Elevate classic the Caesar salad with grilled shrimp, walnuts

Published 1:30 am Tuesday, June 23, 2020

By Linda Gassenheimer / Tribune News Service

Caesar salad is one of America’s most popular comfort foods. Adding grilled shrimp and walnuts turns it into a complete dinner. The crisp lettuce and smooth, tangy dressing provide an enjoyable, mouth-watering combination.

The walnuts are grilled for a couple of minutes. This intensifies their flavor.

Helpful hints:

■ Pecans or almonds can be used instead of walnuts.

■ The shrimp and nuts can be sautéed in a skillet instead of a stove-top grill.

Countdown:

■ Grill shrimp and walnuts.

■ Assemble salad.

Shopping list:

To buy: 1 small package walnut halves, ¾ pound shelled shrimp, 1 head romaine lettuce, 1 bottle Caesar dressing, 1 small piece Parmesan cheese and 1 package whole wheat pita bread.

Staples: vegetable oil spray, black peppercorns.

Grilled shrimp Caesar salad

Vegetable oil spray

¼ cup walnut halves

¾ pound shelled large shrimp

6 cups washed, ready-to-eat Romaine lettuce

2 tablespoons Caesar dressing

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Freshly ground black pepper

2 whole wheat pita breads

Heat a stovetop grill and spray with vegetable oil spray. Add walnuts and grill 1 minute, turn and grill 1 more minute. Watch to make sure they do not burn. Remove and set aside. Add the shrimp and grill 2 minutes, then turn over and grill 2 more minutes. They should be pink. Grill a little longer if needed.

Break the lettuce into bite-size pieces and place in a large bowl. Add the walnuts, shrimp and dressing to the bowl. Toss well. Divide between 2 dinner plates and sprinkle Parmesan on top. Add pepper to taste. Warm pita breads in a toaster oven and serve with salad.

Makes 2 servings. Nutrition per serving: 575 calories (41% from fat), 26 grams fat (4.2 grams saturated, 4.9 grams monounsaturated), 302 milligrams cholesterol, 49.3 grams protein, 43.8 grams carbohydrates, 8.8 grams fiber, 800 milligrams sodium.

Linda Gassenheimer is the author of over 30 cookbooks, including her newest, “The 12-Week Diabetes Cookbook.” Listen to Linda on www.WDNA.org and all major podcast sites. Visit www.lindadinnerinminutes.com for more information.