Name: Zesty Lemon-Herb Air-Fried Shrimp & Asparagus Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb Shrimp (large, raw, peeled and deveined, tails on or off); 1 lb Asparagus (thin to medium spears, tough ends trimmed); 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin); 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (fresh); 1 tsp Garlic Powder; 1 tsp Dried Oregano; 1/2 tsp Salt (or to taste); 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground); 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a kick); 3 tbsp Olive Oil (extra virgin); 2 tbsp Lemon Juice (fresh); 1 tsp Dijon Mustard; 1 tbsp Fresh Dill (finely chopped); 1 tsp Honey or Maple Syrup (optional, for sweetness); 1/4 tsp Salt (or to taste); 1/8 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground); 5 oz Mixed Greens (spring mix or baby spinach); 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved); 1/4 cup Red Onion (thinly sliced); 1 Avocado (ripe, diced) (optional); 1/4 cup Feta Cheese (crumbled) (optional)

Ingredients

1 lb shrimp (large, raw, peeled and deveined, tails on or off)

1 lb asparagus (thin to medium spears, tough ends trimmed)

2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)

1 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)

1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)

3 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)

2 tbsp lemon juice (fresh)

1 tsp Dijon mustard

1 tbsp fresh dill (finely chopped)

1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)

1/4 tsp salt (or to taste)

1/8 tsp black pepper (freshly ground)

5 oz mixed greens (spring mix or baby spinach)

1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)

1/4 cup red onion (thinly sliced)

1 avocado (ripe, diced, optional)

1/4 cup feta cheese (crumbled, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with the trimmed asparagus spears.

Step 2: Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Add garlic powder, dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss until evenly coated.

Step 3: Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 to 5 minutes.

Step 4: Arrange the shrimp and asparagus in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.

Step 5: Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until shrimp are pink and cooked through and asparagus is tender-crisp.

Step 6: Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly.

Step 7: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, fresh dill, honey or maple syrup if using, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper until well combined and emulsified. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 8: In a large serving bowl, combine mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion.

Step 9: Add the slightly cooled shrimp and asparagus to the bowl.

Step 10: Pour the lemon-dill vinaigrette over the salad ingredients and gently toss to coat evenly.

Step 11: If using, fold in diced avocado and crumbled feta cheese.

Step 12: Serve immediately as a refreshing and satisfying main course.

Tips & Variations

Use medium asparagus spears if thin ones are unavailable; just trim the tough ends well.

For a spicier salad, increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the seasoning.

Swap the shrimp for salmon or chicken strips if preferred.

Make it vegetarian by omitting shrimp and adding roasted chickpeas or grilled tofu.

Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can enhance the vinaigrette flavor if dill isn’t available.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning to avoid excess moisture and ensure even cooking.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can roast the shrimp and asparagus on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the shrimp are cooked and asparagus is tender-crisp.