Hay, Hay, It’s Donna Day is one of the first food blogging events I found out about when I first entered the food blogging world. I love seeing what everyone comes up with. This month, it the theme is Caesar Salads hosted by Katie at Other People’s Food.
I love Caesar salad, but normally pass it up because of the tremendous calorie count. One of the best Caesar salads I have had was at a restaurant that used to serve a their Caesar with those little fried shrimp on top. Yeah, really healthy, right???!!!??? I was going to try to come up with something really unique and wonderful, but I stuck with the salad element on this. (I actually came up with an idea for something fantastic, but the deadline is coming up and it’s just not going to happen this week…..) I thought I’d take the idea of the shrimp and throw it into my salad as well.
While searching for a recipe, I ran across a “healthier” dressing recipe on cookinglight.com. The recipe also included making a spicy, Cajun style crouton. I decided to take this a step further and add the seasoning to my shrimp before grilling them.
I LOVED this dressing recipe. It was perfect – and although I still wouldn’t call it healthy, it does cut down on a lot of the calories and fat from a normal Caesar dressing. I did really like the Cajun seasoning as well, but I wasn’t overly blown away by the whole combination. I was expecting a little bit more, I guess. I didn’t complain and still ate my whole salad, but it’s not standing out as a salad that I would crave (although I would crave the dressing!!) So here it is – my entry for the Caesar Salad theme of Hay Hay It’s Donna Day!!
Creamy Caesar Salad with Spicy Croutons and Shrimp
adapted from cookinglight.com
Ingredients
Preparation
Drop the garlic halves through the opening in blender lid with blender on; process until minced. Add mayonnaise and the next 5 ingredients (mayonnaise through pepper); process until well-blended. Cover and chill at least 1 hour.
Combine oil, Cajun seasoning, and minced garlic in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at high for 20 seconds. Add bread cubes; toss gently to coat. Spread bread cubes in a single layer on a baking sheet; bake at 400° for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Place lettuce in a large bowl. Add dressing; toss gently to coat. Sprinkle with cheese, and top with croutons.
Yield
6 servings
**Cajun Seasoning:
Ingredients
Preparation
Combine all ingredients in a zip-top plastic bag; seal bag, and shake well. Store tightly sealed; shake well before each use.
If you want to add the shrimp element, just sprinkle your desired amount of uncooked, peeled shrimp with some of the Cajun seasoning and grill until done!!
Now this is a Caesar Salad right up my alley!! Looks fantastic.
I love caesar salad and your spicy twist is inspired! Yum!
I have to say I am not a big fan of ceasar salad, like you said goota watch the calories, but with shrimp on top and the special seasoning, I melt.
A fabulous looking Caesar Deborah. Thanks for joining HHDD.