Welcome to a burst of fresh flavors! If you’re craving a light yet filling dish that combines the sweetness of mango and mandarin oranges with the savory goodness of shrimp, you’ve come to the right place. This Vibrant Mango Mandarin Shrimp Salad is perfect for a refreshing lunch or dinner. Let’s dive into this colorful, healthy salad that will surely brighten up your day!
Introduction
This Mango Mandarin Shrimp Salad brings together the best of both worlds – it’s a nutritious and vibrant meal with a deliciously tangy sesame dressing. Inspired by tropical flavors, this salad makes use of fresh ingredients like mangoes, avocados, and mandarin oranges, adding a pop of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory, grilled shrimp. What makes this dish stand out is its blend of textures and flavors: juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, crunchy romaine lettuce, and a tangy-sweet sesame dressing that ties it all together. Whether you’re planning a summer picnic or looking for a healthy meal option, this salad is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
To prepare this comforting Mango Mandarin Shrimp Salad, you’ll need the following:
- 1 ½ – 2 pounds uncooked shrimp (shelled and deveined, tail-on is okay)
- 8 cups chopped romaine or green leaf lettuce
- 1 avocado, pitted and thinly sliced
- 1 large mango, diced
- ½ cup mandarin oranges
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ⅓ cup shelled edamame
- ¼ cup cilantro, roughly chopped
- Sesame seeds for topping (optional)
For the Sesame Dressing:
- ½ cup oil (vegetable, canola, or peanut work well)
- ⅓ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger (more to taste)
Optional Substitutions:
- For a vegetarian option, replace the shrimp with grilled tofu.
- Gluten-free option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- For added crunch, sprinkle toasted almonds on top.
How to Make Mango Mandarin Shrimp Salad
Follow these steps to create your own delicious Mango Mandarin Shrimp Salad:
- Prepare the Sesame Dressing: Combine all dressing ingredients (oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, garlic, and ginger) in a blender. Puree until smooth. Pour 1/3 of the mixture into a large resealable bag.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the bag with the dressing, seal, and let it marinate in the fridge for 10-30 minutes. Reserve the remaining dressing in the fridge for later.
- Cook the Shrimp: After marinating, discard the marinade. Grill the shrimp over medium heat or sauté them in a skillet for 4-8 minutes, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove tails if desired.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss the lettuce, avocado slices, mango, mandarin oranges, bell peppers, and edamame. Arrange the cooked shrimp on top.
- Finish with Dressing: Drizzle the salad with the reserved sesame dressing. Garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
Helpful Tips
- Marinating Time: For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp longer—up to 30 minutes—but avoid over-marinating as the shrimp can become too soft.
- Blending the Dressing: Use a high-speed blender to ensure the sesame dressing is smooth and well emulsified. If you don’t have a blender, whisking the ingredients works as well.
- Customizing the Veggies: Feel free to substitute the vegetables based on your preference. Cucumber, red onion, or even shredded carrots would work well in this salad.
Cooking Tips
Enhancing the flavors and textures in this Mango Mandarin Shrimp Salad is easy with a few expert tips:
- Use a Grill Pan: If you don’t have access to an outdoor grill, a grill pan is a fantastic tool to use indoors. It will give the shrimp beautiful char marks while keeping them tender.
- Chill the Salad: For a refreshing meal, you can chill the salad ingredients before serving. This works especially well during warm weather.
- Meal Prep Option: Prepare all the ingredients ahead of time and store them separately. Assemble the salad when ready to eat for a fresh and crisp meal.
Serving Suggestions
This Mango Mandarin Shrimp Salad is wonderfully versatile, and here are some ideas to elevate your meal:
- Pair with a side of garlic bread or a light quinoa salad for a heartier meal.
- Serve with a chilled white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a fruity iced tea to complement the tropical flavors.
- For a creative presentation, serve the salad in hollowed-out avocado or pineapple halves, adding a tropical aesthetic to your meal.
Nutritional Information
This Mango Mandarin Shrimp Salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Here’s a quick overview of its benefits:
- High in Protein: Thanks to the shrimp, this salad is rich in lean protein, making it a perfect meal for muscle recovery and maintaining energy levels.
- Rich in Fiber: The romaine lettuce, mango, and bell peppers provide a good amount of fiber, which supports digestive health.
- Full of Healthy Fats: Avocado and sesame oil deliver healthy fats that are beneficial for heart health.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Potassium: 500mg
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 10g
- Vitamin A: 80% DV
- Vitamin C: 90% DV
- Calcium: 12% DV
- Iron: 15% DV
This salad provides a great balance of macronutrients, making it a well-rounded meal choice for anyone looking to eat healthy without compromising on flavor.
Storage and Leftovers
Refrigerate: Store any leftover salad and shrimp in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat: To reheat the shrimp, quickly sauté them in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes or microwave on low for 1 minute. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the shrimp to become rubbery.
Tip: If you prefer cold shrimp, you can enjoy the leftovers straight from the fridge without reheating!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare all the ingredients in advance and store them separately. Assemble the salad just before serving to keep the ingredients fresh and crisp.
2. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you use frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before marinating and cooking. This ensures even cooking and better flavor absorption.
3. What can I substitute for edamame?
If you’re not a fan of edamame, you can replace it with peas, green beans, or even chopped cucumber for a crunchy alternative.
Related Recipes
If you loved this Mango Mandarin Shrimp Salad, here are some related recipes that you may enjoy:
-
Spicy Thai Chicken Noodle Soup With Coconut And Lime
-
Crispy Mexican Pizza With Seasoned Beef And Refried Beans Recipe
Conclusion
This Vibrant Mango Mandarin Shrimp Salad with sesame dressing is a true crowd-pleaser. It’s light, refreshing, and full of tropical flavors, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply looking for a healthy, tasty meal option, this salad won’t disappoint.
I encourage you to try this recipe at home and let me know how it turns out. Feel free to share your own variations or tips for making this dish even better. Happy cooking!
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Vibrant Mango Mandarin Shrimp Salad with Sesame Dressing
Description
Welcome to a burst of fresh flavors! If you’re craving a light yet filling dish that combines the sweetness of mango and mandarin oranges with the savory goodness of shrimp, you’ve come to the right place. This Vibrant Mango Mandarin Shrimp Salad is perfect for a refreshing lunch or dinner. Let’s dive into this colorful, healthy salad that will surely brighten up your day!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ – 2 pounds uncooked shrimp (shelled and deveined, tail-on is okay)
- 8 cups chopped romaine or green leaf lettuce
- 1 avocado, pitted and thinly sliced
- 1 large mango, diced
- ½ cup mandarin oranges
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ⅓ cup shelled edamame
- ¼ cup cilantro, roughly chopped
- Sesame seeds for topping (optional)
For the Sesame Dressing:
- ½ cup oil (vegetable, canola, or peanut work well)
- ⅓ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger (more to taste)
Optional Substitutions:
- For a vegetarian option, replace the shrimp with grilled tofu.
- Gluten-free option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- For added crunch, sprinkle toasted almonds on top.
Instructions
- Prepare the Sesame Dressing: Combine all dressing ingredients (oil, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, garlic, and ginger) in a blender. Puree until smooth. Pour 1/3 of the mixture into a large resealable bag.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Add the shrimp to the bag with the dressing, seal, and let it marinate in the fridge for 10-30 minutes. Reserve the remaining dressing in the fridge for later.
- Cook the Shrimp: After marinating, discard the marinade. Grill the shrimp over medium heat or sauté them in a skillet for 4-8 minutes, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove tails if desired.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, toss the lettuce, avocado slices, mango, mandarin oranges, bell peppers, and edamame. Arrange the cooked shrimp on top.
- Finish with Dressing: Drizzle the salad with the reserved sesame dressing. Garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Marinating Time: For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp longer—up to 30 minutes—but avoid over-marinating as the shrimp can become too soft.
- Blending the Dressing: Use a high-speed blender to ensure the sesame dressing is smooth and well emulsified. If you don’t have a blender, whisking the ingredients works as well.
- Customizing the Veggies: Feel free to substitute the vegetables based on your preference. Cucumber, red onion, or even shredded carrots would work well in this salad.
