Craving a light and refreshing dish packed with protein and bursting with Mediterranean flavors? Look no further than this Mediterranean Keto Shrimp Salad! Featuring succulent shrimp, fresh vegetables, and a zesty homemade dressing, this low-carb recipe is perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Loaded with healthy fats and vibrant ingredients like spinach, olives, and feta cheese, this dish is a standout in the world of keto recipes.
Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Keto Recipe
- Keto-Friendly: Packed with protein, low in carbs, and high in healthy fats.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes!
- Mediterranean Flavors: A fresh and flavorful take on classic keto recipes.
- Meal-Prep Friendly: Store the components separately for easy lunches all week.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 12-15 jumbo shrimp, cleaned and deveined
- 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup feta cheese, cubed
- ¾ cup kalamata olives (or any Greek olives)
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
For the Dressing
- ½ cup white wine vinegar
- ¾ cup olive oil
- ⅓ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- ¼ cup shallots, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp honey (optional for taste)
- 2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp capers
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
How to Make This Keto Mediterranean Shrimp Salad
1️⃣ Make the Dressing
In a food processor, pulse all ingredients except the olive oil. Slowly drizzle the olive oil into the mix until fully emulsified. Set aside.
2️⃣ Cook the Shrimp
- Grill Option: Preheat your grill to 400°F. Thread shrimp onto skewers and brush with a mixture of olive oil, basil, garlic, and red pepper flakes. Grill for 2-3 minutes per side until the shrimp turn pink.
- Oven Option: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lay shrimp on a baking sheet, brush with herb oil, and roast for 3-4 minutes on each side.
- Stovetop Option: Heat a pan over medium-high heat, add shrimp brushed with herb oil, and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink.
3️⃣ Assemble the Salad
Divide the spinach leaves between two bowls. Top with grape tomatoes, feta cheese, olives, and grilled shrimp. Drizzle with the prepared dressing, and garnish with fresh basil if desired.
Tips for the Best Keto Shrimp Salad
How to Cook Perfect Shrimp
Shrimp cooks quickly—just a minute after it turns pink, remove it from the heat to avoid rubbery texture.
Serving Suggestions
For a complete keto meal, pair the salad with:
- Fresh hummus and raw veggies
- Marinated artichokes
- Roasted red peppers
How to Store
Keep the salad components stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add the dressing just before serving to keep everything fresh.
Keto-Friendly Variations
- Add Extra Protein: Top with grilled chicken or salmon for variety.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap feta cheese for avocado slices.
- Vegetable Swaps: Replace spinach with kale or arugula for a different base.
❄️ How to Quickly Defrost Shrimp
Place frozen shrimp in a bowl of cold water for 20-30 minutes. This method is fast, budget-friendly, and keeps the shrimp ready for any keto recipe.
❓ FAQs About Keto Recipes
Can I Make This Ahead?
Absolutely! Prep the shrimp, dressing, and vegetables separately. Combine and dress the salad just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Is This Salad Kid-Friendly?
Yes! You can omit the red pepper flakes and capers for a milder flavor.
What Other Dressings Can I Use?
A simple lemon-olive oil vinaigrette or creamy avocado dressing also works wonderfully in keto recipes like this.
This Mediterranean Keto Shrimp Salad is a versatile and flavorful addition to your repertoire of keto recipes. It’s packed with healthy ingredients and bold Mediterranean flavors, making it a delightful choice for any meal.
Save this recipe for your next keto meal inspiration and find more at Food and Tips!