The Hot Honey Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad is that perfect combination of bold flavors and satisfying crunch you didn’t know you needed. Plump, spicy blackened shrimp get a sweet drizzle of hot honey, adding just the right amount of heat and stickiness, while crisp romaine, garlicky croutons, and plenty of Parmesan level up every bite. Simple steps, quick prep, and that undeniable wow-factor will make this a go-to whether you’re hosting friends, meal-prepping lunches, or simply craving a dinner that feels both special and effortless.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Hot Honey Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad plays a starring role. There’s nothing fancy here, just a smart mix of everyday staples and a few standouts that deliver layers of texture, spice, and creaminess—all in one bowl.
- Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp bring juicy, meaty flavor and cook up in a flash.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the shrimp sear beautifully for those crave-worthy charred edges.
- Cajun or blackened seasoning: A classic blend for deep color, bold smoky notes, and just the right amount of kick.
- Hot honey: Sweeps in with a sticky-sweet heat that clings perfectly to the shrimp—don’t skip it!
- Romaine lettuce heart: Crisp, sturdy, and cool; the ultimate canvas for our spicy-sweet shrimp.
- Caesar dressing: Creamy, tangy, and essential for binding every crunchy and savory component together.
- Parmesan cheese, shaved: Salty and nutty shavings add rich, umami notes that make this salad sing.
- Garlic croutons: Your crunchy, garlicky power move for extra texture and flavor.
- Lemon wedges: A squeeze of lemon brightens everything, cutting through the richer accents.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple but essential for balancing and highlighting each bold flavor.
How to Make Hot Honey Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Pat your shrimp dry with paper towels—that ensures all the flavors actually stick! Generously sprinkle Cajun or blackened seasoning over the shrimp along with a big pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Toss until every piece is well coated and ready for its spicy transformation.
Step 2: Sear the Shrimp
Heat up the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high flame. Once it shimmers, lay in those seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Let them sizzle for 2 to 3 minutes on each side; you’re looking for a deep, flavorful crust and a just-cooked, tender interior.
Step 3: Toss with Hot Honey
Turn the heat down to low, then drizzle in the hot honey. Immediately toss the shrimp so that sweet-heat glaze coats every piece. The scent is amazing—sticky, spicy, and savory all at once.
Step 4: Build the Caesar Salad
In a large salad bowl, add your freshly chopped romaine. Pour over the Caesar dressing, then shower with shaved Parmesan and a generous handful of garlicky croutons. Toss until everything is glossy and evenly distributed—the base of your Hot Honey Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad is ready!
Step 5: Assemble and Finish
Nestle the glistening shrimp on top of the dressed Caesar salad. Right before serving, add a few lemon wedges for guests to squeeze, and if extra boldness is your thing, drizzle on a little more hot honey. Dig in while the shrimp are still warm for the ultimate experience.
How to Serve Hot Honey Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad
Garnishes
A final sprinkle of extra shaved Parmesan and a crack of black pepper make this salad pop, while a squeeze of fresh lemon just before eating wakes up all those intermingling flavors. Feel free to scatter fresh herbs—think chopped chives or parsley—if you like a hit of green contrast.
Side Dishes
If you want a little something extra with your Hot Honey Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad, try pairing it with a rustic garlic bread or a summery corn on the cob. For something lighter, a bowl of chilled gazpacho or juicy watermelon slices keeps the meal refreshing and perfectly balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Hot Honey Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad in individual mason jars for an adorable party starter, or pile it high on a platter for a family-style centerpiece. Stack it into a toasted sandwich wrap for lunches, or even spoon it onto crostini or endive leaves for a playful appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salad and shrimp in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This keeps the lettuce crisp and the shrimp flavorful. If the salad is already dressed, try to eat within 24 hours for the freshest crunch.
Freezing
The shrimp can actually be frozen! Arrange cooked, cooled hot honey blackened shrimp in a single layer on a baking tray, freeze solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just know that the salad ingredients don’t freeze well.
Reheating
Warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for 30 seconds. Add a tiny drizzle of hot honey to revive their sticky glaze, then pop them back on your salad base for a just-cooked feel.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp for this recipe?
You can, but the texture and flavor really shine when starting with raw shrimp—you’ll get those tasty blackened edges and let the hot honey soak in deeply. If using pre-cooked, just warm them gently with the seasoning and hot honey.
Is there a way to make this dairy-free?
Absolutely! Swap the Parmesan for a dairy-free cheese alternative, and use a vegan Caesar dressing. Every other part of the Hot Honey Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad can stay just as it is!
What’s the best way to make my own hot honey?
Simply mix some good-quality honey with your favorite hot sauce, or infuse with red pepper flakes. Adjust the spice level to your liking—it’s quick, easy, and you can customize the heat.
Can I grill the shrimp instead of pan-searing?
Grilling will add an extra smoky note to your shrimp and works beautifully; just thread them onto skewers and brush with olive oil, then finish with hot honey while they’re still warm.
How can I make this salad gluten-free?
Swap in gluten-free croutons or simply toast slices of gluten-free bread with garlic and olive oil. Make sure your Caesar dressing and seasoning blends are gluten-free too for a totally safe version.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to add some serious flavor excitement to your dinner repertoire, this Hot Honey Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad can’t be missed. There’s just something about that spicy-sweet shrimp with the Caesar crunch that wins over any crowd. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite salad!
Print
Hot Honey Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the bold flavors of this Hot Honey Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad. Spicy Cajun-seasoned shrimp drizzled with hot honey sit atop a bed of crisp romaine lettuce, Parmesan cheese, and garlic croutons, all tossed in creamy Caesar dressing.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun or blackened seasoning
- 2 tablespoons hot honey
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Salad:
- 1 large romaine lettuce heart, chopped
- 1/2 cup Caesar dressing
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, shaved
- 1 cup garlic croutons
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat dry shrimp and season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until blackened and cooked through.
- Finish the Shrimp: Reduce heat, drizzle shrimp with hot honey, and toss to coat.
- Assemble the Salad: In a bowl, combine lettuce, dressing, Parmesan, and croutons; toss until coated.
- Serve: Top salad with shrimp and lemon wedges.
Notes
- For extra heat, add more hot honey or a pinch of cayenne to the shrimp.
- Substitute kale for romaine or grilled shrimp for a different twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 175 mg
