Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This salad has the perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and crunch—all while staying keto-friendly. It’s incredibly easy to make, taking just minutes to prepare, and it’s loaded with flavor thanks to the Cajun spices. The shrimp add a great protein boost, making the salad hearty enough to be a main course. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy your favorite Caesar salad without the carbs from croutons.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Cajun seasoning
- Olive oil or avocado oil
- Romaine lettuce (chopped)
- Caesar dressing (keto-friendly)
- Grated or shaved Parmesan cheese
- Lemon wedges (optional)
- Cracked black pepper (to taste)
- Optional: sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes (for color), or crispy bacon
Directions
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large salad bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing. Toss until the leaves are well coated.
- Add cooked shrimp on top of the dressed salad.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper. Add optional toppings like avocado, tomatoes, or bacon if desired.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 2–3 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 6–8 minutes
Total time: 15–20 minutes
Variations
- Use grilled or blackened chicken instead of shrimp for a different protein option.
- Swap romaine for kale or mixed greens.
- Add sliced boiled eggs for extra protein and richness.
- Make a spicy chipotle Caesar dressing for even more kick.
- Add toasted nuts or seeds for added crunch without the carbs.
Storage/Reheating
Store the shrimp and salad components separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat the shrimp briefly in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Toss with fresh lettuce and dressing just before serving to maintain the salad’s crispness.
FAQs
Is Caesar dressing keto-friendly?
Not all are. Choose a Caesar dressing made with healthy fats and no added sugar, or make your own using mayonnaise, Parmesan, anchovies, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking to avoid excess moisture.
What makes this salad keto?
It’s low in carbs and high in healthy fats and protein. Traditional croutons are omitted or replaced with keto-friendly alternatives.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use a dairy-free Caesar dressing and skip the Parmesan cheese or use a plant-based version.
What type of Cajun seasoning is best?
Look for a low-sugar Cajun spice blend, or make your own using paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, thyme, and oregano.
How spicy is this recipe?
It has a mild to moderate heat depending on the Cajun seasoning used. Adjust the amount to your taste.
Can I grill the shrimp instead?
Absolutely. Grilling adds a nice smoky flavor and works well with Cajun spices.
What can I use instead of romaine?
Kale, spinach, or arugula are great low-carb substitutes that still hold up well with dressing.
Is this good for meal prep?
Yes, cook the shrimp and store separately from the salad. Assemble just before eating to keep everything fresh.
Can I serve this warm?
Yes, the shrimp can be served warm over chilled lettuce for a great contrast in temperature and texture.
Conclusion
Keto Cajun Shrimp Caesar Salad is a fresh, flavorful, and filling dish that fits perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle. With bold Cajun spices, creamy dressing, and crisp lettuce, it’s a delicious and easy meal you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a fun twist on Caesar salad, this recipe hits all the right notes.
PrintKeto Cajun Shrimp Caesar Salad
Keto Cajun Shrimp Caesar Salad is a bold and satisfying low-carb dish featuring Cajun-spiced shrimp over crisp romaine lettuce, tossed in a creamy Caesar dressing and topped with Parmesan. It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1–2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- 1 large head of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/3 cup keto-friendly Caesar dressing
- 1/4 cup grated or shaved Parmesan cheese
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- Optional: sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, crispy bacon
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss shrimp with Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and opaque. Set aside.
- In a large salad bowl, toss chopped romaine with Caesar dressing until coated.
- Top the salad with cooked shrimp, Parmesan, and cracked black pepper.
- Add optional toppings like avocado, tomatoes, or bacon if desired.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked shrimp to save time—just reheat with seasoning briefly in the skillet.
- For extra heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes or add hot sauce to the dressing.
- Homemade Caesar dressing can be made with mayo, lemon, garlic, anchovies, and Parmesan for a keto-friendly option.
- Keep shrimp and salad components separate for meal prep and combine just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/3 of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 220mg
