Shrimp and Nectarine Salad (Printable)
Succulent shrimp meets juicy nectarines in this vibrant summer creation with crisp greens and zesty citrus dressing.
# What You Need:
→ Seafood
01 - 14 oz large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 - 1 tbsp olive oil
03 - 1/2 tsp sea salt
04 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
→ Fruit
05 - 3 ripe nectarines, pitted and sliced
→ Vegetables
06 - 4 cups mixed salad greens (arugula, baby spinach, frisée)
07 - 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
08 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
09 - 1 avocado, sliced
→ Dressing
10 - 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
11 - 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice
12 - 1 tbsp honey
13 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
14 - 1/2 tsp salt
15 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Garnish
16 - 2 tbsp fresh mint leaves, torn
17 - 2 tbsp toasted sliced almonds (optional)
# How-To Steps:
01 - In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
02 - Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque throughout. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, lime juice, honey, Dijon mustard, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until emulsified and smooth.
04 - In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed salad greens, sliced nectarines, cucumber, red onion, and avocado. Arrange ingredients evenly for optimal presentation.
05 - Add the cooked shrimp to the salad bowl. Drizzle with the citrus dressing and toss gently to combine without damaging the delicate greens and fruit.
06 - Garnish with torn fresh mint leaves and toasted sliced almonds if desired. Serve immediately while the shrimp remains warm and the greens are crisp.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The honey-lime dressing strikes that perfect balance between tangy and sweet, making every bite feel like a tiny vacation
- It comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like something from a restaurant that takes reservations weeks in advance
02 -
- Overcooked shrimp turns rubbery, so pull them from the heat the moment they turn completely opaque
- The dressing tastes better after sitting for 10 minutes, giving the honey time to dissolve completely
03 -
- Pat the shrimp completely dry before seasoning to ensure they sear instead of steam
- Tear the mint leaves just before serving to prevent them from blackening