Description
A vibrant and healthy Spinach Salad with succulent shrimp and a smoky-sweet dressing made from Greek yogurt, balsamic vinegar, and liquid smoke. This refreshing salad combines fresh vegetables like cucumber, tomato, avocado, and mushrooms with perfectly sautéed shrimp, creating a balanced and flavorful dish perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 20 chives
- 1/8 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 1/3 cup olive oil
Salad
- 5 ounces spinach (pre-washed)
- 6 white mushrooms, sliced
- 1/3 cucumber, chopped
- 1 avocado, chopped
- 1 tomato, chopped
Shrimp
- 3/4 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Olive oil (1-2 teaspoons for cooking)
- Juice of 1/2 lime
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or to taste)
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: If using frozen shrimp, rinse them under cool water in a colander. Peel and devein if not already done, ensuring they are clean and ready to cook.
- Make the Dressing: Combine Greek yogurt, garlic, balsamic vinegar, chives, liquid smoke, soy sauce, honey, and juice of half a lime in a food processor. Blend on high while slowly drizzling in olive oil. Scrape down the sides as needed and blend again until smooth. Set the dressing aside or refrigerate until ready to use.
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients: Chop the spinach, mushrooms, cucumber, avocado, and tomato, then combine them in a large salad bowl evenly.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add the juice of the other half lime, shrimp, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked shrimp to the salad bowl and toss everything with the smoky-sweet dressing. Serve immediately for a fresh and flavorful meal.
Notes
- The dressing can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
- Adjust garlic powder and salt according to your taste preference when cooking shrimp.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of chili flakes to the dressing or shrimp.
- This salad is best served immediately after tossing to maintain the fresh texture of the vegetables and shrimp.
