hot honey blackened shrimp caesar salad Recipe

Get ready for the most flavor-packed salad experience of your life with this hot honey blackened shrimp caesar salad. Juicy, charred shrimp tossed in a sticky, spicy sweet hot honey sauce sit atop a bed of kale dressed in a creamy homemade tahini caesar, perfectly finished with buttery avocado, bursts of roasted corn, fresh herbs, and not-to-be-missed shreds of parmesan. This is the kind of salad that has friends sneaking seconds, and it brings together everything we love: freshness, crunch, and bold flavors, all in one beautiful bowl.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this unforgettable hot honey blackened shrimp caesar salad, every ingredient matters—each chosen to bring out bright flavors, create contrast in texture, and color your plate with irresistible appeal. Here’s what you’ll need, and exactly why you shouldn’t skip a single piece.

• Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined): You want large shrimp for juicy bites and a perfect surface for that spicy blackened crust.
• Paprika (1 tbsp + 1/4 tsp): This spice ensures a smoky, vibrant color to coat the shrimp for classic blackening.
• Garlic Powder (1 tsp + 1/4 tsp, divided): Garlic brings aromatic savoriness that runs through both your shrimp and your honey sauce.
• Onion Powder (1/2 tsp): Adds sweet and sharp layers that balance the dish’s bold flavors.
• Cayenne Pepper (1 tsp + 1/4 tsp, divided): This is your heat kicker—adjust based on your spice comfort level, but don’t skip it.
• Black Pepper (1/4 tsp): For contrast and to accentuate the other spices.
• Dried Thyme (1 tsp): An earthy, herby note that punctuates the smoky shrimp coating.
• Dried Oregano (1 tsp): Brings classic Caesar flavor and roundness to the seasoning blend.
• Salt (1/4 tsp): A pinch sharpens and binds all the shrimp seasonings.
• Butter (2 tbsp): Butter is key for sautéing, blending creamy richness with that spicy honey sauce.
• Honey (3 tbsp): The star of your hot honey—sweet, glossy, and sticky, balancing all the heat.
• Kale (5-6 cups): Kale stands up perfectly to the punchy dressing and holds bold ingredients without wilting fast.
• Avocado (1, sliced): For buttery richness and creamy texture that contrasts the spicy shrimp.
• Frozen Roasted Corn (1 cup): Roasted corn adds smoky sweetness and beautiful pops of yellow—Trader Joe’s is a great shortcut!
• Dijon Mustard (1 tbsp): Essential for bite in your tahini Caesar dressing.
• Tahini (2 tbsp): Makes this Caesar extra creamy and slightly nutty, without the need for mayo.
• Anchovy Paste (2 tsp): You get deep, briny Caesar flavor—don’t worry, it won’t taste fishy!
• Garlic (2 cloves): Fresh garlic pumps up the landmark Caesar tang in your dressing.
• Shredded Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup): Savory, salty, and classic—go for freshly shredded if possible.
• Fresh Parsley (3 tbsp): A fresh, herby finish for flavor and vibrant color.
• Lemon Juice (3 tbsp): Brings just the right amount of brightness and acidity to amplify every other flavor.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (1/4 cup): Rounds out your dressing with fruitiness and a bit of luscious body.

How to Make hot honey blackened shrimp caesar salad

Step 1: Whip Up the Dreamy Tahini Caesar Dressing

Start by making the salad’s heart and soul—a silky, flavor-packed tahini Caesar dressing. In the bowl of your food processor, add Dijon mustard, tahini, anchovy paste, garlic cloves, shredded parmesan, lemon juice, chopped parsley, and extra virgin olive oil. Blitz everything together until smooth and creamy, then taste and tweak with a pinch more salt and pepper if you like. Pour the dressing into a jar and set it aside until assembly. Trust me, this dressing is so good, you’ll want to have it on hand for all your salads!

Step 2: Coat the Shrimp in Spices

In a medium bowl, toss your peeled and deveined shrimp with 1 tablespoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, black pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, and salt. Use your hands or a big spoon to ensure every shrimp gets a thick, even coat. This powerhouse blend is what gives hot honey blackened shrimp caesar salad its signature bold kick and deep color.

Step 3: Sear the Shrimp in Hot Honey

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add your butter to melt. Once the butter is bubbling, stir in your honey, 1 teaspoon cayenne, 1/4 teaspoon paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder. Swirl it together and let the honey melt into a golden, spicy syrup. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Let them sizzle undisturbed for about 2 minutes per side to form a crispy, blackened crust. Allow everything to simmer for another minute or two, basting the shrimp in that luscious hot honey. The aroma is wild! Remove the shrimp to a plate and spoon every last drop of hot honey sauce over top.

Step 4: Massage and Build the Ultimate Salad

Pile your kale into a big bowl and massage a hefty tablespoon of the tahini Caesar dressing in with your hands for a minute or two. Massaging the kale softens it, tames the bitterness, and infuses the greens with flavor. Scatter the sliced avocado and roasted corn over your now-vibrant kale, then generously layer on the hot honey blackened shrimp. Finish with extra drizzles of Caesar dressing and shower everything with more parmesan and parsley. Every bite is a full-on flavor celebration!

How to Serve hot honey blackened shrimp caesar salad

Garnishes

Don’t hold back on finishing touches! Sprinkle the hot honey blackened shrimp caesar salad with extra shaved parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped parsley for color, or even a dusting of fresh cracked black pepper or chili flakes for more pop. Some lemon wedges on the side invite guests to add a last splash of brightness right before digging in.

Side Dishes

Because this salad has so much going on, you only need a simple side—think a warm, crusty baguette to mop up leftover dressing or perhaps some herbed roasted potatoes if you’re craving something extra. A chilled glass of crisp white wine is practically made for pairing with the hot honey blackened shrimp caesar salad, making the whole spread feel like a special occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the hot honey blackened shrimp caesar salad in individual bowls layered like parfaits, or pile the salad onto grilled flatbread for a knife-and-fork meal. You could even build “shrimp Caesar towers” using ring molds, stacking kale, avocado, corn, and shrimp for a dinner party showstopper. Don’t be afraid to play with presentation—this salad looks stunning any way you arrange it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover hot honey blackened shrimp caesar salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within a day or two, since the dressed kale can start to get soggy and the shrimp won’t keep their snappy texture for too long.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for this salad as a whole—kale becomes limp and watery after thawing, and avocado loses its lovely bite. If you want to prep ahead, freeze only the uncooked shrimp, separate from the other ingredients, and make the components fresh before serving.

Reheating

Shrimp is super quick to reheat gently in a non-stick skillet over low heat or in the microwave at half-power for 30-60 seconds. Be sure not to overcook, or they’ll turn rubbery! The assembled salad should be eaten cold or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different green instead of kale?

Absolutely! Romaine is the classic Caesar base and works wonderfully if you’re after a lighter, crispier bite. Spinach or a blend of greens are also delicious. Just keep in mind that soft greens will wilt faster once dressed.

Is tahini necessary in the dressing?

Tahini gives the dressing a nutty creaminess without needing eggs or mayonnaise, but if you don’t have it, sub in Greek yogurt or even a bit more olive oil for a similar texture. The flavor will shift, but it’ll still be rich and tangy.

How spicy is the hot honey blackened shrimp caesar salad?

It’s beautifully spicy but not overpowering—the sweet honey tames the cayenne and makes the heat more of a slow build than a fiery punch. If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the cayenne a little and taste as you go.

Can I prep anything ahead of time?

Yes! The tahini Caesar dressing and roasted corn can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the fridge. The shrimp is best cooked right before serving so it’s juicy and fresh, but you can mix the blackening spice ahead for faster prep.

What can I substitute for anchovy paste?

If you’re not a fan of anchovies, use a splash of Worcestershire sauce, which gives a similar umami depth. Or, skip it altogether—the dressing will still be crave-worthy, just a touch less traditional!

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something fresh, zesty, and totally unforgettable, you have to make this hot honey blackened shrimp caesar salad. The combination of spicy-sweet shrimp, creamy Caesar, and crunchy veggies will win a spot in your favorites list. Give it a try and get ready to fall in love with salad all over again!

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