Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Shrimp Caesar Salad

Today is my first blogiversary - my one year anniversary of food blogging. I had initially planned for some celebration. Perhaps a giveaway or a round-up of some of my personal favorites that I have made and blogged over the last year. But that was not to be. This summer has sucked me dry, and I'm lucky if I can think straight enough to fix something for dinner. Don't get me wrong; I absolutely love what I'm doing. But it just so happens that the self-care that is necessary after dealing with death, dying, and sickness all day trumps catching up on my Google Reader or making new recipes.

So I come bearing this humble Caesar salad with shrimp. The way I made it (with pre-cooked frozen shrimp and with store-bought croutons), it's a no-cook meal. This was my first time making Caesar dressing from scratch, and I found this recipe a bit fishy but with a good strong flavor. Joe has also given his approval for salads as dinners, as long as it includes protein and bread. I served this with a small loaf of French bread and a crisp vinho verde.

Shrimp Caesar Salad
adapted source: Cooking Light, July 2009

Ingredients
6 cups torn Romaine hearts
1 lb shrimp, pre-cooked and thawed
1 (2 oz) can anchovy fillets, drained
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 large pasteurized egg yolks
1 garlic clove
4 tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 - 1 cup croutons, as desired

Preparation
Pat anchovy fillets dry with a paper towel. Combine fillets, cheese, and next 3 ingredients (through garlic) in a blender; process until smooth. With blender on, add remaining 1/4 cup oil, 1 tablespoon at a time; process until smooth. Combine croutons, shrimp, and lettuce in a large bowl. Drizzle salad evenly with dressing to your liking; toss to coat. Sprinkle salad mixture evenly with salt; toss to combine. Serve immediately. You may have some leftover dressing, as I did.

10 comments:

Molly Jean said...

Happy anniversary!

And I'm totally jealous that your husband is willing to eat salad for dinner!!! :)

Anonymous said...

Happy 1 year & delicious-looking salad!

BMK said...

Happy Blogoversery! This looks like a great summer dinner.

Jessica - The Novice Chef said...

Happy 1 Year!! And this looks delicious!

ErinsFoodFiles said...

Happy Blogiversary! This salads looks great! Don't knock yourself for not having the time or energy to make elaborate meals. Do what's best for YOUR mental health! :D

Cate said...

Happy Blogiversary! I didn't do anything for my 1 year either...
I've been reading your other blog and I think what you are doing this summer is AMAZING!

That Girl said...

Happy Blogiversary! Shrimp salads are just so perfect for summer.

Colleen said...

Happy Blogiversary! Can't wait to see your round-up if you post it!

Kerstin said...

Happy Blogiversary!

I've never made caesar dressing from scratch before, yours looks great! I'm a huge fan of precooked shrimp too.

Daniel said...

KMAYS, here's to many, many more blog anniversaries yet to come!

Dan
Casual Kitchen