Blackened Barbecue Shrimp Salad with Orange Dream Shakes

Sizzling Blackened Barbecue Shrimp Salad with Zesty Orange Dream Shakes

Welcome to a burst of flavors crafted to tantalize your taste buds! Today, we delve into the creation of a delectable Blackened Barbecue Shrimp Salad, perfectly paired with the refreshing Zesty Orange Dream Shakes. This unique combination of a savory salad and a sweet, citrusy shake is perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying as a gourmet treat for yourself.

Our shrimp salad captures the essence of summer with its smoky, spicy, and tangy notes. Using fresh, large shrimp is pivotal; they should be peeled and deveined prior to coating them with a delightful blend of barbecue and blackening seasoning. Bagged in a large zip-top, these robust flavors are marinated into the shrimp, ensuring each bite is a voyage of taste. Broiling the shrimp ensures they are succulent and cooked to perfection, striking a balance between crispy edges and moist insides.

The addition of toasted cinnamon almonds and the sweetness of dried cranberries introduces a satisfying crunch and chewy texture, while the creamy crumbled blue cheese infuses a tangy richness. Our secret ingredient, the luscious slices of caramelized navel oranges, brings a sweet, zesty contrast that not only enhances the salad’s visual appeal but elevates its complexity.

A few key tips – ensure your oven is preheated to broil on high to achieve that perfectly charred finish on your shrimp, and watch your caramelizing oranges closely to prevent burning. A high-viscosity Vidalia onion dressing stands as our last dressing touch, pulling all elements into a harmonious crescendo of flavor.

Ingredients

Blackened Barbecue Shrimp Salad

• 1 lb peeled/deveined large shrimp – A key protein, delivers a firm, juicy texture.
• Nonstick aluminum foil – Ensures easy cleanup and prevents shrimp from sticking.
• ⅓ cup cinnamon-toasted almonds – Adds a nutty sweetness and crunch.
• 1 large navel orange, for slices – Provides a fresh, sweet citrus element.
• 1 ½ tablespoons barbecue seasoning – Infuses deep, smoky flavors.
• 1 teaspoon blackening seasoning – Adds a spicy kick.
• Large zip-top bag – For effortless marinating of the shrimp.
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon sugar – For caramelizing the orange slices.
• 5 oz spring mix salad blend – A fresh base combining varied leafy greens.
• ½ cup sweetened, dried cranberries – Contribute sweetness and chewiness.
• ½ cup crumbled blue cheese – Offers a rich, creamy contrast.
• ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons Vidalia onion dressing – Binds elements with a sweet and tangy finish.

Zesty Orange Dream Shakes

• 3 large navel oranges, for juice – Fundamental for fresh citrus sweetness.
• 3 tablespoons orange blossom honey – Adds floral sweetness and depth.
• 1 cup ice cubes – Chills and refreshes the blend.
• 3 cups vanilla ice cream – Gives creaminess to the texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Blackened Barbecue Shrimp Salad

1. Prepare Ingredients: Thaw shrimp if necessary. Preheat your oven to broil on high. Line two baking sheets with nonstick foil. Chop the almonds. Peel and slice the orange into ½-inch thick portions.
2. Season the Shrimp: Combine the barbecue and blackening seasonings in a large zip-top bag. Add shrimp, seal the bag, and shake to ensure an even coat. Arrange shrimp in a single layer on one baking sheet.
3. Broil Shrimp: Broil shrimp for 5-6 minutes until they turn pink and opaque, watching carefully to avoid overcooking.
4. Caramelize Oranges: On the second baking sheet, arrange orange slices in a single layer. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and broil for 3-4 minutes until the sugar caramelizes.
5. Assemble Salad: In a salad bowl, combine spring mix, cranberries, blue cheese, and ¼ cup of dressing. Toss to coat evenly, then transfer to a serving platter.
6. Complete the Dish: Top the salad with your broiled shrimp, caramelized oranges, and drizzle with the remaining 2 tablespoons of dressing before serving.

Zesty Orange Dream Shakes

1. Extract Juice: Juice the oranges to yield about 1½ cups of fresh juice.
2. Blend Ingredients: In a blender, layer in order: orange juice, honey, ice cubes, and ice cream.
3. Blend to Perfection: Blend until smooth and creamy. Serve immediately for a refreshing counterpoint to the spicy shrimp salad.

Perfect preparation makes all the difference in these vibrant dishes. Use quality navel oranges for a naturally sweet outcome without excessive sugar. Watching the broil time attentively can mean the difference between sumptuous shrimp and charred leftovers.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Too thick shrimp salad dressing? Add a splash of citrus juice and mix well to achieve desired consistency.
• Salad too spicy? Incorporating a dollop of creamy yogurt can help tame the spice.
• Burnt shrimp? Scrape off the overly charred parts and use a gentle dressing to mask bitterness.
• Shakes too runny? Blend with additional ice cream or ice cubes to restore thickness.

Ideas for Pairing with the Recipe

Elevate your dining experience with thoughtful pairings:

• Side Dishes: A slice of crusty sourdough or a warm garlic bread complements the salad’s complex flavors wonderfully.
• Drinks: Serve with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a non-alcoholic herbal iced tea for a refreshing palate cleanse.
• Desserts: Conclude with lemon sorbet or coconut macaroons to maintain the citrus theme.

When pairing, think about contrasting textures—the crunch of bread with the creamy texture of the salad, or the tartness of lemon sorbet against the sweet orange shakes.

How to Store Properly

• For refrigeration: Use airtight containers to store salad components separately for up to 2 days. Empty salad into a dry dish before serving.
• For freezing: The shrimp can be frozen separately for up to 2 months. Allow to thaw before reheating, though note the texture may become less firm.
• Zesty Orange Dream Shakes: Best served fresh, but can refrigerate leftover shakes for up to 1 day. Shake before drinking.

For longer storage, disassemble components where possible and freeze separately to preserve freshness. Always encourage making the salad fresh for optimal flavor and texture.

FAQs

• Can I substitute regular oranges for navel oranges? Yes, but navel oranges offer a more consistent sweetness without seed disruption.
• Is there an alternative to Vidalia onion dressing? Any sweet onion or vinaigrette dressing can be used. Adjust sweetness to taste with honey.
• Can the salad be made vegan? Substitute shrimp with grilled portobello mushrooms and blue cheese with a vegan cheese alternative.
• What if I don't have a broiling function? Roast the shrimp at 450°F until opaque and slightly crisp, watching closely to avoid overcooking.

Experimentation and adjustments ensure these recipes can meet various dietary needs and kitchen setups while maintaining their signature flavors.