Citrus Shrimp and Grilled Leeks Salad is a vibrant, refreshing dish that masterfully blends unique flavors and textures, making it an ideal choice for a light yet satisfying meal. This salad is visually appealing and packed with nutrients, making it a wholesome addition to any menu. It showcases fresh, seasonal ingredients combined with straightforward cooking techniques that empower you to elevate your dining experience.
Marinated in extra virgin olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, the shrimp are the dish’s stars. This blend infuses the shrimp with a subtle smoky flavor that complements their natural sweetness. Grilling the shrimp ensures they are perfectly cooked, with a slight char that adds depth and complexity to the dish.
The shrimp are then paired with grilled leeks, which bring a unique, slightly sweet flavor that the grilling process enhances. The leeks are halved and tossed in extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper before being grilled to charred, tender perfection. Once slightly cooled, they are chopped into smaller pieces, making them easier to incorporate into the salad.
The base of the salad is composed of fresh watercress, known for its peppery flavor and crisp texture. Watercress is an excellent choice for this salad, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, smoky flavors of the grilled shrimp and leeks. Adding to the mix is diced avocado, which brings a creamy richness that balances the dish, and orange segments, which add a burst of citrusy sweetness. These elements not only contribute to the flavor profile but also enhance the nutritional value of the salad, making it a powerhouse of vitamins and antioxidants, and a guilt-free indulgence.
The salad is dressed with a citrus vinaigrette, a bright and tangy dressing that ties all the components together. The vinaigrette is made from extra virgin olive oil, fresh orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. This combination creates a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness, enhancing the ingredients’ natural flavors without overpowering them. The vinaigrette is drizzled over the salad before serving, ensuring every bite is coated with this delicious dressing.
Garnishes play a crucial role in adding the final touches to this salad. Fresh cilantro leaves are sprinkled over the top, providing a burst of herbal freshness that complements the other flavors. Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty crunch, enhancing the texture and adding an extra layer of flavor complexity.
This Citrus Shrimp and Grilled Leeks Salad is a testament to the beauty of simple, fresh ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques. It’s a dish that’s perfect for a summer lunch or dinner, offering a delightful combination of satisfying and invigorating flavors. The combination of grilled shrimp, tender leeks, fresh watercress, creamy avocado, and sweet orange segments, all brought together by a zesty citrus vinaigrette, makes this salad a standout. Whether entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet dinner home, this salad will impress and satisfy you.
Citrus Shrimp and Grilled Leeks Salad
4
servings30
minutes20
minutes50
minutesCitrus Shrimp and Grilled Leeks Salad is a vibrant and refreshing dish featuring smoky grilled shrimp, tender grilled leeks, crisp watercress, creamy avocado, and sweet orange segments, all tossed in a zesty citrus vinaigrette and garnished with fresh cilantro and toasted sesame seeds.
Ingredients
- For the Shrimp
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
to taste, salt and ground black pepper
- For the Salad
3 large leeks, cleaned and halved
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
4 cups watercess
1 medium avocado, diced
2 large oranges, segmented
2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
1/2 cup cilantro leaves, loosely packed
- For the Citrus Vinaigrette
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons orange juice, freshly squeezed
1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1 tablespoon lime juice, freshly squeezed
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 clove of garlic, minced
to taste, salt and ground black pepper
Directions
- Make the Citrus Vinaigrette:
Whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside until ready for use. - Prepare the Shrimp:
Toss the shrimp with extra virgin olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until evenly coated. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they are pink and opaque. Remove from the grill and set aside. - Prepare the Grilled Leeks:
Clean the leeks of any residual dirt. Toss them with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper. Grill the leeks for 4-5 minutes per side until they are tender and have pronounced grill marks. Remove from the grill and let cool slightly. Chop the grilled leeks into smaller pieces. - Assemble the Salad:
Toss together the watercress, grilled leeks, diced avocado, and orange segments. - Plate and Serve:
Arrange the tossed salad on serving plates. Top with the grilled shrimp. Drizzle with the citrus vinaigrette. Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and toasted sesame seeds.
Notes
- Cleaning Leeks: Make sure to clean the leeks thoroughly, as dirt and grit can get trapped between the layers.
- Toasting Sesame Seeds: Place a small, dry skillet over medium-low heat, add the sesame seeds in an even layer, and stir frequently for 3-5 minutes until golden brown and fragrant, then transfer to a plate to cool immediately.