a smoky char.
Hold onto your hats—here’s quite possibly the fastest easy shrimp recipes around! This Old Bay shrimp takes less than 10 minutes and results in juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp. Add rice or pasta for a quick meal!
Ingredients
1 pound medium shrimp, deveined (tail on or peeled)
In a medium bowl, mix the shrimp with the salt and Old Bay.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil on medium high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until just opaque and cooked through, turning them with tongs.
Spritz with juice of the lemon wedges and serve immediately. Sprinkle more at the end, to taste.
Grill scallops to perfection with our no-fuss recipe. Achieve a golden sear and smoky flavor, all drenched in a parmesan butter sauce.
The post Grilled Scallops with Parmesan and Lemon appeared first on Girl Carnivore.
Grill scallops to perfection with our no-fuss recipe. Achieve a golden sear and smoky flavor, all drenched in a parmesan butter sauce.
Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a deliciously spicy main dish, and it’s quick & easy to make. In just 30 minutes or less this tasty one pot dinner is hot & ready!
Cajun Shrimp Pasta is a deliciously spicy main dish, and it's quick & easy to make. In just 30 minutes or less this tasty one pot dinner is hot & ready!
My linguine with clam sauce pairs al dente pasta with savory clams in a simple yet elegant white wine garlic sauce. It’s the fanciest, easiest dish you’ll make all week. Want more seafood recipes? Try my pan-seared monkfish, baked soc…
My linguine with clam sauce pairs al dente pasta with savory clams in a simple yet elegant white wine garlic sauce. It’s the fanciest, easiest dish you’ll make all week. Want more seafood recipes? Try my pan-seared monkfish, baked sockeye salmon, or seafood boil next. Whenever my family and I go out for Italian, I…
This flavorful Tuscan shrimp recipe impresses everyone—the perfect easy dinner! We also call it “Marry Me Shrimp”, a meld of…
This flavorful Tuscan shrimp recipe impresses everyone—the perfect easy dinner! We also call it “Marry Me Shrimp”, a meld of juicy shellfish with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a creamy garlic sauce. Serve with pasta, rice, or veggies for a fun meal!
Why we love this recipe
Maybe you’ve heard of Tuscan chicken—what about Tuscan shrimp? This rock solid meal idea stars a protein cooked in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. While chicken is a popular way to serve it, we love making it with shrimp as a seafood option!
The juicy shrimp shines in the creamy, lemony sauce, surrounded by tangy capers and chewy sun-dried tomatoes. It’s so quick and simple to whip up, and pleases any shrimp lover—hands down! We love serving it with rice to keep it as a gluten-free dinner idea, but you can also serve with pasta or sauteed veggies to round out the meal. As two cookbook authors, we’re always looking to make reliable easy dinner ideas: and this one is a big winner in our house.
Featured reader comment
“We made the Tuscan Shrimp tonight and it was most delicious! The sauce had so much rich flavor, we used half and half and whole milk. The jammy strips of sun dried tomatoes were a really yummy surprise. The recipe was thorough and easy to follow. Another incredibly delicious recipe from A Couple Cooks!” -Renata
Ingredient notes for Tuscan shrimp
We like to call this Tuscan shrimp recipe “Marry Me Shrimp,” because if you make it for someone they just might offer a marriage proposal! But in all seriousness, it’s similar to the recipe “Marry Me Chicken”, which also features a creamy sauce with sun dried tomatoes. Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe and a few notes on whether substitutions work:
Medium shrimp: Use deveined medium shrimp for this recipe (they may be labeled 41 to 50 count), either shelled or tail on. Use either fresh or frozen; we find fresh shrimp is slightly better—and if you can, buy wild caught.
Olive oil and salted butter: A combination of olive oil and butter makes a rich, flavorful sauce.
Fresh garlic: Fresh garlic is required for the best flavor; do not substitute jarred garlic. If necessary, substitute ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
Sun dried tomatoes: The bright flavor of sun dried tomatoes makes the dish! We do not suggest using a sun dried tomato substitute here.
Capers: Capers add a salty, briny pop—use them if at all possible. If you don’t have them, add a few more pinches of salt.
Heavy cream and milk: We like using a combination of heavy cream and milk, but you can also use half and half. The richness of the cream makes the body of the sauce, so we don’t recommend using only milk.
Ways to serve Tuscan shrimp
There are many ways to serve Tuscan shrimp—which makes it a very versatile recipe for serving! Here are a few ideas for making it into a quick and easy dinner idea:
Add pasta like linguine, penne, spaghetti, or bucatini
If you’d like to serve this Tuscan shrimp as a dish where the pasta is mixed into the sauce, here’s what to do.
Add 8 ounces pasta cooked al dente along with ¼ cup of reserved pasta water into the pan of shrimp once they are cooked.
Gently mix through the sauce until combined.
Storing leftovers
This Tuscan shrimp recipe is best served the day it is made. You can store leftovers up to 3 days refrigerated. However, Alex and I are not huge fans of next day shrimp (just our personal preference), so we find it’s best within a day or so. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.
This Tuscan shrimp recipe is gluten-free and pescatarian.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
How do I know when the shrimp is cooked?
Shrimp cooks quickly, so keep a close eye on it. It’s done when it turns pink and opaque throughout. Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery.
What can I serve with Tuscan shrimp?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Try serving it over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes. You could also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can measure out the sauce and vegetable ingredients ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Cook the shrimp just before serving to ensure it stays tender and juicy.
This flavorful Tuscan shrimp recipe impresses everyone—the perfect easy dinner! We also call it “Marry Me Shrimp”, a meld of juicy shellfish with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a creamy garlic sauce. Serve with pasta, rice, or veggies for a fun meal!
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds medium shrimp, tail on (wild caught if possible)
Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel. Place it in a bowl and mix with ¾ teaspoonof the salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and a few grinds of black pepper.
Add the olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium heat. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil on medium high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until just opaque and nearly cooked through, turning them with tongs (they will become fully cooked when adding back to the sauce at the end). Remove to a plate.
Place the pan over low heat and melt the butter. Then add the minced garlic and sun dried tomatoes and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until the garlic is lightly browned and fragrant. Add the capers, cream, milk, and remaining ¼ teaspoon kosher salt. Simmer for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally and scraping the brown bits off the bottom of the pan.
Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute, then return the shrimp to the pan and warm it for about 1 minute, spooning the sauce over the shrimp. Serve topped with the sauce and grated Parmesan cheese.
If serving with pasta: add in 8 ounces pasta cooked al dente along with ¼ cup of reserved pasta water into the pan of shrimp once they are cooked. Gently mix through the sauce until combined. Serve immediately. Leftovers store for up to 1 day refrigerated.
My creamy seafood lasagna features layers of cheesy white sauce, ricotta cheese, pasta, and a decadent seafood mix. It’s quick to make and perfect for busy weeknight dinners. Love seafood recipes? Try my sauteed shrimp, honey garlic salmon, and s…
My creamy seafood lasagna features layers of cheesy white sauce, ricotta cheese, pasta, and a decadent seafood mix. It’s quick to make and perfect for busy weeknight dinners. Love seafood recipes? Try my sauteed shrimp, honey garlic salmon, and sauteed salmon next. Don’t get me wrong – I love traditional lasagna made with layers of…
My seafood pasta recipe combines al dente pasta with a homemade red sauce and perfectly cooked seafood. Use a frozen seafood blend to make a fancy yet convenient dish! Craving more seafood recipes? Try seafood soup, seafood lasagna, and sauteed shrimp….
My seafood pasta recipe combines al dente pasta with a homemade red sauce and perfectly cooked seafood. Use a frozen seafood blend to make a fancy yet convenient dish! Craving more seafood recipes? Try seafood soup, seafood lasagna, and sauteed shrimp. When pasta night rolls around (which is quite often), I need new recipes to…
Transform a humble can of tuna into golden brown tuna croquettes using my quick recipe. They’re fluffy and crispy and ready in 15 minutes! Need to jazz up a can of tuna? You’ll love my healthy tuna salad, smoked tuna dip, and tuna casserole. Did you know pairing mashed potatoes with canned tuna is literally… 
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Spice up your next seafood dinner with my sweet chili salmon recipe. Featuring seared salmon fillets dressed in a sweet ‘n spicy chili sauce, it cooks in just 10 minutes! Love cooking with salmon? Try my lemon pepper salmon, salmon bowls, and blackened salmon next. I could eat sautéed salmon every day of the week,… 
Grill scallops to perfection with our no-fuss recipe. Achieve a golden sear and smoky flavor, all drenched in a parmesan butter sauce.
My linguine with clam sauce pairs al dente pasta with savory clams in a simple yet elegant white wine garlic sauce. It’s the fanciest, easiest dish you’ll make all week. Want more seafood recipes? Try my pan-seared monkfish, baked sockeye salmon, or seafood boil next. Whenever my family and I go out for Italian, I… 
My creamy seafood lasagna features layers of cheesy white sauce, ricotta cheese, pasta, and a decadent seafood mix. It’s quick to make and perfect for busy weeknight dinners. Love seafood recipes? Try my sauteed shrimp, honey garlic salmon, and sauteed salmon next. Don’t get me wrong – I love traditional lasagna made with layers of… 
My seafood pasta recipe combines al dente pasta with a homemade red sauce and perfectly cooked seafood. Use a frozen seafood blend to make a fancy yet convenient dish! Craving more seafood recipes? Try seafood soup, seafood lasagna, and sauteed shrimp. When pasta night rolls around (which is quite often), I need new recipes to…