Mandarin Cajun Shrimp Salad
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Mandarin Cajun Shrimp Salad is fresh, colorful, and full of bold flavors that work well together. The crisp citrus mixed with seasoned shrimp makes it both light and filling, perfect for a quick lunch or a weeknight dinner. It is easy to prepare, and you can have it ready in less time than it takes to order takeout.
Mandarin Cajun Shrimp Salad
What works so well with this salad is the Cajun flavors paired with sweet citrus. Instant Pot Cajun Chicken Rice and Cajun Seafood Rice Casserole also have that rich Cajun flavor.
One thing I like about this salad is how simple it is to adapt. If you want to make it easier, buy pre-peeled shrimp so you can get right to cooking. I also like to double the shrimp and keep leftovers for wraps the next day. (Also, try my Shrimp Pasta in Spicy Tomato Cream Sauce. It’s one of my favorite meals.)
This salad is low in carbs and rich in protein, making it a great option if you’re watching your nutrition. The shrimp provides lean protein, and the mandarin adds vitamin C and natural sweetness. Using a light dressing can also help keep calories lower.
What are mandarins?
Mandarins are a type of citrus fruit similar to oranges. They are smaller and sweeter than oranges. Tangerines are a type of mandarins. You may see them packaged as ‘Cuties‘.
I’m sure you’ve seen the popular Mandarin Orange Salad before. I also shared MANDARIN OR TANGERINE MOJITO. I like all flavors of mojitos, but this one is very refreshing.
For dessert, mandarin orange cake is bright and tasty.
For this recipe, you can use mandarins or tangerines. As well, if you can’t find fresh mandarins or tangerines, you can use canned mandarins.
Mandarin Cajun Shrimp Salad Tips
- If you prefer less heat, use a mild Cajun seasoning or cut the amount in half.
- Fresh mandarins work great, but canned mandarins in juice are an easy shortcut.
- Swap shrimp for chicken or even tofu for a different take.
- A mix of greens like spinach and arugula adds more flavor than plain lettuce.
- Store leftovers in a sealed container, but keep dressing separate until serving.
Why you’ll ❤️ this recipe.
🍊Fresh citrus flavor with a little spice
🕜Quick and easy to make
🔄️Flexible with substitutions
🪶Nutritious and light
🍽️Works for lunch or dinner
Mandarin Cajun Shrimp Salad FAQ
If you can’t find pomegranate arils, use another sweet and tart fruit. Try fresh or dried cranberries, raspberries, blueberries, or chopped green grapes.
Yes, but add the dressing and mandarins just before serving so the greens stay crisp.
A light dressing works best, but you can use your favorite. I made honey mustard for this one, but I also like poppyseed dressing for it.
Yes, thaw and pat them dry before seasoning.
It’s best fresh, but you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to two days.
Conclusion
Mandarin Cajun Shrimp Salad is a great choice when you want something fresh, quick, and full of flavor. It balances sweet citrus with seasoned shrimp and crisp greens in a way that feels light but still filling. It’s one of those recipes that is easy to keep in your weekly rotation because it never feels heavy and always tastes fresh.
Mandarin Cajun Shrimp Salad
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Ingredients
Cajun shrimps
- 1 pound shrimp deveined unpeeled (453 g)
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoons olive oil
Mandarin Salad
- 7 ounces mixed greens 200 g
- 2 large mandarin oranges or tangerines
- ¼ cup pomegranate arils or dried cranberries 1.55 oz | 44 g
- 1 cup cucumber diced, 5.3 oz | 150 g
- 1.76 ounces almond crushed (50 g)
Honey Mustard Dressing
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 medium garlic clove minced
Instructions
- Cajun shrimp: Drain and pat dry shrimp with kitchen paper. Add in a bowl and season with salt, pepper and cajun seasoning. Heat a non-stick skillet with oil on medium heat and sear shrimp on both sides until pink. It will take about 2 minutes each side. Switch off the heat
- Mandarin salad: In a large salad bowl, add all the ingredients and top with the shrimps.
- Honey Mustard Dressing: In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients and pour in the salad bowl just before serving. Toss.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information given is an automatic calculation and can vary based on the exact products you use and changes you make to the recipe. If these numbers are important to you, I recommend calculating them yourself.