The Ultimate Shrimp and Nectarine Salad (A Taste of Summer!)

Hello, friends, and welcome to a salad that is, in my humble opinion, the absolute essence of a perfect summer day on a plate. If you’re looking for a meal that is light yet satisfying, incredibly fresh, and bursting with a surprising and delicious combination of flavors, then you have found it. I am so excited to share this incredible Shrimp and Nectarine Salad with you. Imagine this: plump, savory shrimp, seared to perfection, tossed with sweet charred corn, juicy wedges of ripe nectarine, and crisp salad greens.

And the dressing? It’s a bright, zesty, and slightly sweet orange-tarragon vinaigrette that ties everything together in the most beautiful way. This isn’t just a salad; it’s a vibrant, elegant main course that comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s the perfect, no-fuss dinner for a warm evening on the patio or an impressive lunch to share with friends.

Why This Will Be Your Go-To Summer Salad

This recipe is a true gem, a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and fresh. Here’s why it’s destined to become a new favorite.

• A Perfect Summer Flavor Combination: The sweet, juicy nectarines paired with the savory, perfectly cooked shrimp is an unexpected and absolutely delightful match.
• The Sophisticated Tarragon Vinaigrette: The homemade dressing is the secret star of the show. The unique, slightly sweet, anise-like flavor of fresh tarragon makes this salad feel so elegant and special.
• A Hearty Main Course Salad: Packed with 23 grams of protein from the shrimp, this is a salad that will actually fill you up and leave you feeling satisfied and energized.
• Ready in Under 30 Minutes: This is a true weeknight wonder. From start to finish, you can have this beautiful, restaurant-quality meal on the table in less than 30 minutes.
• A Feast for the Eyes: The colors in this salad are just stunning—the pink shrimp, the orange nectarines, the yellow corn, and the vibrant greens make for a beautiful presentation.

Gather Your Fresh & Vibrant Ingredients

Let’s get our beautiful, summery ingredients ready to go.

For the Orange-Tarragon Vinaigrette:

• ⅓ cup Orange Juice
• 3 tablespoons Cider Vinegar
• 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon Mustard
• 1 ½ teaspoons Honey
• 1 tablespoon Minced Fresh Tarragon

For the Salad:

• 4 teaspoons Canola Oil, divided
• 1 cup Fresh or Frozen Corn
• 1 pound Uncooked Large Shrimp (26-30 per pound), peeled and deveined
• ½ teaspoon Lemon-Pepper Seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon Salt
• 8 cups Torn Mixed Salad Greens
• 2 Medium Nectarines, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup Grape Tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup Finely Chopped Red Onion

Crafting Your Salad: Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s build this beautiful salad together. It’s a few simple steps to a spectacular meal.

1. Make the Tarragon Vinaigrette: First, let’s create our beautiful dressing. In a small bowl or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, whisk or shake together the orange juice, cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey until well blended. Stir in the minced fresh tarragon. Set this aside to let the flavors meld.
2. Cook the Corn and Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the corn and cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes until it’s crisp-tender and might have a few little charred spots. Remove the corn from the pan and set it aside. While the corn cooks, sprinkle your peeled and deveined shrimp with the lemon-pepper seasoning and salt.
3. Sear the Shrimp: In that same skillet, heat the remaining 3 teaspoons of oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook and stir for 3-4 minutes. The shrimp are done when they have curled up and turned opaque and pink. Be careful not to overcook them! Stir the cooked corn back into the skillet with the shrimp.

1. Assemble and Serve: In a very large bowl, combine the rest of your salad ingredients: the mixed salad greens, the fresh nectarine pieces, the halved grape tomatoes, and the finely chopped red onion. Drizzle with about ⅓ cup of the tarragon vinaigrette and toss gently to coat the greens.
2. The Grand Finale: Divide the dressed greens mixture among four plates. Top each salad with a generous portion of the warm shrimp and corn mixture. Drizzle with the remaining dressing, and serve immediately.

Wise Tips for the Perfect Salad

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp! This is the golden rule for cooking shrimp. They cook in just a few minutes. The moment they turn pink and opaque, they are done. Overcooked shrimp can become tough and rubbery.
• Choosing Your Nectarines: Look for nectarines that are fragrant and give slightly to gentle pressure, but are still firm. A slightly firm nectarine will hold its shape better when cut and tossed in the salad.
• Fresh Tarragon is Best: The unique flavor of fresh tarragon is really what makes this dressing special. If you absolutely must use dried, use about 1 teaspoon of dried tarragon in place of the 1 tablespoon of fresh.
• Grilling Option: For an even more summery flavor, you can absolutely grill the shrimp! Just toss them with the oil and seasonings and grill over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Shrimp & Nectarine Salad

1. Can I use peaches instead of nectarines?
   Yes, absolutely! Ripe but firm peaches would be a fantastic and equally delicious substitute for the nectarines in this salad.
2. Can I make parts of this salad ahead of time?
   You can! The tarragon vinaigrette can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. You can also chop your onion and tomatoes. For the best results, cook the shrimp and corn right before you plan to serve.
3. What if I can’t find tarragon?
   If you can’t find fresh tarragon, fresh basil or fresh mint would be a delicious alternative, each giving the dressing a different but still wonderfully fresh and summery flavor.
4. Can I use frozen cooked shrimp to make this faster?
   You can. Thaw the cooked shrimp completely and pat it very dry. You can skip the cooking step and just warm it through in the skillet for a minute with the corn, or simply add the thawed, cold shrimp directly to the salad.

Conclusion

This Shrimp and Nectarine Salad is a true celebration of summer on a plate. It’s a dish that is light yet satisfying, simple yet sophisticated, and bursting with the most incredible combination of sweet and savory flavors. It’s a beautiful, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy the best of the season. I hope you love every single vibrant, delicious bite!