This Roasted Shrimp Citrus Salad blends succulent oven‑roasted shrimp with a creamy, tangy dressing featuring bright orange zest, fresh dill, briny capers, and crisp red onion. Inspired by Ina Garten’s beloved deli‑style shrimp salad, it’s ideal for BBQs, picnics, potlucks—or an effortless weeknight dinner.
Roasting the shrimp ensures they stay juicy and tender, while the dressing—made ahead—lets the flavors meld beautifully as it rests. Serve at room temperature for the ultimate refreshing dish that’s both elegant and easy.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 lbs large shrimp (16–20 or 21–25 count), peeled & deveined
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1 tbsp olive oil
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½ tsp kosher salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
Dressing:
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½ cup mayonnaise
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1 tbsp orange zest (from ~2 oranges)
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2 tbsp freshly squeezed orange juice
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1 tbsp white wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
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¼ cup chopped fresh dill
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2 tbsp drained capers
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2 tbsp red onion, finely diced
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 400 °F (200 °C).
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Pat shrimp dry and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a sheet pan.
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Roast for 6–8 min, flipping halfway, until pink and slightly curled. Let cool 3 min.
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Whisk together mayonnaise, orange zest, juice, and vinegar until smooth.
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Add dill, capers, and red onion; stir to combine.
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Toss warm shrimp with dressing until coated.
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Cover and let sit at room temperature 30 min (or refrigerate up to 6 hrs), then serve.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 minutes | Total Time: ≈48 minutes | Kcal: ~276 kcal per serving | Servings: 6
Introduction to Roasted Shrimp Citrus Salad
The Roasted Shrimp Citrus Salad is a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings together the natural sweetness of shrimp with the tang of citrus and the fresh earthiness of dill. It’s a refreshing yet satisfying salad that’s ideal for warm-weather meals, entertaining, or even meal prep for the week ahead. Unlike traditional leafy salads, this dish focuses on texture and bold flavors, using roasted shrimp as the star protein and pairing it with a bright, creamy dressing made with orange zest, capers, and fresh herbs.
Inspired by classic deli-style seafood salads, this elevated version introduces a gourmet twist by roasting the shrimp to enhance their natural sweetness and slightly caramelized flavor. The addition of citrus makes the dish feel light, and the absence of heavy starches means it remains low-carb while still being filling. With a prep and cook time under one hour, this salad strikes the perfect balance between easy weeknight recipe and elegant dinner party fare.
The Appeal of Roasting Shrimp
Roasting shrimp in the oven is a method that is often overlooked in home kitchens but offers a distinct advantage over boiling or pan-searing. The dry heat of the oven concentrates the flavors and gives the shrimp a plump, juicy texture without becoming rubbery or overcooked. It also provides a slight caramelization that adds depth to the final dish.
Roasting is also incredibly convenient, especially for entertaining or meal prepping. You can roast a batch of shrimp quickly and with minimal cleanup. The process is almost foolproof—as long as the shrimp are not overcooked—and the result is consistently flavorful, tender seafood that can be used in a wide variety of dishes.
Dressing: Where the Magic Happens
What sets this salad apart is its luxurious yet simple dressing. Instead of a traditional vinaigrette, it uses mayonnaise as a base, giving it a creamy texture that clings to every bite of shrimp. But don’t let the mayo fool you—this isn’t a heavy, greasy sauce. Thanks to the addition of freshly grated orange zest and juice, the dressing is bright and zippy, cutting through the richness and enhancing the natural flavors of the shrimp.
Dill adds a burst of herbal freshness, while capers contribute a briny tang that complements the sweetness of the orange. A touch of vinegar adds balance, and finely diced red onion gives just the right amount of bite and texture. The final result is a dressing that’s both creamy and refreshing, with enough complexity to keep you going back for more.
Perfect for Entertaining
Roasted Shrimp Citrus Salad is an ideal choice for casual entertaining or special gatherings. It’s visually appealing with its light pink shrimp, flecks of green dill, and bright yellow-orange zest, making it just as impressive on a buffet table as it is on a dinner plate. Served chilled or at room temperature, it holds up well over time, which makes it a fantastic make-ahead option for brunches, picnics, or family get-togethers.
Because it’s naturally gluten-free and low in carbohydrates, it also caters to a variety of dietary needs without requiring special ingredients or substitutions. You can easily double the batch and serve it on a bed of lettuce, in lettuce cups, or even spooned into halved avocados for a fun twist.
Meal Prep and Leftover Ideas
This salad isn’t just for special occasions—it’s equally practical for weekly meal prep. Stored in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for several days and only improves in flavor as the dressing seeps into the shrimp. You can prepare the shrimp and dressing ahead of time, then combine them the day you plan to serve it for the best texture.
Leftovers can be repurposed creatively. Add them to a croissant for a seafood sandwich, use as a topping for a green salad or grain bowl, or roll into a wrap with crunchy vegetables. You can also serve it on crackers or cucumber rounds as an appetizer. The versatility of this dish makes it an excellent recipe to keep in your culinary rotation.
Nutritional Benefits
Shrimp is a lean source of protein that is low in calories and high in key nutrients like selenium, iodine, and vitamin B12. It’s also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which contribute to heart and brain health. By roasting the shrimp instead of deep-frying or sautéing in excess oil, this recipe maintains the health benefits of the shrimp while enhancing their flavor naturally.
The use of fresh herbs and citrus in the dressing not only adds flavor but also contributes antioxidants and vitamin C, supporting immune health. While mayonnaise provides some fat, it’s used in moderation and balanced by the bright acidity from the orange and vinegar.
If you’re watching your calorie intake, you can lighten the dressing by using Greek yogurt in place of part of the mayo, or opt for an avocado oil–based mayonnaise for a cleaner fat source. Either way, this dish remains a healthy and satisfying option for lunch or dinner.
Tips for Perfecting the Recipe
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Use fresh shrimp whenever possible. If using frozen, make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before roasting to avoid steaming them in the oven.
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Don’t overcook the shrimp. Keep an eye on them in the oven—shrimp cook fast, and overcooked shrimp become rubbery.
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Let the salad rest after combining the shrimp with the dressing. Giving it at least 30 minutes at room temperature allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Adjust seasoning to taste. The recipe has a delicate balance of sweet, savory, and tangy, but a touch more salt or lemon juice may be added to suit your preference.
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Serve with texture. If desired, you can add crunchy elements like celery, diced cucumber, or even toasted almonds or pine nuts for extra contrast.
Pairing Suggestions
This salad pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. For a full meal, serve it alongside:
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Crusty sourdough bread or garlic crostini
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A light leafy green salad with lemon vinaigrette
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Quinoa or couscous for extra bulk
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Sparkling water infused with citrus or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc
The lightness of this dish makes it a perfect pairing for fresh, acidic beverages or dry wines. Avoid overly sweet or heavy sides that might compete with the citrusy profile of the salad.
Conclusion
Roasted Shrimp Citrus Salad is a dish that checks all the boxes—delicious, nutritious, versatile, and beautiful. It’s the kind of recipe you can rely on for both weeknight meals and celebratory spreads. With minimal ingredients and a straightforward method, it delivers restaurant-quality flavor in the comfort of your home kitchen.
Whether you’re a fan of shrimp or just looking for a fresh twist on a classic salad, this recipe is bound to become a new favorite. It showcases how simple techniques like roasting and thoughtful flavor combinations can elevate everyday ingredients into something special. Keep this one in your back pocket—you’ll find yourself coming back to it time and time again.