Meet your new summer obsession: Spicy Shrimp with Peach Salad. This dish is a vibrant celebration of bold flavors and stunning colors, bringing together sweet, juicy peaches, smoky, spiced shrimp, peppery greens, and crunchy pecans—all tossed in a light, tangy dressing. It’s designed for those balmy evenings when you crave something both fresh and a little bit fiery. Every bite offers a new texture or taste, making it exciting from start to finish.

Spicy Shrimp with Peach Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how these simple, fresh ingredients work magic together. Each one plays a key role, whether it’s building heat, adding a burst of sweetness, or creating an irresistible crunch. Here’s everything you need for Spicy Shrimp with Peach Salad:

Shrimp: The star protein—choose large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for quick cooking and juicy texture.
Olive oil: Adds a silky mouthfeel and helps the seasonings stick to the shrimp.
Chili powder: Brings smoky warmth and a bit of bite to the shrimp seasoning.
Smoked paprika: Enhances the shrimp with earthy, rich color and flavor.
Cayenne pepper: For that happy, lingering heat that gives the salad its signature kick.
Garlic powder: Adds savory depth with minimal effort—no chopping required!
Salt: Balances all the flavors and draws out the sweetness in the peaches and shrimp.
Black pepper: Gives a gentle background heat and aroma.
Peaches: Ripe, juicy peaches add sweet, fragrant ripeness. Try nectarines or plums as a fun twist.
Arugula or mixed greens: Peppery and fresh, these greens create a crisp base for all the toppings.
Cherry tomatoes: Their pop of sweetness and acidity brightens up every forkful.
Red onion: Thin slices give mild bite and vibrant color.
Goat cheese or feta: Creamy, tangy crumbles add luscious richness—pick your favorite!
Toasted pecans: Nutty, crunchy, and a fantastic contrast to soft peaches and tender shrimp.
White balsamic or red wine vinegar: The tangy base for a beautifully balanced dressing.
Honey: A touch of sweetness that ties the spicy, savory, and tart elements together.
Dijon mustard: Adds backbone and emulsifies the dressing for a more luscious finish.
Salt and pepper (for dressing): Adjust to taste for your perfectly seasoned salad.

How to Make Spicy Shrimp with Peach Salad

Step 1: Prep and Season the Shrimp

Place your shrimp in a medium bowl and toss them with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. The extra time spent making sure every shrimp is coated in those savory spices is well worth it. This step gives your Spicy Shrimp with Peach Salad its signature fiery flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they’re opaque and just cooked through. The spices will toast up beautifully and your kitchen will instantly smell amazing. Don’t overcook—the key to tender, juicy shrimp is a quick, hot sear.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

While the shrimp sizzle away, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. This simple dressing is zippy and bright, bringing balance to the sweet and spicy elements of the salad.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad Base

In a large bowl, gently combine arugula or your chosen mixed greens, sliced peaches, cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, crumbled goat cheese or feta, and chopped toasted pecans. This combination is all about color and texture, so don’t be shy with the vibrant ingredients—you want every forkful to stand out.

Step 5: Dress the Salad

Pour your freshly whisked dressing over the salad base and toss gently—just enough to coat everything without bruising those beautiful greens and peaches. You’re building flavors with every little swirl!

Step 6: Top and Serve

Arrange your warm, spicy shrimp right on top of the salad. Serve immediately so the shrimp stay juicy and the greens crisp. Now it’s time to dig into that perfect bite of spicy, sweet, and tangy!

How to Serve Spicy Shrimp with Peach Salad

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, sprinkle on a little extra goat cheese, a handful of freshly chopped herbs (like basil or mint), or a twist of black pepper. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or an extra drizzle of honey can make this Spicy Shrimp with Peach Salad extra special for guests.

Side Dishes

This vibrant salad shines alongside a chilled glass of sauvignon blanc or a tart lemonade. For something hearty, serve with crusty bread to soak up extra dressing, or pair with a side of quinoa to make it even more filling. The flavors of Spicy Shrimp with Peach Salad play nicely with lightly grilled vegetables, too.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling the salad onto a big platter for a family-style meal, or serve individual portions in wide, shallow bowls for an elegant touch. For picnics, pack the salad components separately, then assemble just before eating. Spicy Shrimp with Peach Salad even makes a fun topping for grain bowls or lettuce wraps if you’re feeling adventurous!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Spicy Shrimp with Peach Salad, store the shrimp and salad separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The greens and peaches can get soggy if dressed in advance, so keep the dressing on the side when possible.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this dish, since peaches and greens lose their fresh, tender texture once thawed. However, if you have leftover cooked shrimp, they can be frozen in a sealed container for up to one month and used later in stir fries or tacos.

Reheating

To enjoy your leftover shrimp, reheat them gently in a skillet over medium-low heat just until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp rubbery. Then toss them onto freshly assembled salad for the next meal!

FAQs

Can I substitute another fruit for the peaches?

Absolutely! Nectarines or plums are delicious alternatives, and both work beautifully in this Spicy Shrimp with Peach Salad. Even mango or roasted pineapple add a fun, tropical twist.

What’s the best way to toast pecans?

Spread the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often until fragrant and slightly darkened. Let them cool completely before chopping and adding to your salad.

Is there a dairy-free option for the cheese?

Definitely—just leave out the cheese, or swap in your favorite dairy-free crumble. Avocado slices also make a creamy, satisfying substitute in Spicy Shrimp with Peach Salad.

Can I grill the shrimp instead?

Yes, and it’s a fantastic way to add even more smoky flavor! Thread seasoned shrimp onto skewers and grill over medium-high heat for about 2 minutes per side, then add to the salad.

How can I make the salad less spicy?

Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper and dial back the chili powder for a milder version. The rest of the ingredients will still give your Spicy Shrimp with Peach Salad lots of flavor without overpowering heat.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a recipe that wows at first bite and looks as spectacular as it tastes, give this Spicy Shrimp with Peach Salad a try. It might just become your new go-to for summer gatherings, quick weeknight dinners, or anytime you crave fresh, zesty flavors. Don’t be surprised if it’s the star of your table!

Spicy Shrimp with Peach Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 8 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 21 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Spicy Shrimp with Peach Salad is a delightful combination of succulent shrimp seasoned with a spicy blend of chili powder, paprika, and cayenne, served on a bed of fresh peach salad tossed with a tangy dressing. Perfect for a light and flavorful meal!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Spicy Shrimp:

1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Peach Salad:

3 ripe peaches (sliced)
4 cups arugula or mixed greens
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta
1/4 cup chopped toasted pecans

Dressing:

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon white balsamic or red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Spicy Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well coated. Cook shrimp in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
Make the Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, vinegar, honey, mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine arugula, peaches, tomatoes, red onion, goat cheese, and pecans. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently to coat.
Serve: Top the salad with warm spicy shrimp and enjoy immediately.