Mediterranean Shrimp Salad with Chimichurri Zing

Greek Shrimp Salad with Zesty Chimichurri Dressing: A Healthy & Flavorful Weeknight Meal

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as transforming delicious leftovers into an entirely new, equally exciting dish. The day after enjoying a fantastic pan-fried tilapia, I found myself with a generous amount of vibrant chimichurri sauce. Known for its incredible versatility, chimichurri isn’t just for grilled meats; it makes an exceptional salad dressing. This realization sparked the creation of what quickly became a new favorite: a Greek Shrimp Salad, elevated by that zesty, herbaceous chimichurri. This recipe proves that minimal effort can lead to maximum flavor, especially when you have a secret weapon like homemade chimichurri on hand.

My kitchen inventory on that particular day led me to a bounty of fresh, Mediterranean-inspired ingredients. Crisp romaine, juicy tomatoes, sharp red onions, briny Kalamata olives, and sweet red bell pepper were all waiting to be combined. Adding plump, perfectly cooked shrimp and crumbled feta cheese brought everything together, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. The chimichurri, instead of being a mere accompaniment, took center stage as a bright, pungent dressing that tied all the elements into a cohesive and incredibly satisfying meal. It was a delightful surprise how effortlessly these flavors married, resulting in a salad that felt both familiar and excitingly new.

This Greek Shrimp Salad with Chimichurri Dressing is more than just a quick meal; it’s a testament to healthy eating without sacrificing flavor. It’s ideal for those busy weeknights when you want something light, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying. Packed with lean protein from the shrimp, healthy fats from the chimichurri, and a rainbow of vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables, it’s a meal you can feel good about. The vibrant colors alone are enough to brighten any dinner table, making it an excellent choice for a family dinner or a delightful lunch to fuel your day.

Print Recipe

Greek Shrimp Salad with Chimichurri Dressing

img 132 3

Ingredients:

  • Fresh Romaine Lettuce: 1 large head, washed, dried, and chopped into bite-sized pieces. Romaine offers a crisp texture and a mild flavor that forms the perfect base for this vibrant salad.
  • Ripe Tomatoes: 2-3 medium-sized, such as Roma or beefsteak, cut into generous chunks. Cherry or grape tomatoes, halved, also work wonderfully for a burst of sweetness.
  • Red Onion: 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced. For a milder flavor, you can soak the slices in cold water for 10-15 minutes before adding to the salad.
  • Kalamata Olives: 1/2 cup, pitted and halved. These briny, rich olives are a quintessential part of any Greek-inspired dish, adding depth and a lovely salty counterpoint.
  • Red Bell Pepper: 1 medium, cored, seeded, and cut into chunks. Adds a beautiful pop of color, a refreshing crunch, and a dose of Vitamin C.
  • Cooked Shrimp: 1 lb, peeled and deveined. I recommend sautéing them quickly in a pan with a drop of olive oil, seasoned simply with salt and freshly cracked black pepper until pink and opaque (about 2-3 minutes per side). Grilling or baking also works beautifully.
  • Good Feta Cheese: 4-6 oz, cut into chunks or generously crumbled. Opt for block feta packed in brine for the best flavor and creamy texture; it makes a significant difference.
  • Leftover Chimichurri Sauce: Approximately 1/2 cup, or enough to generously dress the salad. This vibrant sauce, typically made from fresh parsley, cilantro, garlic, oregano, red wine vinegar, and olive oil, is the star of our dressing. If you don’t have leftovers, a quick batch can be whipped up easily.
  • Fresh Lemon: 1/2, optional, for squeezing over the finished salad. A touch of fresh lemon juice brightens all the flavors and adds a zesty finish.

Directions:

  1. Prepare the Salad Base: In a large, spacious salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, tomato chunks, thinly sliced red onion, pitted Kalamata olives, and red bell pepper chunks. Ensure the bowl is large enough to allow for easy tossing.
  2. Add Protein and Cheese: Gently add the freshly cooked shrimp and the chunks or crumbles of good feta cheese to the bowl with the vegetables.
  3. Dress the Salad: Pour the desired amount of your flavorful chimichurri dressing over the combined salad ingredients. Start with about half the amount you think you’ll need and add more as you toss, ensuring every component is lightly coated.
  4. Toss and Serve: Using large salad tongs, gently toss all the ingredients until everything is evenly distributed and coated with the chimichurri. Be careful not to over-toss, especially with delicate ingredients like cooked shrimp.
  5. Optional Lemon Finish: If you enjoy an extra burst of fresh, bright flavor, squeeze the juice from half a fresh lemon over the salad just before serving. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
  6. Enjoy Immediately: Serve your Greek Shrimp Salad with Chimichurri Dressing right away to enjoy its optimal freshness and crisp texture.

The beauty of this Greek Shrimp Salad lies not only in its sensational taste but also in its incredible adaptability. While the recipe as described is a perfect standalone meal, feel free to customize it based on your preferences or what you have available. Cucumbers, artichoke hearts, or even a handful of chickpeas could make wonderful additions. For those who prefer a different protein, grilled chicken or flaked salmon would also pair beautifully with the chimichurri dressing. This salad is also excellent for meal prepping; simply keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to maintain the freshness of the greens.

The chimichurri dressing is truly what elevates this salad from good to extraordinary. Its herbaceous, garlicky, and slightly tangy profile cuts through the richness of the feta and shrimp, while complementing the fresh vegetables. If you’re new to chimichurri, consider making a batch to keep on hand – it’s fantastic on everything from eggs to sandwiches, and of course, salads! Its vibrant green color and bold flavor make it a showstopper ingredient that effortlessly enhances any dish it touches. Plus, making it from scratch ensures you control the freshness and quality of ingredients, delivering a superior taste experience.





Follow AggiesKitchen on Instagram and show us what recipes you are making from the blog! Use the hashtag #aggieskitchen – I’d love to see what you are cooking up!

This Greek Shrimp Salad with Chimichurri Dressing embodies the essence of fresh, flavorful, and easy home cooking. It’s a delightful journey of Mediterranean flavors, brightened by the Argentinian zest of chimichurri. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal, a healthy lunch option, or a beautiful salad to share with loved ones, this recipe is sure to impress. Don’t forget to check back tomorrow for more culinary inspiration, including a delicious recipe for Craving Ellie in my Belly Thursday: Baked Shrimp with Tomatoes and Feta, which promises another fantastic shrimp and feta combination!

Follow Aggie’s Kitchen’s board Salads on Pinterest.