Popcorn Shrimp Salad

Crispy, golden perfection meets fresh garden flavors in this irresistible Popcorn Shrimp Salad. Featuring tender, bite-sized shrimp coated in a flavorful blend of cornmeal, paprika, and garlic powder, then fried to crunchy perfection, this dish takes classic salad to a whole new level. The bed of vibrant mixed greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumbers, and tangy red onion pairs beautifully with the crave-worthy shrimp, all drizzled in creamy ranch dressing for the ultimate flavor balance. Ready in just 25 minutes, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, light lunches, or a crowd-pleasing starter. Garnished with fresh lemon wedges for a zesty finish, this salad is a delicious harmony of textures and tastes that's sure to leave you wanting more. Keywords: popcorn shrimp salad, crispy shrimp salad, easy salad recipe, quick weeknight dinner, seafood salad recipe.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 pound Shrimp (small, peeled and deveined)
• 1 cup Buttermilk
• 1 cup All-purpose flour
• 1 cup Cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 cups Vegetable oil (for frying)
• 5 cups Mixed salad greens
• 1 cup Cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 cup Cucumber (sliced)
• 0.25 cup Red onion (thinly sliced)
• 0.5 cup Ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 pieces Lemon wedges (for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Place the shrimp in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Let the shrimp soak in the buttermilk for 10 minutes while you prepare the dredging mixture.

Step 2

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.

Step 3

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

Step 4

Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off, and coat them in the flour and cornmeal mixture. Ensure the shrimp are evenly coated and gently shake off the excess.

Step 5

Carefully fry the shrimp in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per batch or until golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 6

Assemble the salad by placing the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion in a large salad bowl or individual plates.

Step 7

Top the salad with the crispy popcorn shrimp, drizzle with ranch dressing, and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an added citrus kick.

Step 8

Serve immediately and enjoy your Popcorn Shrimp Salad!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(2273.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	6557.4

Total Fat 556.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 84.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.7g
Cholesterol 926.0mg	0%
Sodium 4627.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 303.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 26.5g	0%
Total Sugars 31.1g
Protein 154.9g	0%

Vitamin D 126.9IU	0%
Calcium 682.2mg	0%
Iron 17.0mg	0%
Potassium 3440.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 73.2%

Protein: 9.1%

Carbs: 17.7%