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Buffalo Ranch Shrimp Salad

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Keywords: Buffalo shrimp salad, spicy shrimp salad, ranch dressing salad, crispy shrimp salad, quick lunch, dinner salad