Bang Bang Shrimp Salad

If you love bold flavors and quick dinners, this Bang Bang Shrimp Salad is one to add to your rotation. Juicy sautéed shrimp are coated in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce and tossed with crisp broccoli slaw, fresh lime, and cilantro.

The best part? This colorful salad comes together in just 15 minutes, making it an easy option for lunch or a light dinner. The creamy Greek yogurt sauce gets a sweet-and-spicy kick from sriracha and maple syrup, while the fresh lime keeps everything bright and refreshing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in 15 minutes: Perfect when you need a quick meal.
• Big, bold flavor: Creamy, spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet in every bite.
• Protein-packed: Shrimp and Greek yogurt provide plenty of protein.
• Minimal cooking: The shrimp only need a few minutes in the skillet.
• Fresh and crunchy: Broccoli slaw gives the salad plenty of texture.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 1 package broccoli slaw: Creates a crisp, crunchy base for the salad.
• 1 lb raw shrimp: Use wild-caught shrimp, either fresh or frozen, for the main protein.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps season and cook the shrimp.
• 1 lime: Adds bright acidity to both the shrimp and slaw.
• Salt and pepper: Enhances the flavors of the ingredients.
• 2 cloves garlic: Adds savory depth to the shrimp.
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro: Brings a fresh herbal flavor to the salad.

For the Bang Bang Sauce

• ¾ cup Greek yogurt: Creates the creamy base of the sauce.
• 1 tablespoon sriracha: Adds the signature spicy kick.
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup: Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Salad

1. Prepare the Broccoli Slaw

Add the package of broccoli slaw to a large bowl and set it aside while you prepare the shrimp and sauce.

2. Season the Shrimp

If using whole shrimp, peel and devein them.

Place the shrimp in a bowl and add the olive oil, juice from the lime, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss well so the shrimp are evenly coated.

3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce

Heat a skillet over medium heat.

While the skillet heats, prepare the sauce by combining the Greek yogurt, sriracha, and maple syrup in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and well combined.

The combination of creamy yogurt, spicy sriracha, and sweet maple syrup creates the perfect balance for the shrimp and crunchy slaw.

4. Cook the Shrimp

Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned shrimp.

Cook for a few minutes on each side, until the shrimp are cooked through.

Turn off the heat and add about 1 tablespoon of the bang bang sauce. Toss the shrimp so they’re lightly coated.

5. Dress the Slaw

Season the broccoli slaw with salt and pepper.

Squeeze the juice from ½ of the lime over the slaw and add the chopped cilantro.

Pour most of the remaining bang bang sauce into the bowl, reserving about 2 tablespoons for drizzling later.

Stir everything together until the slaw is evenly coated.

6. Assemble the Salad

Add the cooked shrimp to the dressed slaw and gently toss to combine.

Divide the salad between plates and drizzle with the reserved bang bang sauce.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly, so watch them closely and remove them from the heat as soon as they’re cooked through.
• Use fresh lime: The bright acidity helps balance the creamy and spicy sauce.
• Adjust the heat: Add more or less sriracha depending on how spicy you like your salad.
• Reserve some sauce: Keeping a little sauce aside gives you a fresh drizzle for serving.
• Toss gently: Combine the shrimp and slaw carefully so the cooked shrimp stay intact.
• Frozen shrimp work well: Just thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning.

Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl
• Small bowl
• Skillet
• Tongs or spatula
• Knife and cutting board

Recipe Variations

Extra-Spicy Bang Bang Shrimp Salad

Increase the amount of sriracha in the sauce for an extra kick. You can also add a little more sauce over the finished salad.

Mild Bang Bang Shrimp Salad

Use less sriracha for a milder version while keeping the creamy and slightly sweet character of the sauce.

Extra-Crunchy Salad

Add additional crunchy vegetables of your choice to the broccoli slaw for even more texture.

Bang Bang Shrimp Bowl

Serve the shrimp and dressed slaw over rice for a heartier meal.

Serving Suggestions

This Bang Bang Shrimp Salad is satisfying enough to serve as a light lunch or dinner on its own.

For a heartier meal, serve it with rice or another favorite grain. A few extra lime wedges on the side are also a great way to add more freshness to each serving.

Storage and Reheating

For the best texture, store the shrimp and dressed slaw separately if you know you’ll have leftovers.

Keep them refrigerated in airtight containers and enjoy within a reasonable refrigerated storage period. Reheat the shrimp gently before serving if desired, then combine with the slaw and sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is bang bang sauce made of?

This version uses Greek yogurt, sriracha, and maple syrup. The yogurt creates a creamy base, while sriracha adds heat and maple syrup provides a touch of sweetness.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Frozen shrimp work well in this recipe. Thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking.

Can I make the bang bang sauce less spicy?

Absolutely. Simply reduce the amount of sriracha to suit your preferred heat level.

How long does Bang Bang Shrimp Salad take to make?

This recipe takes about 15 minutes total, with 10 minutes of preparation and just 5 minutes of cooking.

Can I use another type of slaw?

The recipe calls for broccoli slaw, which provides the crisp texture that works particularly well with the creamy sauce and shrimp. You can experiment with other slaw mixtures if desired.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and shrimp ahead of time, but for the freshest texture, it’s best to combine the dressed slaw and shrimp shortly before serving.

Nutrition Information

Per serving:

• Calories: 188 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 7g
• Protein: 27g
• Fat: 5g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Cholesterol: 288mg
• Sodium: 982mg
• Potassium: 172mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 5g
• Vitamin A: 13 IU
• Vitamin C: 13mg
• Calcium: 219mg
• Iron: 3mg

Nutrition information is a general estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands used.

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Shrimp Salad is proof that a quick meal can still feel fresh, flavorful, and satisfying. The combination of juicy garlic-lime shrimp, crunchy broccoli slaw, and creamy sweet-and-spicy bang bang sauce makes every bite interesting.

With just 15 minutes from start to finish, it’s an easy recipe for busy days when you want something lighter without sacrificing flavor. Add it to your weekly meal rotation for a simple lunch or dinner that’s full of texture and bold flavor.

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