Maui Wowie Shrimp Salad: A Tropical Delight
Welcome to my kitchen, where cooking is not just my passion, but also my life. I am a home chef who loves throwing parties and always wants to make a delicious meal that will impress all of my guests. Today, I am delighted to share with you one of my favorite recipes – the Maui Wowie Shrimp Salad.
This salad recipe is inspired by the Hawaiian dish known as “maui wowie,” which features fresh seafood paired with sweet and savory ingredients. In this version, we combine succulent shrimp with avocado, sweet onions, capers, feta cheese, and tomatoes for a flavor explosion that will transport your taste buds straight to the islands.
This light and healthy recipe is perfect for any occasion – from a casual lunch on the terrace to an elegant dinner party under the stars. Whether you are cooking for a big group or just looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, this Maui Wowie Shrimp Salad is sure to deliver.
So, let’s don our aprons and get cooking together! In the following sections of this article, I will provide you with detailed instructions on how to make this mouthwatering salad. Trust me; once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s time to give your taste buds a trip to the beautiful island of Maui with this delectable Maui Wowie Shrimp Salad Recipe!
What makes this recipe unique is the perfect blend of flavors that transports you straight to tropical paradise. The combination of sweet onions, juicy tomatoes, and buttery avocado paired with tangy feta cheese and briny capers creates a symphony that will leave your taste buds singing.
But what truly sets this recipe apart is the Maui Wowie shrimp – tender, juicy, and loaded with flavor! These shrimp are marinated in olive oil, fresh lime juice, honey, and Dijon mustard for an incredible taste. The dressing alone is worth it – a light and refreshing caper lime vinaigrette that ties all the flavors together perfectly.
Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also healthy! With the use of fresh bibb lettuce as the base, you can feel good about enjoying a nutritious meal without sacrificing flavor. Plus, there are plenty of variations and substitutions to make it work for any dietary needs.
This Maui Wowie Shrimp Salad Recipe is a crowd-pleaser – perfect for impressing guests at summer gatherings or simply treating yourself to a light yet satisfying meal. Trust us; you won’t regret trying this recipe!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make the delicious Maui Wowie Shrimp Salad recipe:
Salad:
- Bibb lettuce
- Avocado
- Sweet onion
- Tomatoes
- Capers
- Feta cheese
Dressing:
- Honey
- Dijon mustard
- Olive oil
- Fresh lime juice
- Caper lime vinaigrette
Shrimp:
- Cooked shrimp
- Shallots
- Garlic salt
This salad is inspired by some of the best seafood recipes in Hawaii, invented by legendary chefs like Roy Yamaguchi and Chef John Lopez. The recipe is a favorite of many islanders and seafood lovers across the world. The ingredients for this salad are widely available in grocery stores or online.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to start preparing this mouth-watering Maui Wowie Shrimp Salad. This salad is light, refreshing, and perfect for any summer occasion. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also pretty simple to prepare. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make this salad.
Preparing the Shrimp
First of all, we need to cook our shrimp perfectly. You can either use already cooked shrimp or raw shrimp in this recipe. If using raw shrimp, boil them for around 3-4 minutes or until pink in color. Once cooked, place them in ice-cold water to stop them from further cooking and maintain their texture.
Making the Salad Dressing
Next up is the salad dressing that has an explosive flavor of capers and lime juice which will add tanginess to the salad. In a small bowl whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, fresh lime juice, and some freshly minced shallots until well combined. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste.
Assembling the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked shrimp with sliced ripe avocados, chopped sweet onions, quartered cherry or grape tomatoes, capers, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle half of the prepared dressing on top of this mixture and toss well.
Preparing the Caper-Lime Vinaigrette
In another mixing bowl, prepare the caper-lime vinaigrette by whisking together reserved dressing, some capers, and fresh lime juice.
Arranging the Salad
To arrange the salad serving plate(s), line them with a bed of fresh green bibb lettuce leaves. Drizzle some more dressing on top of the lettuce bed; just enough to coat it lightly. Then spoon over the shrimp-avocado mixture on top of this bed of lettuce. To finish off, drizzle some more caper-lime vinaigrette over everything!
Enjoy your fancy restaurant-quality Maui Wowie Shrimp Salad at home with friends and family!
Substitutions and Variations
One of my favorite things about this Maui Wowie Shrimp Salad recipe is that it’s so versatile. You can easily swap out some ingredients or adjust the quantities to suit your particular tastes. Here are a few substitutions and variations to consider:
– Bibb lettuce: if you can’t find Bibb (also known as butterhead) lettuce, feel free to use any other tender greens you like, such as arugula, baby spinach or mixed spring greens.
– Avocado: if you’re not an avocado fan, try subbing in diced mango or peaches for a juicy, sweet burst of flavor.
– Sweet onions: If sweet onions are not available or too pricey, regular red onions can work well in this recipe. Try soaking them in ice water for 10-15 minutes before using to reduce their pungency.
– Feta cheese: I love the salty tang of feta with sweet shrimp and juicy tomatoes, but feel free to use any crumbled cheese that you like instead. Goat cheese and blue cheese are both great alternatives.
– Caper vinaigrette: This salad’s dressing is one of my favorite parts, but don’t worry if you don’t have capers on hand. You can substitute them with chopped green olives or diced pickles instead without much noticeable difference in taste. For extra zestiness try adding some minced garlic or shallots to the dressing mix.
– Old Bay shrimp: If you don’t have access to fresh shrimp, canned shrimp or cooked salad shrimp that are lightly seasoned with Old Bay seasoning can be used as a substitute for the cooked and marinated shrimp in the recipe.
These substitutions provide ideal opportunities for creative interpretation of a classic recipe which allows every chef to experiment with its flavors and textures. Just keep experimenting and find the perfect combinations that work best for your taste buds!
Serving and Pairing
The Maui Wowie Shrimp Salad Recipe is a refreshing and delightful dish that makes for a perfect lunch, light dinner, or party appetizer. This salad is colorful, vibrant, and rich in flavor, making it an impressive menu item for any event.
For serving, I like to arrange the Bibb lettuce on the platter and then arrange the shrimp and avocado slices on top. Before serving, I drizzle a little more dressing over the top and garnish with crumbled feta cheese, diced tomato, sweet onion slices, and fresh herbs.
This Maui Wowie Shrimp Salad is a fantastic pairing for white wine or a tropical cocktail like a Mai Tai or Margarita. The bright acidity from lime juice in the dish balances well with the sweetness of the cocktail, creating a perfect balance of flavors. You can also serve this salad as part of a larger meal as it goes well with grilled meat and seafood dishes.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy choice for lunch or something special whenever you host your next party or event, this Maui Wowie Shrimp Salad Recipe is sure to please everyone around you. This salad is not only tasty but also has exquisite texture and wonderful aromas that will leave everyone raving about it. So give it a try today and let your taste buds transport you to the shores of Maui!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you are looking to save some time and prep ahead, this Maui Wowie Shrimp Salad Recipe has got you covered. You can prep all of the ingredients beforehand and assemble the salad before serving. However, if you want to make the salad entirely ahead of time, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
When it comes to reheating, we do not recommend reheating this salad. The delicate flavors of the bibb lettuce, tomato, and avocado do not hold up well to heat. Instead, enjoy the salad cold or at room temperature.
If you are wondering about ingredient substitutions or variations that can help add some pizzazz to your dish, check out section (5) Substitutions and Variations. With the many possibilities of ingredient combinations and dressings, you can make this dish your own and satisfy every palate.
Tips for Perfect Results
If you’re looking to impress your guests with this unique Maui Wowie Shrimp Salad, look no further! Here are some tips to ensure perfect results every time.
First, make sure all of your ingredients are fresh. Fresher ingredients will give the salad a brighter flavor and more appealing appearance. If you can, buy locally sourced shrimp for the best and freshest taste.
Next, don’t skimp on the dressing. The caper lime vinaigrette is what brings this dish together, so be generous when drizzling it over the salad. However, be careful not to add too much at once. It’s always better to start with a little bit and add more as needed.
When preparing the shrimp, it’s important not to overcook them. Overcooked shrimp can become rubbery and tough, which can ruin the texture of your salad. Instead, cook them until they just turn pink and are no longer translucent.
Another tip is to toast your feta cheese before topping the salad. This gives it a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the shrimp and tanginess of the dressing.
Finally, presentation is everything! Arrange your bibb lettuce leaves in a shallow bowl or platter to create a beautiful base for the salad. Top with sliced avocado, sweet onion rings, diced tomatoes, capers, and grilled shrimp for a stunning display.
Follow these tips for foolproof results and your guests will be talking about your Maui Wowie Shrimp Salad all night long!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Maui Wowie Shrimp Salad recipe is a perfect dish for those who love quick and easy to make recipes that are both healthy and flavorful. Not only does it take very little time to prepare, it also provides great nutritional value with its nutrient-rich ingredients such as avocado, bibb lettuce, tomatoes, and sweet onions.
The versatility of this recipe is also worth noting, as it allows for various substitutions and variations to suit individual preferences. Additionally, its make-ahead and storing capabilities make it a perfect option for busy individuals who need healthy meals on-the-go.
The beauty of this recipe is that it allows you to channel your inner chef and truly make the dish your own. Whether you prefer a spicier variation or something sweeter, there’s an adaptation that suits your taste buds.
Overall, the Maui Wowie Shrimp Salad recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to impress their guests with an easy-to-make yet flavorful and healthy dish. So go ahead and try it out today – I guarantee that you won’t be disappointed!
Maui Wowie Shrimp Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Dressing
- 2 teaspoons minced shallots
- 1 teaspoon capers
- 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
- 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
The Rest
- 4 vine ripened tomatoes, sliced very thin (about 1 pound)
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons capers
- 1/3 cup finely chopped sweet onion
- 12 large cooked shrimp, each cut crosswise into 3 pieces (grilled shrimp works great)
- 1/2 medium avocado, diced into pieces the same size as the shrimp
- 8 bibb lettuce, cut into 1/8 inch strips
- 4 popcorn shoot mixed sprouts (optional)
Instructions
- DRESSING PREPARATION: Combine shallots, 1 teaspoon capers and lime juice in a blender and purée until smooth. Add olive oil and mustard and blend until well combined. Stir in honey.
- TO ARRANGE SALAD: Arrange 5 slices of tomato on each of four plates, overlapping them to form a circle with a hole in the middle.
- Combine feta, 2 tablespoons capers and onion, drizzle with some dressing and salt and pepper to taste and toss well.
- Combine shrimp and avocado in another bowl, drizzle with some dressing and salt and pepper to taste and toss well. Drizzle lettuce with a little dressing and salt and pepper to taste and toss well.
- Mound 1/4 of the lettuce in center of tomato ring. Spoon one 1/4 of the feta and shrimp mixture on top. Drizzle tomatoes and salad with some of the remaining dressing. Garnish with popcorn shoot sprouts, if desired.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!