Delightfully refreshing, this shrimp, avocado, and roasted corn salad is a perfect blend of flavors. The savory shrimps, creamy avocado, and sweet roasted corn together create a symphony in your mouth, while the buttermilk pesto dressing gives it an added zest. It's a simple recipe that packs a punch and is sure to be a hit at any meal.
Most of these ingredients are commonly found in your kitchen. But if not, keep an eye out for the fontina cheese and pesto. Fontina cheese is a cow's milk Italian cheese that is semi-soft and known for its nutty flavor and slight tang. It's perfect for salads. Pesto is a sauce originating from Italy, made from crushed basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. It adds a vibrant taste and color to the dressing.
Ingredients for Shrimp, Avocado and Roasted Corn Salad
Sweet Corn: Adds a sweet and crunchy texture to the salad.
Bacon strips: Gives a smoky and savory flavor.
Shrimps: Brings a taste of the sea and adds a protein punch.
Romaine lettuce: Forms the base of the salad, bringing freshness and crunch.
Avocado: Adds creaminess and a rich texture to the salad.
Fontina cheese: Provides a nutty flavor and slight tang.
Buttermilk: Used in the dressing for a tangy flavor.
Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess to the dressing.
Pesto: Infuses the dressing with a vibrant taste and color.
Shallot: Adds a hint of sweetness and crunch to the dressing.
Lemon juice: Brightens up the flavors in the dressing.
Salt and pepper: Seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
One reader, Garwin Goodrich says:
This shrimp, avocado, and roasted corn salad recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply divine. The roasted corn adds a delightful crunch, and the creamy avocado perfectly complements the succulent shrimp. The buttermilk pesto dressing ties it all together beautifully. It's a must-try for any salad lover!
Cooking Techniques for Preparing This Salad Recipe
How to dry-roast corn kernels: Heat a skillet over high heat and add the corn kernels. Let them dry-roast for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges begin to brown and caramelize. Transfer the corn to a plate and set aside.
How to fry bacon: Reduce the heat to medium-high. In the same skillet, add the bacon and fry for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the grease in the skillet.
How to sauté shrimp: In the same skillet, sauté the shrimp for about 2 minutes per side, depending on the size, until cooked and pink. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
How to make buttermilk pesto dressing: Whisk together the buttermilk, mayonnaise, pesto, shallot, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until blended. Season with salt and pepper.
How to assemble the salad: Toss together the romaine, roasted corn, bacon, shrimp, and avocado. Drizzle with the buttermilk pesto dressing and serve.
How To Make Shrimp, Avocado & Roasted Corn Salad
Enjoy this savory roasted corn salad at home, tossed in with shrimp, avocado, sweet corn, lettuce, cheese, and a flavorful creamy buttermilk pesto dressing!
Serves:
Ingredients
For Salad:
- 2sweet corn,ears, shaved off the cob
- 3bacon strips,diced
- ½lbshrimps,large, peeled, with tails on or off
- 4cupsRomaine lettuce,chopped
- 1avocado,peeled, pitted, diced
- ⅓cupFontina cheese,grated, optional
For Buttermilk Pesto Dressing:
- ½cupbuttermilk
- ½cupmayonnaise,or Greek yogurt
- ¼cuppesto,homemade, or store-bought
- 1small shallot,minced
- 1tbsplemon juice
- pinch of salt and pepper,to taste
Instructions
Salad:
-
Heat a skillet over high heat. Add the corn kernels and let them dry-roast for about 6 for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges begin to brown and caramelize. Transfer the corn to a plate and set aside.
-
Reduce the heat to medium-high. In the same skillet, add the bacon, and fry for about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon, leaving the grease in the skillet.
-
Add the shrimp and saute for about 2 minutes per side (depending on the size of the shrimp) until cooked and pink, Remove shrimp and set aside.
Dressing:
-
Whisk together all the ingredients until blended. Season with salt and pepper.
To Assemble:
-
Toss together the Romaine, corn, bacon, shrimp and avocado. Drizzle with dressing and serve.
Nutrition
- Calories: 1165.63kcal
- Fat: 97.40g
- Saturated Fat: 21.23g
- Trans Fat: 0.09g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 31.31g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 32.69g
- Carbohydrates: 42.26g
- Fiber: 12.02g
- Sugar: 13.64g
- Protein: 37.33g
- Cholesterol: 224.76mg
- Sodium: 1927.76mg
- Calcium: 365.80mg
- Potassium: 1392.41mg
- Iron: 3.61mg
- Vitamin A: 558.11µg
- Vitamin C: 25.91mg
Pro Tip for Perfectly Roasting Corn for This Salad
When roasting the corn, make sure not to stir it too often. Letting it sit undisturbed on the skillet allows it to get a nice char and enhances its sweet flavor. Similarly, when cooking the shrimp, avoid overcooking as it can become tough and rubbery. Shrimp cooks quickly, usually in 2 minutes per side, and turns pink when it's done. Always remember, good cooking is about patience and precision.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Shrimp, Avocado and Roasted Corn Salad
Prep ahead: Chop vegetables, cook grains, and marinate proteins in advance to save time during meal prep.
One-pot meals: Opt for recipes that allow you to cook everything in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup and save time.
Batch cooking: Prepare large quantities of staple ingredients like rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables to use in multiple meals throughout the week.
Invest in tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets such as a food processor, mandoline slicer, or instant pot to streamline the cooking process.
Follow the recipe: Read through the entire recipe before starting to ensure you have all the ingredients and understand the steps, preventing any last-minute confusion.
Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and tidy to minimize time spent searching for utensils, ingredients, or tools while cooking.
Clean as you go: Wash dishes, utensils, and cutting boards as you cook to prevent a pile-up of dishes at the end of the meal preparation.
Substitute Ingredients For Shrimp, Avocado & Roasted Corn Salad Recipe
shrimps - Substitute with grilled chicken: Grilled chicken can provide a similar texture and flavor to shrimp in the salad, while also adding a savory element to the dish.
avocado - Substitute with mango: Mango can offer a sweet and tangy flavor similar to avocado, adding a refreshing twist to the salad.
roasted corn - Substitute with roasted bell peppers: Roasted bell peppers can provide a smoky and sweet flavor similar to roasted corn, adding depth and color to the salad.
How to Beautifully Present Shrimp, Avocado and Roasted Corn Salad
Elevate the salad with a stunning presentation: As a culinary genius, you understand the importance of presentation. Arrange the romaine lettuce, roasted corn, crispy bacon, succulent shrimp, and creamy avocado in an artful and visually appealing manner on the plate. The goal is to create a feast for the eyes before the first bite.
Incorporate vibrant colors: Utilize the natural colors of the ingredients to create a visually striking dish. The bright yellow of the corn, the green of the avocado, and the pink hue of the shrimp will create a beautiful and appetizing plate.
Balance the textures: Pay attention to the textures of the ingredients. The crispness of the romaine lettuce, the crunch of the roasted corn, the creaminess of the avocado, and the succulent shrimp should all complement each other, creating a harmonious and delightful eating experience.
Use minimalistic plating: Embrace the concept of minimalism in plating. Let the natural beauty of the ingredients shine through without overwhelming the plate with unnecessary elements. This approach will showcase your confidence in the quality of the dish.
Garnish with microgreens: Add a touch of elegance by delicately placing a few vibrant microgreens on top of the salad. This subtle addition will enhance the visual appeal and add a hint of freshness to the dish.
Consider the plate shape and size: Choose a plate that complements the colors and arrangement of the salad. The plate should be the perfect canvas to showcase your culinary masterpiece.
Create a focal point: Arrange the ingredients in a way that draws the eye to a focal point on the plate. This could be achieved by placing the shrimp or avocado strategically to create visual interest.
Pay attention to the negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate. Allow the dish to breathe and avoid overcrowding, ensuring that each element has its place and stands out.
Use high-quality serving utensils: When presenting the salad, use elegant and high-quality serving utensils that reflect the sophistication of the dish and your culinary expertise.
Consider the overall dining experience: Think beyond the plate and consider how the dish will be enjoyed. Ensure that the presentation enhances the overall dining experience, leaving a lasting impression on the diners.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Salad
- Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and sautéing ingredients.
- Slotted spoon: A spoon with slots or holes that allow liquids to drain as you lift solid foods from a pan.
- Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending and mixing ingredients together.
- Plate: A flat, round dish used for serving food.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining ingredients together.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, slicing, and pureeing ingredients.
Storage and Freezing Instructions for Shrimp, Avocado and Roasted Corn Salad
- This salad is best served immediately after preparing, as the avocado and lettuce may start to wilt and become soggy if left for too long.
- If you need to store leftovers, place the salad (without the dressing) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Store the dressing separately in another airtight container.
- When ready to serve, toss the salad with the dressing and enjoy.
- It is not recommended to freeze this salad as the texture and quality of the avocado, lettuce, and shrimp will deteriorate upon thawing.
- If you want to prepare the components ahead of time, you can:
- Roast the corn and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Cook the bacon and shrimp, and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prepare the dressing and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- When ready to serve, assemble the salad components and toss with the dressing.
Surprising Fact About One of the Ingredients in This Recipe
Shrimp, avocado and roasted corn salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is packed with flavor and nutrients. It's a great source of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins. This salad is not only tasty but also a healthy option for a meal.
Is Making Shrimp, Avocado and Roasted Corn Salad at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this shrimp, avocado and roasted corn salad recipe is quite favorable. The ingredients, including shrimp, avocado, and corn, are generally affordable and versatile. The buttermilk pesto dressing adds a layer of richness without breaking the bank. The total cost for a household of 4 people would be approximately $25. This salad offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying and cost-effective option for a family meal. Overall Verdict: 9.
Is This Salad Recipe Healthy or Unhealthy?
The shrimp, avocado, and roasted corn salad recipe has both healthy and unhealthy elements. On the positive side, it includes nutrient-dense ingredients like:
- Shrimp: A lean protein source rich in omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, and vitamin B12
- Avocado: Provides healthy monounsaturated fats, fiber, potassium, and vitamins K, C, and B6
- Corn: Contains fiber, vitamins, and minerals like magnesium and potassium
- Romaine lettuce: A low-calorie, nutrient-rich leafy green offering vitamins A, C, and K, as well as folate and iron
However, the recipe also contains some less healthy components:
- Bacon: High in saturated fat and sodium, which can contribute to heart disease and high blood pressure when consumed in excess
- Buttermilk and mayonnaise-based dressing: May be high in calories and saturated fat, depending on the quantity used
To make this salad healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Omit the bacon or replace it with a leaner, plant-based alternative like smoky tempeh or coconut bacon
- Reduce the amount of cheese or opt for a lower-fat variety
- Prepare a lighter, yogurt-based dressing using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and buttermilk, and incorporate more herbs and spices for flavor
- Add extra vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes, cucumber, or bell peppers, to increase the fiber and nutrient content
- Use a moderate amount of dressing, and serve it on the side to allow individuals to control their portion size
By making these adjustments, you can enhance the nutritional value of the salad while still maintaining its delicious flavor profile. The key is to focus on nutrient-dense ingredients, minimize less healthy components, and practice portion control when it comes to higher-calorie items like dressing and cheese.
Editor's Opinion on the Flavors and Textures of This Salad
This shrimp, avocado, and roasted corn salad recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the roasted corn, the creaminess of the avocado, and the savory bacon and shrimp create a harmonious balance. The buttermilk pesto dressing adds a refreshing and tangy element to tie everything together. This dish is a perfect blend of fresh ingredients and bold flavors, making it a great choice for a light and satisfying meal.
Enhance Your Shrimp, Avocado & Roasted Corn Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Similar Salad Recipes to Try If You Love This One
Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Shrimp, Avocado and Roasted Corn Salad
Why trust this Shrimp, Avocado & Roasted Corn Salad Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a perfect choice for a refreshing and satisfying meal. The shrimp is a great source of lean protein, while the creamy avocado adds a rich and buttery taste. The roasted corn brings a sweet and smoky element, complemented by the savory crunch of crispy bacon. The buttermilk pesto dressing ties everything together with its tangy and herby notes. With fresh and wholesome ingredients like romaine lettuce and fontina cheese, this recipe promises a delicious and nutritious dining experience.
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