Loaded Shrimp and Bacon Salad 🥗
Dig into this fresh and flavorful salad packed with juicy grilled shrimp, crispy bacon, and all the fixings a satisfying meal for any day! 🌞🍤
Ingredients 🛒
12 large shrimp, peeled and deveined 🍤
4 slices bacon 🥓
1 tbsp olive oil 🫒
1 tsp Cajun seasoning 🌶️
Salt and pepper to taste 🧂
4 cups mixed greens (lettuce, spinach) 🥬
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 🍅
1 cucumber, sliced 🥒
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
1 cup croutons 🥖
¼ cup ranch dressing (or your favorite) 🥛
Fresh parsley, chopped 🌿
Instructions 🍳
Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove, drain on paper towels, and crumble into bite-sized pieces. Set aside. 🥓🔥
Grill the Shrimp: Season the shrimp with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and heat over medium-high. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred. Remove and set aside. 🍤🌶️
Assemble the Salad Base: In a large bowl or on a platter, layer the mixed greens as the base. Arrange the cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, shredded cheddar cheese, and croutons evenly over the greens. 🥬🍅
Add the Toppings: Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the salad, then place the grilled shrimp on top for a beautiful presentation. Drizzle with ranch dressing (or your preferred dressing) to tie it all together. 🧀🥓
Garnish and Serve: Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. Toss gently if desired, or serve as is for a stunning look. Enjoy this loaded salad as a light yet filling meal! 🍽️✨