This retro-style recipe transforms the ingredients and flavors found in a classic shrimp cocktail into a satisfying main dish salad. Dressed with a tangy variation of a standard cocktail sauce, it combines romaine lettuce, sliced avocado, tomato wedges, cucumber, sweet onion and sautéed shrimp and takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.

Shrimp Cocktail Salad

A satisfying main dish salad made with sautéed shrimp, romaine lettuce, ripe tomatoes, sweet onion, avocado and a light, creamy version of a classic cocktail sauce for dressing.

Author: Lynne Webb
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Salads

Ingredients

1-1/4 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails left on
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the dressing:

1/2 cup bottled chili sauce
1 to 4 tablespoons prepared horseradish (see notes)
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1-1/2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 to 2 tablespoons milk
Freshly ground black pepper

For the salad:

1 large head romaine lettuce, torn into bite-sized pieces
8 Campari (or 2 medium) tomatoes, cut into wedges
2 ripe Hass avocados, pitted, peeled and sliced
1 cucumber, peeled and sliced
4 paper-thin slices sweet onion, separated

Instructions

Place the shrimp, garlic, oil and lemon juice in a mixing bowl Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper and toss to combine.
Place a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and sauté until they turn pink and opaque, 2 to 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Prepare the dressing by whisking the chili sauce, horseradish, lemon juice and mayonnaise together in a small bowl. Add just enough milk to produce a creamy consistency, season with a bit of freshly ground pepper and set aside.
To assemble the salads, arrange a bed of lettuce on each of 4 plates and top with tomato wedges and slices of avocado, cucumber and onion. Divide the shrimp between the salads and drizzle each with a portion of dressing.

Notes

Recipe Notes:

The heat and flavor of prepared horseradish can vary quite a bit in intensity. Start with 1 to 2 tablespoons in the dressing and adjust to suit your taste.

Shrimp Cocktail Salad