I don’t know how that label came about (does this mean we’ve been dirty eating all this time? hmm, maybe I shouldn’t go there). But I do know that when I stay away from dairy and bread, and when I eat vegetables, legumes, and simple protein like shrimp, my body feels not so weighed down. Do you ever find that to be true for you? This is a summer salad perfect for those midweek cravings for something light yet still filling. And it only takes 20 minutes to make, if that. You just cook shrimp your favorite way, either sauté or grill. Toss them in a bowl with fresh baby arugula, halved or quartered cherry tomatoes, some canned or homemade white beans, onions, and a olive oil vinaigrette. Easy! The flavors play so well together. When we cook shrimp, I’ve taken to brining them first. It really makes such a difference. Brined shrimp are juicier and hold onto more of their flavor. It does take an extra half hour, but worth it if you have the time! To brine the shrimp, mix together 4 cups water, 1/4 cup kosher salt (or 3 Tbsp table or sea salt), 1/4 cup white sugar until the salt and sugar have dissolved. Add one cup of ice and the shrimp. After 30 minutes (time it!) remove the shrimp and give them a quick rinse.
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
When the shrimp are barely cooked through, remove from the pan and set aside to cool. (The shrimp will continue to cook for a little bit after you remove them from the pan, and you don’t want overcooked rubbery shrimp.) Gently fold the dressing into the salad and serve!
