This quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful shrimp street corn salad recipe brings together the best of summer flavors with minimal effort. Using just a handful of simple ingredients, primarily from Trader Joe’s, you can whip up a dish that’s perfect for a light lunch, a vibrant side, or even a satisfying weeknight dinner. The star of the show, Argentinian red shrimp, boasts a naturally sweet and succulent taste that some say rivals lobster, making this salad a surprisingly elevated yet accessible meal.
Shrimp Street Corn Salad – Dash Of Mandi
Are you looking for a fuss-free recipe that doesn’t compromise on taste? This shrimp street corn salad is your answer. It’s built around the convenience of Trader Joe’s pre-packaged ingredients, meaning less prep time and more time enjoying a delicious and healthy meal. Imagine sweet, roasted corn kernels mingling with juicy, perfectly seasoned shrimp, all tossed in a refreshing and zesty salad base. This isn’t just another salad; it’s a flavor explosion inspired by the popular Mexican street corn, but with a protein boost and a touch of seafood elegance thanks to the “red lobster” like Argentinian shrimp.
Trader Joe
The recipe highlights Trader Joe’s Argentinian red shrimp, a frozen gem that truly stands out. Many cooks rave about its exceptional quality and texture, noting its remarkable resemblance in taste to lobster. If you’re seeking a way to enjoy a “red lobster” quality seafood experience without the hefty price tag or complicated cooking process, these shrimp are a fantastic choice. They cook quickly and absorb flavors beautifully, making them ideal for this vibrant salad.
Why You’ll Love This Street Corn Shrimp Salad
- Quick and Easy: Ready in minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Trader Joe’s Friendly: Utilizes readily available ingredients from Trader Joe’s.
- Flavorful and Fresh: Combines sweet corn, zesty lime, and savory shrimp.
- Healthy and Light: A nutritious option packed with protein and vegetables.
- Versatile: Serve as a salad, side dish, or in tacos or lettuce wraps.
- Red Lobster Taste: Enjoy the delicious taste of lobster-like shrimp without the cost.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 tbsp olive or avocado oil
- 1 lb Argentinian red shrimp, defrosted
- 1 – 1.5 tsp Chile lime seasoning (or Elote seasoning for extra street corn flavor)
- 1 (14 oz.) bag of Trader Joe’s Mexican style roasted corn, frozen
- 1 (13.6 oz.) bag of Trader Joe’s southwestern chopped salad kit
- 1 ripe avocado, pitted and sliced or diced
- Fresh limes, for squeezing (optional, but highly recommended)
Scaling Tip: This recipe is easily scalable. Adjust ingredient quantities to serve more or fewer people.
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Cook the Street Corn: In a large skillet, add the frozen Mexican street corn. Cook according to package directions until heated through and slightly charred for enhanced flavor. Once cooked, remove from skillet and set aside to cool slightly.
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Prepare the Shrimp: While the corn is cooking, defrost the Argentinian red shrimp. A quick method is to place the shrimp in a colander and rinse under cold running water until thawed. Pat the shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for good searing and flavor absorption.
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Season the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the dried shrimp with Chile lime seasoning (or Elote seasoning). Ensure shrimp are evenly coated for maximum flavor in every bite. A pinch of sea salt can also be added to enhance the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
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Cook the Shrimp: Wipe down the skillet used for the corn and add 1 tbsp of olive or avocado oil. Heat the oil over medium heat. Once hot, arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
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Sauté to Perfection: Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque and are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook shrimp, as they can become rubbery. They cook very quickly!
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Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the Trader Joe’s southwestern chopped salad mix (including all its components like dressing, cheese etc. as per your preference). Add the cooked and slightly cooled Mexican street corn to the salad mix.
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Add Shrimp and Avocado: Gently add the cooked shrimp to the salad bowl. Finally, add the sliced or diced avocado. Avocado adds a creamy texture and healthy fats, complementing the other flavors perfectly.
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Serve and Enjoy: Toss everything gently to combine. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the salad just before serving for a bright, zesty finish. Enjoy immediately as a salad, or use as a filling for tacos or lettuce wraps.
Tips for the Best Shrimp Street Corn Salad
- Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Overcooked shrimp is tough. Cook just until pink and opaque.
- Spice it Up: For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the shrimp seasoning or a dash of hot sauce to the salad.
- Fresh Lime is Key: Fresh lime juice brightens the flavors and balances the richness of the avocado and shrimp.
- Customize Your Salad: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or black beans to the salad for added texture and nutrients.
- Make it Ahead (Partially): You can cook the corn and shrimp ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the salad just before serving for the best texture.
- Serving Suggestions: This salad is fantastic on its own, but also delicious served in tortillas as tacos, over quinoa or rice, or as a topping for grilled fish or chicken.
Enjoy this vibrant and easy shrimp street corn salad, a dish that brings together the convenience of Trader Joe’s with the delightful taste of summer and a hint of “red lobster” quality seafood! Let us know in the comments how you liked it and if you made any delicious modifications!
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