Grilled Chili-Lime Shrimp and Napa Cabbage Salad

Grilled Chili-Lime Shrimp and Napa Cabbage Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that perfectly balances the spicy kick of chili with the refreshing zest of lime and the delicate flavor of shrimp. This dish satisfies the palate and offers a delightful visual appeal with its colorful array of ingredients. Ideal for a light lunch or a refreshing dinner, this salad is both healthy and delicious, making it a standout choice for any occasion.

The dish starts by marinating the shrimp in a rich, tangy mixture of chili paste, lime juice, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, fish sauce, and brown sugar. This marinade infuses the shrimp with a robust flavor profile that combines heat, tanginess, and a hint of sweetness.

While the shrimp are marinating, the lime vinaigrette is prepared. This simple yet tasty dressing is made by whisking together extra virgin olive oil, freshly squeezed lime juice, honey, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. The result is a zesty and slightly sweet vinaigrette that perfectly complements the spicy shrimp and the fresh salad ingredients.

Once the shrimp have marinated, they are threaded onto bamboo skewers, which have been soaked in water to prevent burning during grilling. The shrimp are grilled over medium-high heat, around 400-450°F (204-232°C). This heat ensures the shrimp develop a slight char that adds flavor.

The base of the salad consists of a mix of Napa cabbage, watercress, cherry tomatoes, cilantro leaves, julienned carrot, and thinly sliced red onion. Napa cabbage provides a crunchy texture and a mild flavor, while watercress adds a peppery note. Cherry tomatoes contribute bursts of sweetness, and the cilantro leaves add a fresh, herbal element. The julienned carrot and red onion round out the flavors and add a beautiful array of colors to the salad.

Once the shrimp are grilled to perfection, they are placed atop the bed of fresh salad. The lime vinaigrette is drizzled over the warm shrimp and the crisp salad, tying all the flavors together. This touch of vinaigrette enhances the dish’s overall taste, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

To complete the presentation, the salad is garnished with lime wedges. These can be squeezed over the dish for an extra burst of citrus flavor, enhancing the already zesty profile of the dish.

Grilled Chili-Lime Shrimp and Napa Cabbage Salad is a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The spicy, tangy shrimp paired with the fresh, crisp salad creates a balance that is both satisfying and refreshing. This dish is nutritious and visually appealing, making it a perfect choice for a healthy meal that doesn’t compromise on taste. Whether hosting a summer barbecue or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this salad will impress and satisfy your guests or family. The ease of preparation and the combination of fresh ingredients make it a go-to recipe for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful, healthy, and beautiful meal.

Grilled Chili-Lime Shrimp and Napa Cabbage Salad

Recipe by Kyle Taylor

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: MainsCuisine: Fusion, Asian, LatinDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

45

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Total time

1

hour 

The Grilled Chili-Lime Shrimp and Napa Cabbage Salad combines spicy, tangy shrimp with a crisp, colorful mix of Napa cabbage, watercress, cherry tomatoes, cilantro, carrot, and red onion. Drizzled with a zesty lime vinaigrette, this dish is refreshing and vibrant.

Ingredients

• For the Grilled Chili-Lime Shrimp

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons chili paste

• 2 tablespoons lime juice, freshly squeezed

• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon fish sauce

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

• to taste, salt and ground black pepper

• for grilling, bamboo skewers

• For the Napa Cabbage Salad

• 2 cups Napa cabbage, chopped

• 1 cup watercress, trimmed

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1/2 cup cilantro leaves

• 1 large carrot, julienned

• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced

• For the Lime Vinaigrette

• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

• 1/4 cup lime juice, freshly squeezed

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 2 cloves of garlic, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• For Serving

• lime wedges

Directions

• Marinate the Shrimp:
  Combine the extra virgin olive oil, chili paste, lime juice, minced garlic, fish sauce, brown sugar, salt, and ground black pepper in a bowl and mix well. Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
• Prepare the Lime Vinaigrette:
  Whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lime juice, honey, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste. Set aside.
• Grill the Shrimp:
  Preheat the grill to medium-high heat 400-450°F (204-232°C). Thread the marinated shrimp onto bamboo skewers. Grill the shrimp on each side for 2-3 minutes until they are pink and opaque. Remove from the grill and unthread from the skewers once cool enough to handle.
• Assemble the Salad:
  Combine the chopped Napa cabbage, watercress, cherry tomatoes, cilantro leaves, julienned carrot, and sliced red onion in a large bowl. Toss until well combined.
• Plate and Serve:
  Arrange the salad on serving plates. Top with the grilled chili-lime shrimp. Drizzle the lime vinaigrette over both the shrimp and the salad. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

• Soak Bamboo Skewers: To prevent burning, soak the bamboo skewers in water for at least 1 hour – up to 4 hours – before threading the shrimp. This helps to keep them from burning or catching fire while grilling.

Suggested Recipes:

Soy Roasted Napa Cabbage with Lemon and Parmesan

If you enjoyed the Grilled Chili-Lime Shrimp and Napa Cabbage Salad, you’ll love the Soy Roasted Napa Cabbage with Lemon and Parmesan. This dish features tender Napa cabbage roasted to perfection with a savory soy glaze, then finished with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It’s a delightful blend of umami and citrus flavors that will complement any meal.

Citrus Shrimp and Grilled Leeks Salad

Try the Citrus Shrimp and Grilled Leeks Salad for another refreshing and flavorful option. This vibrant salad combines succulent shrimp marinated in a zesty citrus blend with charred, smoky grilled leeks. Tossed with fresh greens and a tangy citrus vinaigrette, this salad is perfect for a light lunch or a dinner that feels indulgent yet healthy.