Introduction
Give readers a mouthwatering intro: highlight the sweet-savory balance, crunchy texture, and high-protein benefit. Emphasize its simplicity and elegance.
Looking for a salad that’s light yet satisfying? This Apple Almond Shrimp Salad is the perfect mix of sweet, savory, and crunchy — all tossed in a tangy vinaigrette. Juicy shrimp brings lean protein, while crisp apples and toasted almonds add a refreshing crunch. It’s perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or an impressive starter for guests. Best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes — no fancy tools needed!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- ½ lb (225g) cooked shrimp, peeled & deveined
- 1 apple (Honeycrisp or Fuji), thinly sliced
- 4 cups mixed greens or baby spinach
- ¼ cup sliced almonds, toasted
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- Optional: ¼ cup crumbled feta or goat cheese
For the Dressing:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions (Step-by-Step)
- Make the dressing: In a small jar, whisk or shake olive oil, vinegar, Dijon, honey, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Toast the almonds: In a dry skillet, toast sliced almonds over medium heat until golden (about 2–3 minutes).
- Prep the salad base: In a large bowl, combine greens, sliced apples, red onion, and shrimp.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle with toasted almonds and optional cheese.
- Dress & toss: Drizzle with dressing just before serving. Toss gently and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic toast or crusty baguette
- Pair with white wine or sparkling water for a refreshing combo
- Add avocado slices for extra creaminess
- Make it a wrap by stuffing into pita or tortillas
Substitutions & Variations
- No shrimp? Use grilled chicken or chickpeas
- Dairy-free? Skip cheese and double the almonds
- Keto-friendly? Use leafy greens and reduce apple quantity
- No nuts? Use sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for crunch
Storage Tips
- Best served fresh
- If storing, keep dressing separate to avoid soggy greens
- Pre-chop and store all ingredients separately for easy prep
- Use within 24 hours for peak freshness
Is It Healthy?
This salad is packed with lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats — a great choice for those wanting something fresh and satisfying without being heavy. The balance of sweet fruit, crunchy nuts, and savory shrimp makes it both delicious and nutritious.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before using.
Q: What type of apple is best?
Use a crisp, sweet variety like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala.
Q: Can I make this ahead for lunch?
Yes, but keep the dressing and apples separate until ready to eat.
Final Thoughts
This apple almond shrimp salad is simple, fresh, and bursting with flavor — perfect for quick lunches or impressing dinner guests. Try it once and you’ll be hooked! Don’t forget to share your twist in the comments or tag us with your version.
Before you go, don’t forget to explore our Pear Gorgonzola Pizza – Sweet, Savory & Restaurant-Worthy at Home
It’s simple and absolutely flavorful.
