Say hello to your new lunchtime obsession: Grilled Shrimp Caesar Wraps! Imagine plump, smoky shrimp tucked into a warm tortilla along with crunchy romaine, a punchy homemade Caesar dressing, and plenty of nutty Parmesan. Every bite is a fresh twist on the classic Caesar salad, perfectly portable and impossible to resist. This recipe is my go-to for effortless weeknight dinners and impressing friends with something easy yet downright gourmet.

Grilled Shrimp Caesar Wraps Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Grilled Shrimp Caesar Wraps comes down to a handful of simple ingredients, each one chosen for maximum flavor and texture. Let’s run through what you’ll need and why every item brings its own delicious touch to the wraps.

Shrimp: Use fresh or thawed shrimp for best flavor – peeled and deveined saves you time and makes for easy prep.
Olive oil: Helps the spices stick to the shrimp and adds richness when grilled.
Garlic powder: Gives the shrimp a deep, subtle savory kick.
Paprika: Adds lovely warmth and subtle color to the shrimp as they grill.
Black pepper: Grounds out the spices and enhances the overall zing.
Salt: Just a touch brightens and balances the marinade.
Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice brings the necessary tang and brightness to both shrimp and dressing.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base for Caesar dressing, keeping things lusciously smooth.
Parmesan cheese: Grated for the dressing, shaved for the wraps – nutty, salty, and classic.
Worcestershire sauce: That special umami magic in your Caesar dressing.
Dijon mustard: Sharpens the flavors and creates depth.
Garlic (clove): Minced and whisked into the dressing for that signature Caesar flavor.
Salt and pepper (for dressing): Season the creamy dressing to perfection.
Flour tortillas: Large wraps that hold everything together and make this salad handheld.
Romaine lettuce: The crunchy, classic green for Caesar salads; make sure it’s crisp.
Croutons (optional): Extra crunch for texture lovers, totally optional but highly recommended.
Bacon (optional): Crumbled bacon adds smokiness and another layer of indulgence to your wraps.

How to Make Grilled Shrimp Caesar Wraps

Step 1: Marinate and Season the Shrimp

Start by tossing your peeled, deveined shrimp in a bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Give them a quick, gentle mix to coat evenly. Letting the shrimp marinate for about 10 minutes allows those bold, zesty flavors to meld beautifully with the seafood and makes all the difference in the finished wraps.

Step 2: Grill the Shrimp to Juicy Perfection

Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, arrange the shrimp in a single layer and grill for about 2–3 minutes on each side. You’re aiming for shrimp that are just pink and opaque, staying juicy and tender inside – overcooking will dry them out, so keep a close eye. Spritz them with fresh lemon juice just as they come off the heat for a bright, fresh pop.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Caesar Dressing

While your shrimp cools slightly, grab a mixing bowl and whisk together mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and garlic. This isn’t the time for bottled dressing! A sprinkle of salt and pepper brings the flavors into perfect balance. The result? Silky, tangy, and brimming with all the flavors you crave in a Caesar.

Step 4: Prep the Wrap Ingredients

Before assembly, warm your flour tortillas for about 30 seconds in a dry skillet or microwave. This simple step makes them soft and pliable so they’re easy to fold without cracking. Get your chopped romaine, shaved Parmesan, optional croutons, and bacon ready to go. You’ll want everything prepped so you can build your Grilled Shrimp Caesar Wraps while the shrimp are still perfectly juicy.

Step 5: Assemble the Grilled Shrimp Caesar Wraps

Spread a generous layer of homemade Caesar dressing on each tortilla. Arrange a handful of chopped romaine in the center, followed by those perfectly grilled shrimp, a sprinkle of shaved Parmesan, and any optional toppings you love. To roll, fold in the sides, then roll from the bottom, tucking tightly as you go. A good wrap holds everything snug and is easy to pick up.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

For a pretty presentation (and easy eating), slice each wrap in half. If you’re feeling extra, secure with a toothpick. Serve immediately for the full fresh, craveable effect. These Grilled Shrimp Caesar Wraps shine brightest when eaten right away!

How to Serve Grilled Shrimp Caesar Wraps

Garnishes

Elevate your wraps with a handful of fresh garnishes. Try a squeeze of lemon, a dusting of extra Parmesan, or a sprinkle of chopped parsley. If you’re serving to guests, add a few whole croutons right on top for crunch and irresistible appeal. A drizzle of Caesar dressing across the cut halves looks gorgeous and amps up the flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair your Grilled Shrimp Caesar Wraps with crispy sweet potato fries, a simple tomato salad, or even a refreshing fruit medley for a bright contrast. These wraps are hearty enough to eat on their own, but a light soup or crunchy slaw makes for a memorable lunch or dinner spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting a gathering? Slice the wraps into bite-sized pinwheels and spear with cocktail picks for a crowd-pleasing appetizer. You can also wrap each in parchment for a picnic or lunchbox upgrade. For an extra pop of color, lay them atop a bed of mixed greens and sprinkle with chives or microgreens for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any leftover Grilled Shrimp Caesar Wraps tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days. For best texture, keep some of the dressing on the side and add it right before serving.

Freezing

While it’s best to enjoy these wraps fresh, you can freeze the cooked shrimp separately in a freezer-safe bag for up to one month. Avoid freezing the fully assembled wraps, as the lettuce and dressing won’t thaw well. Assemble wraps with fresh ingredients when you’re ready to eat.

Reheating

If you’ve made the shrimp ahead, rewarm them gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. Avoid overheating to keep them tender. Layer reheated shrimp into freshly warmed tortillas along with crisp lettuce and other fixings for the best Grilled Shrimp Caesar Wraps experience.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Pre-cooked shrimp can work in a pinch, but grilling raw shrimp gives you loads more flavor and that irresistible smoky charm. If you start with pre-cooked, toss them quickly with the marinade and warm them just until heated through.

What’s the best way to keep the tortillas from splitting?

Always warm the tortillas before assembling your Grilled Shrimp Caesar Wraps! This softens them, making them flexible and far less likely to crack when you roll or fold.

Can I make the Caesar dressing ahead of time?

Absolutely! The dressing keeps beautifully in a sealed container in your fridge for up to four days. Give it a quick stir before using, and you’re set for speedy wraps all week.

Are there gluten-free options for this recipe?

Definitely. Swap the flour tortillas for gluten-free tortillas or wraps, and use gluten-free croutons or skip them altogether. The rest of the Grilled Shrimp Caesar Wraps ingredients are naturally gluten-free!

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

These wraps are a hit with kids, especially if you dial down the black pepper and paprika a bit for milder flavor. The creamy Caesar and tender shrimp tucked into a soft tortilla are always a win at family meals.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fun new spin on a classic favorite, these Grilled Shrimp Caesar Wraps are the answer. They’re fresh, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress at lunch, dinner, or your next laid-back get-together. Try them once, and I think they’ll quickly earn a spot in your regular meal rotation!