Buffalo Ranch Shrimp Salad
Buffalo Ranch Shrimp Salad is a flavorful dish that perfectly balances bold, spicy buffalo sauce with creamy ranch dressing, crispy fried shrimp, and fresh, crunchy greens and vegetables. Ideal for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, this salad offers a delicious mix of textures and flavors that are easy to customize and enjoy.
- Author: Nina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2-3 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Shrimp and Coating
- 12 oz fresh or frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for frying
Sauce and Dressing
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/3 cup ranch dressing
Salad Base
- 4 cups mixed greens (romaine, arugula, etc.)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper. Lightly coat each shrimp with flour for a crispy crust, then fry in hot olive oil until golden brown and cooked through, about 2 minutes per side.
- Toss in Buffalo Sauce: Once the shrimp are cooked, toss them in a generous amount of buffalo sauce to coat well, giving them a spicy, tangy kick.
- Assemble the Greens and Veggies: Mix together your fresh mixed greens, sliced cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, crisp cucumber slices, and crunchy celery in a large bowl for a colorful and flavorful base.
- Add the Shrimp and Dressing: Place the buffalo-coated shrimp over the salad mixture and drizzle with creamy ranch dressing, tossing lightly to combine without losing the crunch.
- Final Touches: Season with a bit more salt and pepper if needed, and garnish with extra celery sticks, cherry tomatoes, or fresh herbs for a burst of freshness.
Notes
- Use cold shrimp to keep them firm and juicy during frying.
- Choose a medium-hot buffalo sauce to balance heat or adjust to your spice preference.
- Homemade ranch dressing enhances flavor but store-bought works well for quick prep.
- Lightly drizzle dressing to avoid soggy greens and maintain crisp textures.
- Double the veggies like celery and cucumber to add crunch and mellow the heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 175 mg
Keywords: Buffalo shrimp salad, spicy shrimp salad, ranch dressing salad, crispy shrimp salad, quick lunch, dinner salad