Shrimp and Mango Salad

Recipe for Spicy Tropical Shrimp and Mango Salad

Hello! Let's prepare a salad that is pure freshness and contrast of flavors. The combination of warm garlic shrimp with the freshness of mango and the spicy touch of the strawberry dressing creates an incredible balance. It's perfect for breaking out of the routine with something light yet full of personality.

Preparation time

Organizing your time is key to enjoying the process without rushing. Here's the breakdown so you know exactly how long it will take you to have this dish ready on the table.

• Preparation: 20 minutes
• Cooking: 8 minutes
• Total: 28 minutes
• Servings: 2 to 3 people
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

The quality of the ingredients defines the success of this salad. Here is the exact list we need, respecting the proportions to achieve that balance between sour, sweet, and salty.

For the Garlic Shrimp

• 4 Cloves of garlic
• 1 ½ Cups of water
• 12 Jumbo Shrimp (15-20 count)
• Sea salt to taste

For the Spicy Mango and Strawberry Dressing

• 1 ½ Cups fresh strawberries
• ½ cup unripe mango (diced)
• ½ cup pickled Jalapeños with their brine
• 1 cup chopped cilantro (packed)
• 1 ½ cups olive oil
• ½ teaspoon sea salt

For the Salad

• 1 mixed lettuce (head of romaine, butter, and red leaf lettuce) washed, drained, and dried
• 1 ½ Mangos (diced)

Note on substitutions: If you can't find unripe mango for the dressing, you can use one that is just starting to ripen to maintain that necessary acidity; if you like fruity combinations, it will remind you a bit of the freshness of a mango, cucumber, and chili salad. If you can't find Jumbo shrimp, use medium shrimp, but reduce the cooking time by half to prevent them from becoming rubbery.

Utensils we will use

You don't need professional equipment for this recipe, the basics of your kitchen are enough. The important thing is to have everything on hand before starting.

• Food processor (or blender if not available)
• Large pan or home grill
• Basting brush (for marinating)
• Large mixing bowl
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Colander (for washing lettuce)
• Kitchen paper towels
• Container with lid (for storing leftover dressing)

Preparation

Let's go step by step. The secret here is to cook the shrimp just right and achieve a silky emulsion in the dressing. Follow the order to optimize your time.

1. Shrimp preparation

1. Crush the garlic. Peel the garlic cloves and place them in the food processor. Crush them well while slowly adding the cup and a half of water until you get a liquid garlic mixture.
2. Clean the protein. Wash the shrimp very well under the tap. It is essential to dry them perfectly with paper towels; if they are wet, they will not brown well.
3. Marinating. Use a kitchen brush to generously coat the shrimp with the garlic and water mixture you prepared. Sprinkle with sea salt on both sides and set them aside for a moment to absorb the flavor.

2. Dressing preparation

1. Process the base. In the food processor (clean), place the fresh strawberries, unripe mango cubes, pickled jalapeños (with a little of their juice), and the cup of chopped cilantro. Process everything until you get a smooth and homogeneous mixture.
2. Emulsify. With the processor still running, pour the olive oil in a slow and steady stream. This is crucial for the sauce to thicken and become silky instead of separating.
3. Season. Add half a teaspoon of sea salt to balance the sweetness of the fruits and the spiciness of the jalapeño. Taste and adjust if necessary.
4. Reserve. Transfer the dressing to a lidded container. You can use it immediately or refrigerate it if you prefer it colder.

3. Assembly and final cooking

1. Prepare the green base. Tear the lettuce leaves (romaine, butter, and red leaf) with your hands into bite-sized pieces. Mix them in a large bowl along with the ripe mango cubes.
2. Cook the seafood. Heat the pan or grill over medium-high heat. Place the marinated shrimp and cook or sear for 3 to 4 minutes per side. They should turn a deep pink color and feel firm to the touch.

To finish and serve

Just before serving, immediately place the hot shrimp over the bed of lettuce and mango you prepared. Drizzle generously with a spoonful of the spicy mango and strawberry dressing on top. Do not mix everything before serving so that the lettuce does not wilt from the heat of the shrimp; let everyone mix on their own plate. You can accompany this dish with some baked toast or enjoy it alone for a light dinner, similar to the fresh experience of a tropical salad with other proteins.

Nutritional Information

Here is an estimate of the nutritional values per serving. Remember that these data may vary slightly depending on the exact size of the ingredients you use at home.

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Proteins: 22 g
• Fats: 24 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 4 g

Note: Percentage values are based on a 2000-calorie daily diet. The fat content comes mainly from the healthy olive oil used in the dressing.

5 keys to make it perfect

Sometimes, small details make a big difference in the final result. Here I share my secrets to make this salad taste like it's from a restaurant.

1. Drying the shrimp is vital: I strongly insist on drying the shrimp with paper towels before marinating and cooking them. If they have excess water, they will start to boil in the pan instead of searing, and you will lose that crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside texture we are looking for, something we also apply in recipes like the shrimp pasta salad.

2. The oil emulsion: When making the dressing, do not pour in all the oil at once. The patience of adding it in a constant «stream» while the processor spins is what creates that creamy texture (emulsion) without the need for dairy or mayonnaise.

3. Temperature contrast: The magic of this dish is serving hot shrimp over cold lettuce. That thermal shock elevates the experience. Do not let the shrimp cool before serving; the heat helps release the aromas of the fruit dressing.

4. The point of unripe mango: For the dressing, make sure the mango is unripe (green). It provides a natural acidity and a texture that helps thicken the sauce, different from the sweet mango we use in pieces for the salad.

5. Dry and crispy lettuces: After washing the lettuces, use a spinner or dry them very well. If the lettuce has water, the dressing will slide off and go to the bottom of the plate, watering down the salad and diluting the intense flavor of the spicy dressing.

When is it ideal to enjoy it?

This shrimp and mango salad is extremely versatile, but it shines especially on hot summer or spring days when the body craves something refreshing yet satisfying. It is ideal as a single dish for a light lunch if you are looking to watch your figure without sacrificing flavor.

It also works wonderfully as an elegant appetizer at a celebratory dinner or family gathering. Being seafood, it always feels like a special and festive dish. Its tropical flavor profile makes it perfect to accompany outdoor barbecues or simply when you want to treat yourself on a weekend. If you like options with fruits, it will remind you of the versatility of a spinach salad with citrus, but with the added protein from the sea.

Comparison table

Sometimes we can confuse salad styles or look for alternatives if we are missing an ingredient. Here I compare this recipe with other popular options so you can see what makes it unique.

Frequently asked questions

Share your experience

I would love to know how this tropical combination turned out for you. Cooking is for experimenting and sharing, so if you made any changes, used another fruit, or found the perfect level of spice, tell me about it! Leave your comment below and share your own tips with the community. Let's get cooking!

Culinary glossary

So you don't have any doubts while cooking, here I explain some terms we use in this recipe:

• Emulsify: It is the process of mixing two liquids that normally do not combine well (like water/juice and oil) by beating vigorously until a homogeneous and stable cream is achieved.
• Marinate: To leave a food (in this case shrimp) submerged in an aromatic liquid or mixture of seasonings for a time before cooking it so that it absorbs flavor and softens.
• Drained: To remove excess liquid from an ingredient. In lettuces, it is vital so that they do not water down the salad, and in jalapeños to control the amount of vinegar.
• Brine: It is the vinegary and salty liquid in which canned or jarred jalapeños are preserved. It adds a lot of seasoning and acidity.
• Jumbo Shrimp: Refers to the size of the shrimp. Generally, these are large shrimp where approximately 16 to 20 units fit per pound (450g). They are meaty and ideal for main courses.

Shrimp and Mango Salad

Shrimp And Mango Salad: step-by-step recipe crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Ideal for sharing. Serve immediately and adjust spiciness and salt to your taste.

Type: Recipe

Cuisine: Mexican

Keywords: salad, shrimp, mango, Mexican, desserts, recipe, easy, homemade

Recipe Yield: 4 servings

Calories: 200 kcal

Preparation Time: PT15M

Cooking Time: PT5M

Total Time: PT20M

Recipe Ingredients:

• 200 g cooked and peeled shrimp
• Diced mango
• Diced cucumber
• Chopped red onion
• Tablespoons of fresh chopped cilantro
• Lime juice
• Sliced serrano chili
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Diced avocado
• A touch of olive oil
• A splash of apple cider vinegar

Recipe Instructions:

Preparation: :

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: :

Cooking: 5 minutes

Total: :

Total: 20 minutes

Servings: :

Servings: 4-6 units

Difficulty: :

Difficulty: Easy

Prepare the ingredients: :

Prepare the ingredients: Wash and cut the mango, cucumber, and onion into small cubes. Peel and deseed the serrano chili if you wish to reduce its intensity and cut it into thin slices.

Mix the ingredients: :

Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, mango, cucumber, onion, and cilantro. Add the serrano chili slices to provide the characteristic spicy kick.

Dress: :

Dress: Squeeze the juice of lemons over the mixture, add salt and pepper to taste, and mix carefully so that all the flavors integrate effectively.

Refrigerate and serve: :

Chill and serve: Let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes to enhance the flavor. Serve cold in individual dishes and, if desired, decorate with some extra cilantro leaves or lime slices.

Select fresh and quality ingredients: :

Select fresh and quality ingredients: Always opt for fresh shrimp or in excellent condition, as well as ripe and aromatic mangoes.

Pay attention to the proportion of ingredients: :

Pay attention to the proportion of ingredients: The balance between sweet, sour, and spicy ensures an optimal sensory experience.

Keep the salad refrigerated::

Keep the salad refrigerated: In summer, always keep it cold until minutes before serving. The cold temperature intensifies its flavor and freshness.

Editor's Rating:
4.5