Quick Description
This Salad in a Jar is a convenient, portable way to enjoy a fresh and delicious Shrimp Caesar Salad. The creamy, spicy sriracha dressing is paired with perfectly cooked shrimp, Parmesan, croutons, and crisp romaine lettuce. It’s a meal that’s ready to go when you are!
Servings & Timing
- Servings: 2
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients List
For the Dressing:
- 1 anchovy filet
- 1 small clove garlic
- Pinch kosher salt
- 1 Davidson’s Safest Choice® pasteurized egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 ½ teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon finely grated Parmesan cheese
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
For the Salad:
- 9 large shrimp, deveined and tails removed
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup croutons
- Romaine lettuce
Instructions
Prepare the Dressing:
-
Make the Paste:
- Finely chop the anchovy, garlic, and kosher salt together until minced.
- Use the side of the knife blade to mash the mixture into a paste-like consistency.
-
Whisk the Ingredients:
- Transfer the paste to a small bowl and whisk in the egg yolk, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while continuing to whisk until the dressing emulsifies.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Stir in the sriracha until fully incorporated. Set the dressing aside.
Prepare the Shrimp:
-
Coat the Shrimp:
- In a small bowl, toss the shrimp with the sriracha until well-coated.
-
Cook the Shrimp:
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp to the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and fully cooked.
Assemble the Salad in a Jar:
-
Layer the Ingredients:
- Pour the dressing into the bottom of a mason jar.
- Add the croutons next, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Layer the cooked shrimp on top of the croutons and cheese.
- Finally, fill the jar with romaine lettuce, packing it tightly to fit as much as possible.
-
Seal the Jar:
- Seal the jar with a lid. The salad is now ready to go!
Additional Notes
- Meal Prep: These mason jar salads are perfect for meal prep. Just make sure to store the salad in the fridge for up to 3 days. The dressing is on the bottom to keep the lettuce from getting soggy.
- Protein Variations: You can swap the shrimp for grilled chicken or tofu for a different flavor.
- Dressing Variations: If you prefer a milder dressing, reduce the sriracha or omit it entirely.
Dietary Info
- Keto-Friendly
- Low-Carb
- Gluten-Free (if using gluten-free croutons)
- High-Protein
Ingredient Details & Substitutions
- Sriracha: Adjust the amount of sriracha based on your spice preference. If you prefer less heat, use mild hot sauce or paprika for a smokier flavor.
- Egg Yolk: Use a pasteurized egg yolk to keep the recipe safe, or substitute with egg mayonnaise as a base for the dressing.
Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions
- Vegan Version: Use vegan mayo instead of egg yolk for the dressing, and replace shrimp with grilled vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms.
- Extra Veggies: Add some cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, or avocado to the salad for more texture and nutrients.
Storage & Make-Ahead
- Refrigerate: These mason jar salads can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. The dressing keeps everything fresh and prevents the lettuce from wilting.
- Freezing: The salad is not recommended for freezing, as the lettuce will not maintain its texture after thawing.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 30 g
- Fat: 25 g
- Carbs: 10 g
- Net Carbs: 6 g
- Fiber: 4 g
FAQs
Q: Can I prepare this salad in advance for the week?
Yes! The mason jar salads are perfect for meal prep. Just layer the ingredients in the jar and store in the fridge. Add the dressing first, then the other ingredients, with lettuce on top.
Q: How can I make the salad spicier?
Add more sriracha to the dressing or sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top for extra heat.
Q: Can I use a different kind of lettuce?
Yes, you can use mixed greens, spinach, or arugula instead of romaine for a different flavor and texture.
Optional Personal Story
I love making these Salads in a Jar for busy days when I need a healthy, flavorful meal that I can take with me. The sriracha adds the perfect amount of heat, and the shrimp and dressing make it feel like a gourmet meal.
Call-to-Action
Make this Shrimp Caesar Salad in a Jar for your next meal prep session! It’s quick, easy, and the perfect on-the-go meal that’s both filling and delicious.
