Low Carb Keto Shrimp Caesar Salad

I used to think Caesar salad was a “meh” side dish—until I added Cajun shrimp and made it the main event. This low-carb version is fast, bold, and doesn’t skimp on protein or flavor. And yes, it skips the croutons… but between the seared shrimp, creamy dressing, and crunchy romaine, you won’t miss them.

What Makes This Feel Like Real Food

Too many keto salads feel like a punishment. This one eats like a meal. Here’s why it works:

• Spiced-up shrimp brings the heat (and 29g of protein per serving).
• Creamy Caesar adds the richness that makes you forget you’re eating lettuce.
• Fresh romaine + juicy tomatoes keep it crisp and balanced—no soggy salad sadness here.

What I Used (And Why It Worked)

• Shrimp (450g / 1 lb) – Lean, low-carb protein bomb. Dries fast so pat it down.
• Cajun seasoning (1 tbsp) – Kicks up flavor without carbs. Just check for hidden sugar.
• Olive oil (2 tbsp) – High-heat sear and healthy fat.
• Romaine (8 cups) – Crunchy, low in carbs, high in volume.
• Roma tomatoes (2 medium) – Adds sweetness and texture. About 3g net carbs per tomato.
• Parmesan cheese (40g / 6 tbsp) – Adds umami and salt. Skip if dairy-free.
• Caesar dressing (120ml / ½ cup) – Use a keto version or make your own without added sugars.

Keto Swaps That Actually Work

• No tomatoes? Sub in diced red bell pepper for lower sugar.
• Dairy-free? Ditch the Parmesan and use an avocado oil Caesar.
• More fat? Add a few slices of avocado or a spoonful of MCT mayo dressing.

Keto Missteps and How I Fixed Them

What Went Wrong	Why It Happens	How to Fix It
Shrimp got soggy	Too much moisture or overcrowded pan	Pat dry and cook in a single layer
Salad wilted fast	Dressing added too early	Toss just before serving
Too bland	Weak Cajun mix	Add a pinch of salt + chili flakes

Step-by-Step: How I Make It

1. Dry + season shrimp: Toss peeled shrimp with Cajun seasoning. Pat dry first—seriously.
2. Sear: Heat olive oil in a pan, cook shrimp 1–2 mins per side till just opaque and golden.
3. Prep salad base: Chop fresh romaine, dice tomatoes, and grate Parmesan (if using).
4. Toss: Mix lettuce, tomatoes, and dressing in a big bowl. Don’t overdress!
5. Serve: Plate the salad and top with hot shrimp. Finish with a little extra Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy.

I portion this into 4 bowls—makes tracking macros super easy.

Keto Cooking Tricks That Help

• I keep a jar of homemade Cajun seasoning ready—no sneaky sugars.
• If I’m short on time, I buy pre-washed chopped romaine. No shame.
• To bulk it up for dinner, I add hard-boiled egg or a few slices of bacon.

How I Store and Track It

• Store shrimp + salad separately: Shrimp lasts 2 days, salad without dressing up to 3.
• Don’t freeze the whole salad: Just freeze extra shrimp in batches.
• Macros per serving (3 cups):
  412 cal | 29.2g fat | 12g carbs | 6.3g fiber | 29.7g protein
  → Net carbs: ~5.7g per serving

What I Googled Before Making This

Can I eat Caesar dressing on keto?
→ Yep—but only if it’s low in sugar and made with clean oils (avoid soybean or canola).

What if I don’t like spicy shrimp?
→ Skip Cajun and season with garlic, lemon, and paprika instead.

Can I meal prep this?
→ Totally. Just keep components separate and toss fresh.

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving – ¼ of the recipe

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	412 kcal
Total Fat	29.2g
– Saturated Fat	6.0g
– Monounsaturated	~13g
– Polyunsaturated	~3g
Cholesterol	180mg
Sodium	850mg
Potassium	450mg
Total Carbs	12g
– Dietary Fiber	6.3g
– Sugars	6.2g
Net Carbs	5.7g
Protein	29.7g

Check out More Recipes:

• Low Carb Keto Caesar Dressing Recipe
• Low Carb Keto Avocado Tuna Salad
• Low Carb Keto Thousand Island Dressing