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
Scale
- 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.
Notes
- 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.