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This Spicy Watermelon Salad with Shrimp is a refreshing and flavorful summer dish, combining juicy watermelon with crunchy cucumbers, creamy avocado, and a kick of heat from jalapeños. Topped with perfectly grilled shrimp and drizzled with a miso ginger dressing and chili crunch oil, this salad offers a delicious explosion of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. It’s an ideal dish for a hot day, offering a balance of textures and refreshing flavors.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Miso Ginger Dressing:

2 tablespoons avocado oil (or olive oil)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon white miso paste
2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger
3 tablespoons fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
2 tablespoons honey or agave

For the Grilled Shrimp:

1 lb jumbo shrimp, tails removed
1 tablespoon avocado oil (or olive oil)
Pinch of salt
Pinch of pepper
Squeeze lime juice (about half of a lime)

For the Spicy Watermelon Salad:

4 cups watermelon, cubed
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 cup avocado, diced (about 1 avocado)
1 jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced, seeds removed
½ cup scallions, thinly sliced
½ cup fresh herbs (basil, mint, and/or cilantro)
¼ cup peanuts, crushed
Chili crunch oil, for serving (such as Momofuku)

Directions

Make the Miso Ginger Dressing:
In a bowl or mason jar, combine all dressing ingredients. Stir to combine (or shake well if using a jar). Set aside.
Grill the Shrimp:
Drizzle shrimp with avocado oil, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Toss to coat. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and slightly charred. Remove and set aside.
Assemble the Salad:
In a large serving bowl, add the watermelon, cucumber, avocado, jalapeño, scallions, fresh herbs, and crushed peanuts. Top with grilled shrimp.
Dress the Salad:
Drizzle half of the miso ginger dressing over the salad. Toss gently to combine. Drizzle with chili crunch oil to taste. Serve immediately.

Nutrients (approximate per serving)

Calories: 350-400 kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 170mg
Sodium: 500mg
Potassium: 600mg
Fiber: 4g
Sugar: 14g

Why This Salad Works

This salad is an exciting mix of sweet, spicy, and savory elements that come together beautifully. The watermelon serves as the base, offering a juicy, refreshing contrast to the creamy avocado and the crisp cucumber. The jalapeños add a punch of heat, while the scallions and fresh herbs bring a burst of flavor and color. The grilled shrimp adds a savory, slightly smoky component that complements the freshness of the other ingredients. Drizzled with the miso ginger dressing and topped with a bit of chili crunch oil, this salad is balanced perfectly, with each ingredient shining through while harmonizing with the others.

The variety of textures is one of the key aspects of this salad. You have the soft, juicy watermelon, creamy avocado, and tender shrimp, all contrasted by the crunchy cucumbers, scallions, and crushed peanuts. The chili crunch oil adds a bit of texture and extra heat, bringing everything together in an exciting and flavorful way.

The Miso Ginger Dressing: A Perfectly Balanced Sauce

The miso ginger dressing is the heart of this salad, tying together the diverse flavors with its sweet, tangy, and umami-rich notes. White miso paste provides a deep, savory flavor, while the fresh grated ginger adds a zesty kick. The lime juice and rice wine vinegar bring acidity, balancing the richness of the miso. The honey or agave adds sweetness to offset the heat from the jalapeños, and the sesame oil contributes a nutty undertone that complements the rest of the ingredients. This dressing can be made in advance, and it will stay fresh in the fridge for several days, so it’s a great make-ahead option.

If you want an extra burst of flavor, you can increase the amount of ginger or miso paste based on your taste preferences. The dressing is versatile enough to complement a variety of salads or even grilled vegetables.

Grilling the Shrimp: Lightly Charred Perfection

The shrimp is the centerpiece of this dish, providing protein and a savory element to balance out the sweetness of the watermelon. Grilling the shrimp gives it a slightly charred exterior that enhances the natural sweetness of the shrimp while adding a smoky flavor. Tossing the shrimp with avocado oil, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime juice helps bring out the best flavors. Grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn pink and slightly charred, making sure not to overcook them. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so it’s important to keep an eye on them as they cook.

Once the shrimp is grilled, set it aside and arrange it on top of the salad. The heat from the shrimp will slightly warm the other ingredients, enhancing the flavors even further.

Assembling the Salad: A Colorful and Flavorful Combination

Once the shrimp is ready, assembling the salad is quick and easy. In a large serving bowl, add the cubed watermelon, diced cucumber, avocado, sliced jalapeños, scallions, fresh herbs (such as basil, mint, or cilantro), and crushed peanuts. The combination of these ingredients creates a vibrant, colorful base for the salad, with a mix of textures and fresh flavors. Top the salad with the grilled shrimp for a protein-packed, satisfying finish.

Dressing the Salad: Adding the Final Touch

After the salad ingredients are combined, drizzle half of the miso ginger dressing over the salad. Toss gently to coat all the ingredients in the dressing. Be careful not to toss too vigorously to avoid mashing the avocado or watermelon. The dressing will add a creamy, tangy, and savory element to the salad. For an added layer of heat and texture, drizzle the salad with chili crunch oil to taste. This oil adds a spicy, crispy, and slightly smoky flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

Serving Suggestions for Spicy Watermelon Salad with Shrimp

This Spicy Watermelon Salad with Shrimp is perfect as a light and refreshing main dish for a summer meal. It pairs wonderfully with a side of rice, bulgur, or even cauliflower rice if you’re looking for a lower-carb option. You can also serve it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious dressing and juices. If you’re hosting a barbecue or gathering, this salad would be a great addition to the table alongside grilled meats or seafood.

For a more filling meal, you can add extra protein by serving the salad with grilled chicken or tofu. It also works well as a side dish to accompany a variety of proteins, like grilled steak or salmon.

Nutritional Benefits of Spicy Watermelon Salad with Shrimp

This salad offers a good balance of macronutrients. It’s relatively low in carbohydrates (around 20g per serving), making it a great choice for those following a low-carb or keto diet. The shrimp provides around 25g of protein per serving, making this salad an excellent source of lean protein. The healthy fats from the avocado and the sesame oil in the dressing contribute to the salad’s richness, while the watermelon and vegetables provide essential vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants.

The addition of fresh herbs and scallions not only boosts the flavor but also provides vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium. The chili crunch oil adds a bit of heat and spice, which may have metabolism-boosting benefits, thanks to the capsaicin in the chili flakes.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

Spicy Watermelon Salad with Shrimp is a must-try because it’s a perfect balance of fresh, vibrant flavors and textures. The combination of sweet watermelon, spicy jalapeños, creamy avocado, and smoky shrimp is an exciting and unique take on a summer salad. The miso ginger dressing ties everything together, offering a savory and tangy contrast to the sweetness of the watermelon and the richness of the shrimp. This dish is not only delicious but also customizable, so you can adjust the heat and flavors to your liking. It’s ideal for a light, healthy meal or a refreshing side dish at your next gathering.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Spicy Watermelon Salad with Shrimp is a delightful, refreshing, and flavorful summer dish that combines the best of sweet, spicy, and savory ingredients. With juicy watermelon, creamy avocado, crunchy cucumber, spicy jalapeños, and perfectly grilled shrimp, this salad offers an explosion of flavors in every bite. Drizzled with miso ginger dressing and topped with chili crunch oil, it’s the perfect dish for any occasion. Easy to prepare, healthy, and delicious, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your summer recipe collection. Enjoy it as a main dish or a side—either way, it’s a crowd-pleaser!

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