Shrimp Salad with Creamy Pepper

Mozambique Shrimp Salad with Creamy Pepper Recipe

Region / culture: Mozambique | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Shrimp Salad with Creamy Pepper is a refreshing and flavorful dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The combination of juicy shrimp, crisp vegetables, and creamy dressing creates a delicious and satisfying meal.

History

Shrimp salad has been a popular dish for many years, with variations found in cuisines around the world. This particular recipe adds a creamy pepper dressing that elevates the flavors and textures of the dish.

Ingredients

0.5 cup low-fat or regular mayonnaise
3 tbsp orange juice
juice of 1 lime
1 tbsp honey
2 tsp white wine vinegar
2 tsp minced fresh tarragon or 1 tsp dried
0.5 tsp salt or to taste
0.25 tsp red pepper or to taste
freshly ground black pepper
1 bag (9 oz (255 g)) pre-cut mixed salad greens
16 cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 green bell pepper, sliced
3 green onions, diced
20 large shrimp, cooked

How to prepare

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, orange juice, lime juice, honey, and vinegar until well blended.
Season with tarragon, salt, and pepper to taste.
In a large salad bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, bell pepper, and green onions.
Top with shrimp.
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.

Variations

Try adding diced avocado or mango for a tropical twist.
Substitute the shrimp with grilled chicken or tofu for a different protein option.
Experiment with different herbs and spices in the dressing, such as cilantro or cumin.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the shrimp just until they are pink and opaque, as overcooking can make them tough and rubbery.

- For extra flavor, try grilling the shrimp before adding them to the salad.

- Feel free to customize the salad with your favorite vegetables or add-ins, such as avocado, cucumber, or croutons.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the shrimp salad on its own as a light meal, or pair it with crusty bread or a side of fruit for a more substantial dish.

Cooking Techniques

To cook the shrimp, bring a pot of water to a boil and add the shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque, then drain and rinse with cold water.

- To make the dressing, whisk together the mayonnaise, orange juice, lime juice, honey, vinegar, tarragon, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have tarragon, you can use dried dill or basil instead.

- Substitute the white wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar or lemon juice.

- Use Greek yogurt or sour cream in place of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables ahead of time, but wait to assemble the salad until just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.

Presentation Ideas

Arrange the shrimp salad on a large platter or individual plates, garnished with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

This shrimp salad pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. For a non-alcoholic option, try serving it with sparkling water infused with citrus slices.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover shrimp salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over low heat or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Shrimp Salad with Creamy Pepper contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

This recipe contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

Each serving of this shrimp salad provides around 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

With 20 large shrimp in the recipe, this dish offers a generous amount of protein, totaling about 25 grams per serving.

Vitamins and minerals

Shrimp is a good source of several essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, selenium, and zinc. The salad greens and vegetables also contribute a variety of nutrients, such as vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

Alergens

This recipe contains shellfish (shrimp) and mayonnaise, which can be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before serving.

Summary

Overall, this shrimp salad is a balanced and nutritious meal option, providing a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Shrimp Salad with Creamy Pepper is a delicious and nutritious dish that is easy to prepare and perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With a creamy dressing, crisp vegetables, and juicy shrimp, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Shrimp Salad with Creamy Pepper. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn all I could about cooking from my grandmother. She was a master in the kitchen, known throughout the town for her delicious dishes and creative recipes.

One day, as I was sitting at the kitchen table watching her prepare dinner, she pulled out an old, worn recipe book from a dusty shelf. Flipping through the pages, she came across a recipe for Shrimp Salad with Creamy Pepper that caught her eye. I watched as she read through the ingredients and instructions, her eyes lighting up with excitement.

"Would you like to learn how to make this dish, my dear?" she asked me with a smile.

I nodded eagerly, thrilled at the prospect of learning something new from my grandmother. She handed me the recipe book and told me to read through the instructions carefully while she gathered the ingredients we would need.

As I read through the recipe, I could feel my excitement growing. The combination of flavors and textures in the dish sounded absolutely delicious, and I couldn't wait to see how it all came together. My grandmother returned to the kitchen with a basket of fresh shrimp, crisp vegetables, and a jar of creamy pepper dressing.

Together, we set to work preparing the salad. My grandmother guided me through each step, teaching me how to peel and devein the shrimp, chop the vegetables, and mix the dressing. I watched as she worked her magic in the kitchen, her hands moving with precision and grace.

As the salad came together, the aroma of the shrimp and creamy pepper dressing filled the kitchen, making my mouth water in anticipation. Finally, we plated the salad and sat down at the table to enjoy our creation.

With the first bite, I knew that this recipe would become a favorite in our household. The combination of plump, juicy shrimp, crunchy vegetables, and creamy pepper dressing was a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds. I savored each bite, relishing the deliciousness of the dish and the memories we were creating together in the kitchen.

From that day on, Shrimp Salad with Creamy Pepper became a staple in our family's meal rotation. Whenever we had guests over for dinner, my grandmother would proudly serve up her signature dish, always receiving rave reviews and requests for the recipe.

Over the years, I have made this recipe countless times, each time thinking back to that special day in the kitchen with my grandmother. Though she is no longer with us, her love of cooking and passion for sharing delicious food with others lives on in me. I am grateful for the memories we shared and the knowledge she passed down to me, not just in the form of recipes, but in the joy of cooking and creating something delicious to share with loved ones.

As I sit here now, preparing Shrimp Salad with Creamy Pepper for my own family, I can't help but smile at the thought of my grandmother looking down on me, proud of the cook I have become. Her legacy lives on in the recipes I make and the memories I cherish, and for that, I am forever grateful.