Elegant Shrimp Salad

This elegant shrimp salad is a delightful blend of fresh ingredients and contrasting flavors. Featuring tiger prawns as the star ingredient, the dish delivers a harmonious fusion of textures with creamy avocado, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a crisp salad mix. The prawns, lightly spiced with chili flakes and garlic, add a flavorful punch to the mix. The dressing, a simple yet sophisticated mix of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and lemon juice, brings everything together with its tangy and rich notes. This dish is not only visually appealing but also incredibly satisfying, making it perfect for a special occasion or a refreshing meal any day. It’s a versatile salad that pairs well with a variety of sides or can stand alone as a deliciously light main course. Whether you're cooking for family or entertaining guests, this salad is sure to impress. Serve it with a crusty baguette or your favorite bread to make the meal complete.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 pack of salad mix
12 cherry tomatoes
1 large avocado
24 tiger prawns, fresh or thawed, not cooked
1 baguette or your choice of bread for serving

Dressing and Seasoning

100 ml + 4 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tbsp soy sauce
1-2 tbsp lemon juice
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tsp Provence herbs
1 tsp salt
1/8-1 tsp chili flakes

Preparation Time

Total: 25 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Begin by dividing the salad mix evenly onto four large plates or shallow bowls to form a bed for the other ingredients.
Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and distribute them evenly over the salad mix.
Peel and dice the avocado into 1.5 cm cubes and arrange them over the salad.
Prepare the prawns by removing the shells, leaving the tail intact for a decorative touch.
In a small bowl, whisk together 100 ml of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and lemon juice to create the dressing. Set aside.
Heat 4 tablespoons of olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the chopped garlic until fragrant.
Add the prawns to the pan, seasoning with salt and chili flakes. Cook them just until they turn pink, around 3-4 minutes, ensuring not to overcook.
Remove the prawns from the heat and distribute six prawns per serving onto the prepared salad plates.
Pour the pan juices into the dressing and stir well. Drizzle the dressing over the prepared salads.
Serve the salad immediately, offering additional bread such as a baguette with garlic butter on the side.
Optional: Sprinkle some Provence herbs over the salad for an added layer of flavor.

Tips

**Use fresh prawns** for the best flavor and texture.
**Adjust the chili flakes** according to your heat preference.
This salad can be **prepared ahead of time**, but add the dressing and prawns just before serving to maintain freshness.

Nutritions

This shrimp salad is not only delicious but also offers a healthy balance of macronutrients. Each serving contains approximately:

Calories: 450
Protein: 25g
Fats: 35g
Carbohydrates: 15g

Variations

For a **vegetarian version**, substitute prawns with grilled halloumi or marinated tofu.
**Swap the herbs** and spices to tailor the salad to your taste. Fresh basil or dill can offer a new flavor profile.
Incorporate additional veggies like cucumber slices or bell pepper strips for extra crunch and nutrition.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this salad with a light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, for a refreshing combination.
Serve alongside a chilled gazpacho for a complete summery meal.
Add a side of quinoa or couscous if you desire a more filling dish.

Best Places

The Ivy - A charming café offering exquisite seafood dishes. Location: 1-5 West Street, London, UK.
La Mar - Celebrate Peruvian cuisine with a focus on seafood. Location: Av. Mariscal La Mar 770, Lima, Peru.
Balthazar - Famous for its French cuisine and classic ambiance. Location: 80 Spring Street, New York, USA.
Quay - Iconic fine dining with views of Sydney Harbour. Location: Upper Level, Overseas Passenger Terminal, Sydney, Australia.
Café Pushkin - Experience Russian elegance with a diverse menu. Location: Tverskoy Blvd, 26А, Moscow, Russia.
Nobu - Renowned for its elegant Japanese-Peruvian fusion. Location: 105 Hudson Street, New York, USA.
Ritz Paris - Indulge in luxury dining overlooking Place Vendôme. Location: 15 Place Vendôme, Paris, France.
Pujol - Mexican restaurant with a twist on traditional recipes. Location: Tennyson 133, Mexico City, Mexico.
Gaggan - Indian progressive cuisine with an innovative menu. Location: 68/1 Soi Langsuan, Bangkok, Thailand.
Osteria Francescana - Offers contemporary Italian cuisine with artistry. Location: Via Stella, 22, Modena, Italy.