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Shrimp Taco Salad

This homemade Shrimp Taco Salad is loaded with vibrant flavors and perfect for a light and refreshing meal. This dish combines succulent, seasoned shrimp with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy tortilla strips, and creamy avocado all drizzled with a zesty Southwestern ranch dressing. Every bite is a burst of deliciousness.

shrimp taco salad with avocado, corn, black beans, onions and salsa on a blue plate with Chipotle ranch dressing
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Key Ingredients

  • Shrimp
  • Lime
  • Greens
  • Onions
  • Tomatoes
  • Cucumbers
  • Corn
  • Avocado
  • Cheese
  • Black Beans
fresh lime, avocados, black beans, tortilla chips, and shredded cheese in separate glass bowls
roasted corn, salsa, and chopped onions in separate glass bowls

What Type of Greens to Use

I like to use a combination of baby spinach and mixed greens. Here are several types of lettuce and greens that work well:

  • Romaine lettuce: This is a popular choice for salads because it is crisp and has a slightly sweet taste that pairs well with the spicy flavors of the taco seasoning.
  • Iceberg lettuce: Another popular choice because it’s crisp and refreshing, and its mild flavor won’t overpower the other ingredients in the salad.
  • Spinach: If you’re looking for a more nutrient-dense option, spinach is a great choice. It has a mild flavor that won’t compete with the other ingredients in the salad, and it’s packed with vitamins and minerals.
  • Arugula: If you like a slightly peppery taste, arugula is a good choice. It’s also a bit more tender than some of the other greens, which can be a nice contrast to the crunch of the taco shell.
fresh salad greens in a glass bowl

Spices and Seasoning

I love to use my Homemade Taco Seasoning recipe because you have direct control of the spices you add, along with the amount of salt. A lot of the pre-packaged store-bought seasoning packs have a lot of sodium. Feel free to use your favorite store-bought package if you wish.

The homemade blend is made with:

  • Smoked Paprika: Adds a touch of sweetness and color
  • Chili powder: Rich, smoky flavor
  • Cumin: Warm, earthy flavor
  • Garlic powder: Savory flavor
  • Onion powder: Sweet and slightly tangy flavor
  • Salt and Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the seasoning
homemade taco seasoning in a white bowl

What Type of Shrimp to Use

Look for shrimp that are fresh, with a firm texture and no off odors. Avoid shrimp that are slimy or have a strong ammonia smell. Choose shrimp that are sustainably sourced to ensure that the seafood industry is not harming the environment or contributing to overfishing.

In terms of preparation, decide whether you want to buy shrimp that are already deveined, shells on, shells, off, etc. Deveining is the process of removing the digestive tract or “vein” that runs along the back. When you purchase deveined shrimp the black or brownish-colored digestive tract is already removed.

To do it yourself, make a shallow cut along the back of the shrimp with a sharp knife and then use the tip of the knife to carefully lift and remove the vein.

You should also consider where the shrimp are from. Different regions may have different species and quality standards. For taste, wild-caught shrimp are generally considered to be the best option as they have a more flavorful and firmer texture compared to farm-raised shrimp.

Farm-raised shrimp are raised in captivity on a shrimp farm. These farms can be located in ponds or in tanks on land. The shrimp are typically fed a diet of fishmeal, soy, and other ingredients, and are sometimes given antibiotics or other chemicals to prevent disease. Those chemicals are then passed into the food you eat.

When it comes to size, small to medium-sized shrimp work well in salads because they’re easy to eat and distribute evenly throughout the dish. Look for shrimp that are about 20-30 count per pound.

With that being said, I still prefer large or jumbo shrimp for my personal salads. Do what works best for you.

collage of 4 photos with raw shrimp cooked in a skillet

How to Make Shrimp Taco Salad

Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

  1. Drizzle fresh lime juice over the raw shrimp.
  2. Combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper to taste in a small bowl.
  3. Sprinkle the spices over the shrimp.
  4. Heat a skillet on medium heat with olive oil. Add the shrimp and cook.
  5. Load the salads with fresh vegetables, toppings, and cooked shrimp.
fresh salad greens on a blue plate
shrimp taco salad with avocado, corn, black beans, onions and salsa on a blue plate

How to Tell When the Shrimp is Done/Finished Cooking

Cooked shrimp will turn pink and opaque. The shrimp will also become firm when you touch it. Perfectly cooked shrimp usually has a C-shape, as opposed to a tightly curled O shape.

Salad Dressing

My  Southwest Salad Dressing recipe is my go-to. The best salad dressing to use is a tangy and creamy dressing that complements the bold and spicy flavors of the salad. Here are some great dressing options:

  • Creamy Avocado Dressing: This dressing is made with ripe avocados, lime juice, Greek yogurt, garlic, and cilantro. It’s a perfect match because it’s both tangy and creamy, and it pairs well with spicy flavors.
  • Ranch Dressing: Ranch dressing is a classic dressing that works well.
  • Chipotle Dressing: Made with adobo sauce, lime juice, honey, and Greek yogurt. It’s spicy and smoky and adds a unique flavor.
  • Cilantro-Lime Dressing: This dressing is made with lime juice, honey, garlic, cilantro, and olive oil.
  • Salsa Dressing: Salsa dressing is made by blending together salsa, Greek yogurt, lime juice, and garlic.
shrimp taco salad with avocado, corn, black beans, onions and salsa on a blue plate

More Toppings Ideas

I love to pair salads with my Mango Pineapple Salsa. Here are other toppings:

shrimp taco salad with avocado, corn, black beans, onions and salsa on a blue plate

More Salad Recipes

Fruit Salad with Honey Lime Dressing
Mango Fruit Salad
Watermelon Salad with Feta

shrimp taco salad with avocado, corn, black beans, onions and salsa on a blue plate with Chipotle ranch dressing
shrimp taco salad with avocado, corn, black beans, onions and salsa on a blue plate
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Shrimp Taco Salad

This homemade Shrimp Taco Salad is loaded with vibrant flavors and perfect for a light and refreshing meal. This dish combines succulent, seasoned shrimp with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy tortilla strips, and creamy avocado all drizzled with a zesty Southwestern ranch dressing. Every bite is a burst of deliciousness.
Save this recipe here.
Course dinner, lunch
Cuisine American
Keyword healthy shrimp taco bowl, shrimp taco salad, shrimp tacos with lettuce, taco lime shrimp salad
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 21 minutes
Servings 2 salads
Calories 358kcal

Ingredients

  • 10-12 oz raw shrimp Peeled and deveined.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice Optional for flavor.
  • 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
  • 6 cups greens
  • 2 tablespoons chopped onions
  • 1/4 cup sliced tomatoes
  • 1/4 cup diced cucumbers
  • 1 cup cooked black beans
  • 1/4 cup diced avocado
  • 1/4 cup whole kernel corn I love the frozen Mexican-style street corn from Costco and Trader Joe's.
  • 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Homemade Taco Seasoning (Feel free to use store-bought seasoning if you prefer)

Instructions

  • Drizzle the optional fresh lime juice over the raw shrimp.
  • Combine the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper to taste in a small bowl.
  • Sprinkle the spices over the shrimp. Ensure the shrimp is fully coated, but don’t over-season it. The amount of taco seasoning you use will vary based on the size of the shrimp you are using. (This is why I recommend combining the spices first and then use your judgment of how much you will need for your shrimp.)
  • Heat a skillet on medium heat with olive oil. Add the shrimp and cook, flipping to cook each side, for 3-5 minutes or until it is pink and opaque.
  • Air Fryer Instructions: Air fry the shrimp at 400 degrees for 6-8 minutes or until it is pink and opaque.
  • Load the salads with the remaining ingredients, toppings, and cooked shrimp.
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Nutrition (displayed with net carbs)

Serving: 1salad | Calories: 358kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 35g | Fat: 9g
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Nutrition DataMacros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
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