Citrus Grilled Shrimp and Leeks Salad offers a colorful and refreshing meal that merges distinctive flavors and textures for a light but fulfilling dish. This salad not only looks beautiful but is also rich in nutrients, making it a nutritious choice for any menu. It features fresh, seasonal ingredients and simple cooking methods that enhance your dining experience.
Marinated with extra virgin olive oil, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, the shrimp take center stage in this dish. This combination gives the shrimp a subtle smoky flavor that enhances their natural sweetness. Grilling them ensures they are perfectly cooked, yielding a slight char that adds depth and character to the dish.
The shrimp are served alongside grilled leeks, which offer a unique sweetness intensified by grilling. The leeks are halved, coated with extra virgin olive oil, salt, and black pepper, and grilled until charred and tender. After they cool slightly, they are chopped into smaller pieces for easier integration into the salad.
Watercress creates a refreshing contrast to the rich, smoky notes of the grilled shrimp and leeks. Diced avocado adds a creamy element that perfectly balances the dish, while orange segments offer a splash of citrusy sweetness. Together, these ingredients enrich the flavor profile and boost the salad’s nutritional value, transforming it into a powerhouse of vitamins and antioxidants, making it a guilt-free treat.
The salad is topped with a citrus vinaigrette, a vibrant and tangy dressing that unifies all the components. This vinaigrette blends extra virgin olive oil with fresh orange, lemon, and lime juices, honey, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. This mix strikes an ideal balance of acidity and sweetness, boosting the natural flavors of the ingredients without overshadowing them. The dressing is poured over the salad right before serving, guaranteeing that each bite is enveloped in this tasty dressing.
Garnishes play an essential role in finalizing this salad. Fresh cilantro leaves are scattered atop, delivering a refreshing herbal note that enhances the surrounding flavors. Meanwhile, toasted sesame seeds contribute a nutty crunch, improving the texture and introducing an additional layer of flavor complexity.
SUGGESTED RECIPE: Roasted Potato and Leek Soup with Bacon

This Citrus Grilled Shrimp and Leeks Salad showcases the charm of fresh, simple ingredients and easy cooking methods. It’s ideal for a summer lunch or dinner, delivering a wonderful blend of both satisfying and refreshing flavors. Featuring grilled shrimp, tender leeks, fresh watercress, creamy avocado, and sweet orange segments, all combined with a zesty citrus vinaigrette, this salad truly shines. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a peaceful meal at home, this salad is sure to impress and delight.