Looking for a fresh, flavorful, and healthy dish to spice up your meals? Look no further than this exclusive recipe for Blackened Shrimp and Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado Ranch dressing. Packed with vibrant colors, bold flavors, and nutritious ingredients, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.
**Ingredients:**
For the Blackened Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Grilled Corn Salad:
- 3 ears of corn, husked
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Avocado Ranch Dressing:
- 1 ripe avocado
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Water, as needed to thin
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Blackened Shrimp:** In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Toss the shrimp in olive oil, then coat with the spice mixture.
2. **Grill the Corn:** Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Brush corn with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill corn, turning occasionally, until lightly charred, about 10-12 minutes. Remove from grill and let cool slightly. Cut kernels off the cob and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
3. **Make the Salad:** To the bowl with grilled corn, add diced red bell pepper, chopped red onion, diced avocado, and chopped cilantro. Squeeze lime juice over the mixture and toss to combine. Set aside.
4. **Cook the Shrimp:** Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet and cook until blackened and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
5. **Prepare the Avocado Ranch Dressing:** In a blender or food processor, combine ripe avocado, Greek yogurt, parsley, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth, adding water as needed to reach desired consistency.
6. **Assemble the Salad:** Add the cooked shrimp to the bowl with the corn and vegetable mixture. Drizzle with avocado ranch dressing and toss gently to coat.
7. **Serve and Enjoy:** Divide the salad among serving plates and garnish with additional chopped cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of flavors and textures in every bite.
**Nutritional Information:**
This Blackened Shrimp and Grilled Corn Salad with Avocado Ranch dressing is not only delicious but also nutritious. Packed with protein from the shrimp, fiber from the vegetables, and healthy fats from the avocado, it's a well-balanced meal option. Plus, the homemade avocado ranch dressing adds creaminess without the guilt of traditional creamy dressings.
Try this recipe for a satisfying lunch or dinner that's sure to impress your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied and nourished. Enjoy the fusion of flavors and the freshness of the ingredients in this exclusive recipe.
