Blackened seasoning rub on sauteed shrimp topped over a bed of fresh greens, grape tomatoes, mini cucumbers, avocado, and corn for tasty salad recipe.
What is Blackening Seasoning?
Blackening seasoning is form of cajun or creole cuisine that uses various herbs and spices where food is cooked until a blackish crust forms. It’s important to realize this is not the same as charring. Blackening food is done by using a very hot skillet and usually the food is dipped in butter before its seasoned. Herbs and spices usually includes oregano, paprika, cloves, red pepper flakes, chili powder, and more. What I love about blackening (especially shrimp) is the immense flavor. If you ever said It’s just burnt food, I’d have to stop you right in your tracks! I’d like to think of it as an intentionally well cooked meal.
You can make blacked fish, chicken, shrimp and other meats. What I love about this is how easy it is to do at home. You’d be surprised that you may already have the ingredients to this seasoning at home.
How to Make Blackened Shrimp and Avocado Salad
Season: In a large bowl add shrimp, dried oregano, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until shrimp is well coated.
Prep: Put the shrimp aside and start prepping the additional items for this salad. Cut the cucumbers into thin slices with a knife or mandolin. For this recipe I used whole ears of corn. To prep corn remove the husks. Add water to a large pot (About half way full or at least enough to cover corn) and boil. Then add corn and cook for 5-7 minutes. Remove corn from water and pat try. Use a knife to carefully shave off corn kernels. Season kernels with a little salt/pepper to taste. If you want to save time you can use canned corn instead. Rinse corn under water and season with a little salt and pepper per taste before adding to the salad.
Saute: I used a large cast iron skillet to cook the shrimp. Heat skillet over medium heat. Add unsalted butter. When butter has melted add the seasoned shrimp. Arrange shrimp in a single layer to allow to cook evenly. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes and then flip over. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes or until shrimp is cooked through.
Assemble: Add greens to bowl and layer on shrimp, cucumber slices, tomatoes, corn and avocado. Drizzle on your favorite dressing and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Blackened Shrimp
Use a large skillet to cook as many shrimp as possible. Remember to arrange shrimp in one layer on the skillet and do not overcrowd the pan. Cook shrimp in batches if it does not fit.
Make ahead and marinate shrimp in blackened seasoning rub. Store in refrigerator, covered, for up to 24 hours.
Things You’ll Need
Knife: To devein shrimp use a small paring knife to remove the vein.
Large skillet: To cook as much shrimp as possible it’s recommended to use a large skillet.
Large pot: Use a large pot to boil corn. For an easier alternative to save time use canned corn.
Other Delicious Salad Recipes!
Massaged Kale Peach Salad with Candied Pecans
Strawberry Avocado Spinach Salad
10 Ingredient Sweet Corn Salad
Blackened Shrimp and Avocado Salad
Ingredients
Blackened Shrimp
- 1 pound fresh shrimp devined
- 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt/pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Avocado Salad
- 8 cups fresh greens
- 2 avocados
- 2 mini cucumber
- ½ cup grape tomatoes
- 2 ears of corn
Instructions
-
In a large bowl add shrimp, dried oregano, chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until shrimp is well combined. Set shrimp aside
-
Cut cucumbers into thin slices with a knife or mandolin. Remove husks from corn. Add water to a large pot (About half way full or at least enough to cover corn) and boil. Then add corn and cook for 5-7 minutes. Remove corn from water and pat try. Use a knife to carefully shave off corn kernels. Season kernels with a little salt/pepper to taste.
-
Heat skillet over medium heat. Add unsalted butter. When butter has melted add the seasoned shrimp. Arrange shrimp in a single layer to allow to cook evenly. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes and then flip over. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes or until shrimp
-
Arrange salad by Add salad to bowl and layer on shrimp, cucumber slices, tomatoes, corn and avocado.
Recipe Notes
Did you make this recipe?
Tag @mashandspread on Instagram and hashtag your post with #mashandspread
Jasmin Foster is a registered dietitian/food photographer focused on feel good balanced living providing recipes and tips to help you live your best life.