The citrus shrimp salad is a fresh and colorful salad characterized by contrasts of flavors and textures, ideal for a refined appetizer or a light main dish.
A dish suitable for both formal and informal occasions, perfect for winter menus when pomegranates and oranges are at their peak season.
Prepared with fennel, which provides a crunchy and delicate base
The bright and juicy pomegranate seeds offer a visual contrast with the white of the fennel. Their sweet-tart taste balances with the flavor of the shrimp and oranges.
Celery amplifies the freshness of the dish
The shrimp, just lightly seared, are the protein heart of the dish. Their natural sweetness harmonizes with the rest of the ingredients, while the tender texture creates a pleasant contrast with the crunchiness of the fennel and celery.
And finally, the oranges provide a citrusy note that completes the dish.
All dressed with a drizzle of quality extra virgin olive oil and a light splash of lemon juice, to further enhance the taste.
Overall, it’s a low-calorie dish, rich in vitamins, antioxidants, fiber, and protein.
I also recommend
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Very Inexpensive
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 4
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Fall, Winter
Ingredients for the Preparation of the Citrus Shrimp Salad
- 9 oz peeled shrimp
- 1 orange
- 2 fennel bulbs
- 1/2 pomegranate
- 2 stalks celery
- to taste extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 lemon
Tools
- 1 Mandoline
- 1 Plate
Steps for the Preparation of the Citrus Shrimp Salad
Wash the fennel and remove the outer leaves, then slice them thinly, preferably with a mandoline, to get uniform and crisp slices.
Wash the celery stalks and remove the harder strings using a peeler if necessary, and cut them into thin slices
Peel the oranges (removing peel and pith), then cut them into segments or slices. Collect the juice released during cutting to use in the dressing.
Score the fruit and gently separate the seeds from the peel and internal membrane. Make sure to remove any bitter residue.
Clean them carefully by removing the head, shell, and intestine (the black thread along the back). And cook them either steamed for 5 minutes or in a pan with a drizzle of oil
Arrange the fennel slices as the base. Add the celery, distributing the slices evenly over the fennel
Place the orange segments or slices on the plate, followed by the pomegranate seeds, which add color and freshness.
Finally, arrange the shrimp decoratively on top and dress with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, orange juice, and the juice of half a lemon, and the delicious citrus shrimp salad is ready to be served…
Enjoy your meal from Barbara!
Storage and Tips
Store the salad in the fridge in an airtight container and preferably without the fruit as it becomes acidic over time.
If you want to store it ready, keep it in the fridge for up to one day.
It is always preferable to consume it fresh. Keeping it beyond 24 hours, the fennel and celery may lose their crunchiness, and the shrimp may alter in taste and texture.
You can enrich the dish with black pepper or paprika or
Wild fennel, mint, or basil for a fresh and original aroma, or pink grapefruit segments for a more intense and slightly bitter touch.
If you like my recipe, RATE IT BY CLICKING MANY STARS and SHARE it on your social media and I’M WAITING for you on
INSTAGRAM and on
To always stay updated on my new recipes, you have the possibility to activate push notifications from my blog.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Is it gluten-free?
Yes
How can I make it vegan or vegetarian?
It can be made vegetarian or vegan by replacing the shrimp with avocado, nuts, or marinated tofu.
What can I substitute for shrimp?
With grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu
Can I use fruits other than pomegranate and oranges?
Yes, with apple, papaya, or mango
Is this dish suitable for a low-calorie diet?
Yes, it is a light and nutritious dish, low in calories due to the presence of low-energy fruits and vegetables. The shrimp add lean protein, making it suitable for those following a low-calorie or balanced diet.
