Description
Buffalo Ranch Shrimp Salad is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines spicy buffalo-coated shrimp with creamy ranch dressing and fresh, crisp vegetables. Perfect as a light lunch, hearty appetizer, or versatile snack, this salad balances heat and creaminess with a satisfying crunch, making it an irresistible and quick meal option.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 lb fresh peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1/3 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)
- Optional: blue cheese crumbles, about 1/4 cup
Salad Base and Vegetables
- 4 cups romaine lettuce or mixed greens, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup celery, finely diced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions or chives, chopped for garnish
Dressing
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (use dairy-free if preferred)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: Cook the shrimp by sautéing, boiling, or grilling until they turn opaque, about 3-4 minutes per side. While still hot, toss the shrimp with buffalo sauce ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
- Assemble the Greens and Veggies: While the shrimp cool slightly, chop the romaine or mixed greens, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely dice celery and red onion, and shred the carrots. Place all prepared vegetables into a large mixing bowl.
- Combine with Dressing: Pour ranch dressing over the greens and vegetables, gently tossing to coat everything evenly without overpowering the fresh flavors.
- Add Buffalo Shrimp and Toss: Gently fold the buffalo-coated shrimp into the salad mixture, combining the spicy shrimp with the creamy ranch-dressed vegetables to achieve a harmonious flavor balance.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the salad with chopped green onions or chives and sprinkle optional blue cheese crumbles if desired. Serve immediately for optimal freshness and taste.
Notes
- Cook shrimp just until opaque to avoid toughness and maintain tender juiciness.
- Adjust buffalo sauce quantity to control spiciness according to personal preference.
- Keep all salad ingredients chilled before assembly to maximize freshness and crunch.
- For enhanced flavor, use homemade ranch dressing with fresh herbs and garlic.
- Marinate shrimp in buffalo sauce ahead of time for deeper infusion of flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing/Grilling/Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg