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Shrimp Salad with Peanut Dressing

This simple shrimp salad is made with a delicious homemade peanut dressing. It is a quick, light, and healthy lunch option that can be ready in less than 15 minutes.

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round plate with shrimp salad, and cucumbers, and carrots, and purple cabbage

Why you’ll love this Shrimp Salad

Cooking shrimp can be a healthy option for meal prep due to its low-calorie, high-protein, low-fat content, and easy preparation.

  • Shrimp is low in calories, with approximately 60-70 calories per 3 oz serving making it an ideal protein source for individuals looking to manage their caloric intake.
  • Shrimp is high in protein, with approximately 18 grams of protein per 3 oz serving and it helps keep you full for longer periods which can help reduce overall calorie intake.
  • Shrimp is low in fat, with less than 1 gram of fat per 3 oz serving. This makes it an ideal protein source for individuals looking to manage their fat intake.
  • Shrimp is rich in several nutrients, including selenium, vitamin B12, and iron. 
  • Boiled shrimp is easy to prepare and can be cooked in large batches, making it a convenient option for meal prep, and can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days.

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Homemade Peanut Dressing

The star of this recipe is the homemade peanut dressing that is quick to make and uses pantry-friendly items.

  • Making your own peanut butter dressing requires simple ingredients such as peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, and ginger. These ingredients are easy to find in any grocery store, and you may already have them in your pantry.
  • All you need to do is whisk the ingredients together in a bowl, and your dressing is ready. It takes only a few minutes to prepare, which makes it perfect for meal prep. You can also use an immersion blender or a small food processor to mix it all together.
  • You can also use this dressing in a variety of dishes, including salads, sandwiches, and stir-fries. 
  • Making peanut butter dressing on your own can help you control the amount of salt, sugar, and other additives that you might find in pre-made dressings. It is also cost-effective as it is much cheaper than buying pre-made dressings. Make a large batch of dressing and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week, which saves you time and money in the long run.
round plate with salad, shrimp, and cucumbers, and carrots, and purple cabbage

Easy Recipe Steps for Shrimp Salad with Peanut Dressing

  1. In a bowl, combine the ingredients for the peanut dressing. Blend it all together until the sauce is smooth. You can use a fork or place it in small blender
  2. Next, either saute the shrimp in a wok on medium-heat for a minute. Or you can boil the shrimp for about 2 minutes. Be sure to let the shrimp cool.
  3. Layer your salad with your choice of veggies and shrimp. Drizzle the peanut dressing on top.

Reference the recipe card below for detailed instructions.

glass meal prep containers with different food items

Shrimp Salad Meal Prep Tips

Making homemade peanut butter dressing is a great way to add some flavor and nutrition to your meals. Here are some meal prep tips to make the process easier:

  • Try to use high-quality ingredients such as natural peanut butter, fresh garlic, ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey or maple syrup.
  • Use a container with a tight-fitting lid, like a mason jar, to store your dressing.
  • Use a food processor or immersion blender to whisk it all together.
  • Give the dressing a taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Add more soy sauce if it needs more salt, honey, if it needs more sweetness, or vinegar if it needs more tang. If the consistency is too thick, you can also add a little bit of water.
  • Store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. When you are ready to use it, give it a good shake.
glass meal prep containers with salad, shrimp, and cucumbers, and carrots, and purple cabbage
shrimp salad

Shrimp Salad with Peanut Dressing

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course lunch, Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 2

Equipment

  • knife
  • cutting board
  • mixing bowl
  • spatula
  • wok

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 4 cups spring mix
  • 1/4 cup shredded red cabbage
  • 1/4 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup cucumbers (sliced)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Peanut Dressing

  • 2 tablespoons peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, mix together the ingredients of the peanut sauce and mix until it is well blended
  • Add oil to a wok on medium high heat and saute the shrimp for about a minute. (Note: Instead of sauteing the shrimp, you can also boil the shrimp for about 2 minutes until they are pink and turn opaque). Afterwards, let the shrimp cool.
  • Assemble the salad by layering the spring mix on the bottom of the bowl. Top it off with the shredded cabbage, carrots, and cucumber slices
  • Add the shrimp and drizzle the peanut sauce on top

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if the shrimp are fresh?

Fresh shrimp should have a firm texture and a mild odor. If they have a strong fishy smell, or if they feel slimy or mushy, they may not be fresh.


Can I eat the shrimp tail?

Yes, the shrimp tail is edible, but it is often removed before cooking or serving for convenience.


Can I use other nut butter instead of peanut butter?

Yes, other nut butter such as almond or cashew butter can be used to make salad dressing as well.

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