Why make this recipe
This Healthy Bacon Ranch Shrimp & Spinach Salad is a delightful and nutritious meal that combines fresh ingredients with great flavor. It’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner. The combination of shrimp, spinach, avocado, and crispy bacon gives you protein and healthy fats, while the ranch dressing adds a creamy touch without being overly heavy. This salad is both satisfying and guilt-free!
How to make Healthy Bacon Ranch Shrimp & Spinach Salad
Ingredients:
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 avocado, diced
- 4 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and opaque.
- In a large bowl, combine spinach, diced avocado, and crumbled bacon.
- Add cooked shrimp on top of the salad.
- Drizzle ranch dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately as a healthy lunch or light dinner.
How to serve Healthy Bacon Ranch Shrimp & Spinach Salad
Serve this salad fresh and warm! It’s perfect on its own or paired with some whole grain bread for a complete meal. You can also enjoy it with a glass of iced tea or lemonade to keep the refreshing vibe.
How to store Healthy Bacon Ranch Shrimp & Spinach Salad
To store leftovers, keep the salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best to store the ranch dressing separately to avoid making the salad soggy. You can eat it within 1-2 days, but for the best taste, try to eat it fresh.
Tips to make Healthy Bacon Ranch Shrimp & Spinach Salad
- Make sure your shrimp are fully deveined and peeled for best texture.
- Cook the shrimp just until they are pink to avoid overcooking them.
- Add some cherry tomatoes or cucumber for extra crunch and flavor.
- For a dairy-free option, you can use a dairy-free ranch dressing.
Variation
You can easily customize this salad! Try swapping shrimp for grilled chicken or tofu for a different protein. You can also experiment with different greens like kale or arugula.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the veggies and shrimp ahead of time, but it’s best to dress the salad just before serving.
What can I use instead of ranch dressing?
Feel free to use vinaigrette or another creamy dressing if ranch isn’t your favorite.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, carrots, or cucumbers work well in this salad for added crunch and nutrition.
Healthy Bacon Ranch Shrimp & Spinach Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A delightful and nutritious salad featuring shrimp, spinach, avocado, and crispy bacon with a creamy ranch dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 avocado, diced
- 4 slices crispy bacon, crumbled
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and cook until pink and opaque.
- In a large bowl, combine spinach, diced avocado, and crumbled bacon.
- Add cooked shrimp on top of the salad.
- Drizzle ranch dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.
- Serve immediately as a healthy lunch or light dinner.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best to store the ranch dressing separately to avoid sogginess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
Keywords: shrimp salad, healthy salad, bacon ranch